Selangor FC keep advantage in the first match after beating Kelantan Darul Naim scoring 5-1 in the MFL Challenge Cup 2024/25 Quarter-Final first leg at MBPJ Stadium, Petaling Jaya.
Head coach Katsuhito Kinoshi fielded a strong lineup, including Quentin Cheng, Roni Fernandez, Mukhairi Ajmal, Sharul Nazeem, Yohandry Orozco, and Nooa Laine, who captained the team. Kelantan DN’s Park Jae-hong countered with a starting eleven featuring Fikri Che Soh, Oday Kharoub, Syed Sobri, Hakimi Abdullah, Jasmir Mehat, and Michal Jerabek.
Selangor wasted no time asserting their dominance. Roni Fernandez opened the scoring in just the 2nd minute, converting a precise pass from Quentin Cheng.
Cheng continued to shine, providing another assist in the 37th minute, this time to Mukhairi Ajmal, who doubled Selangor’s lead with a clinical finish. Despite Kelantan DN’s attempts to respond, Selangor’s defense held firm, closing the first half with a 2-0 lead.
Selangor picked up where they left off after the break. Mukhairi Ajmal netted his second goal of the night in the 48th minute, extending the lead to 3-0 and showcasing his attacking prowess.
Kelantan DN managed to capitalize on a rare Selangor error when goalkeeper Azim Al-Amin mishandled the ball, allowing Arip Amiruddin to score in the 53rd minute, bringing some hope to the visitors.
However, Selangor quickly extinguished any comeback aspirations. Roni Fernandez struck again in the 74th minute, tapping in a cross from Faisal Halim for his second goal of the match. Quentin Cheng, who had already registered two assists, capped off his brilliant performance with a goal in the 80th minute, sealing the comprehensive victory at 5-1.
The emphatic win gives Selangor a strong advantage heading into the second leg. They will shift focus to the Super League as they prepare to face Perak on December 17 at the Manjung Stadium.
Kelantan DN, meanwhile, have a mountain to climb in the return leg. Before that, they will aim to regroup when they take on PDRM on December 18.
Credit Photo : Selangor FC
