SHAH ALAM, Sept 19 — Troubled Selangor took another step to Malaysia Cup glory when they beat PKNS 1-0 at Shah Alam Stadium on Saturday, thanks to Man-of-the-Match Nazmi Faiz Mansor.
Nazmi’s solitary goal was the only bright light in an otherwise drab game which Selangor won 5-3 on aggregate.
After sacking coach Zainal Abidin in early August, Selangor have been under the guidance of K Gunalan and Nazmi, who has just returned from injury, credits their win to the team coming together after a period of feuding and disunity.
He contends their poor form was the fault of the players and not the coaching staff.
“If you asked me to compare the two coaches, there isn’t much difference,” said Nazmi.
“If we weren’t performing well in the past it was because the players weren’t pulling up their socks.
“We have settled all issues and the players and I are only focused on getting our hands on the Malaysia Cup.
“Getting the goal was definitely a blessing and I have to credit my teammates who were on point throughout the match.”
Selangor could have win by a bigger margin but the Red Giants’ finishing was atrocious.
With his form returning, Nazmi could be on the radar of national coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee who is looking for attackers.
The 22-year-old is staying firmly focused on helping Selangor win the Malaysia Cup which is their only chance of a trophy this season.
“Missing those chances does not concern me because the one goal was good enough,” said Nazmi.
“Playing for your country is always an honour and every player craves it. However, selection to the national team is not in my hands. When I’m on the pitch I play for myself,” stated Nazmi matter-of-factly.
In the semifinals, Selangor will meet T-Team who beat Felda United 1-0 on the night and 2-1 on aggregate.
The other semifinal pits Kedah, who trounced Negri Sembilan 5-0 on aggregate after a 0-0 first leg draw, against Police.
The cops beat Kelantan 2-1 in Kota Baru to qualify on away goals rule after the tie ended 2-2.
