Selangor Select Team retained the Sultan of Selangor Cup for the third time in a row since 2018 after winning Singapore Selection Team scoring 2-1 at the Merdeka Stadium, Kuala Lumpur.
This match was particularly special as Faisal Halim, a standout player for Selangor, was not only in the starting lineup but also donned the captain’s armband for the first time this season. The team was further bolstered by the inclusion of their new Jordanian striker, Ali Olwan.
Despite being a constant threat, Faisal was unable to find the back of the net, with several of his attempts thwarted by Singapore’s goalkeeper, Syazwan Buhari, and one striking the crossbar during first-half injury time.
In a strategic move, Selangor’s head coach, Nidzam Jamil, made eight substitutions at the start of the second half, including replacing Faisal. The second half saw Selangor in control, creating multiple scoring opportunities, particularly through Alvin Fortes, whose powerful shot was brilliantly saved by Syazwan.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 82nd minute when substitute Ronnie Fernandez scored for Selangor. However, Singapore quickly responded, equalizing five minutes later through Faris Ramli. The match seemed destined for a draw until Fortes emerged as the hero in injury time. After his penalty kick was initially saved by Syazwan, he followed up to score the winning goal, securing Selangor’s victory.
It became the Selangor Select squad’s 10th championship in the Selangor Sultan Cup after winning the trophy nine times previously namely in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018 and 2019.
The Singapore Select Team also won seven times, namely in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2016 and 2017.
In 2004 both teams held the title of joint champion, while in 2015 (14th edition) it had to be canceled due to a raid.
Credit Photo : Selangor FC
