Selangor FC secured a slender but vital advantage in their Piala Malaysia quarter-final first leg, defeating Negeri Sembilan FC 1–0 at Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium, Paroi.
From the opening whistle, the Red Giants dictated the tempo, pinning the hosts back with relentless attacking waves. However, Negeri Sembilan’s custodian Muhammad Azri Abdul Ghani turned in a “Man of the Match” caliber performance in the first half, pulling off a string of spectacular saves to deny the Selangor frontline and keep the “Hobin Jang Hobin” squad in the contest.
The second half saw Negeri Sembilan increase their intensity, with Joseph Esso, Takumi Sasaki, and substitute Jovan Motika all testing Selangor’s Kalamullah Al-Hafiz, who remained rock-solid between the sticks.
The match exploded into controversy in the 76th minute. Chrigor Moraes appeared to have broken the deadlock from close range, sparking wild celebrations in the away end. However, following a lengthy VAR review, the goal was overturned for a handball in the build-up. The decision left Selangor head coach Kim Pan-gon incensed; his vocal protests on the touchline eventually earned him a yellow card from referee Tuan Mohamad Yaasin.
Just as it seemed the match was heading for a stalemate, Selangor were awarded a penalty in deep stoppage time following a foul inside the box. Chrigor Moraes stepped up under immense pressure in the 95th minute, coolly slotting the ball home to atone for his earlier disallowed goal and hand Selangor the victory.
Credit Photo : SFC
