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Thursday October 15, 2009

Selangor stay focused on quadruple despite rude shock

PETALING JAYA: Selangor will remain focused to win an unprecedented quadruple of titles in the Malaysian Super League (MSL) this season even though they have suffered their first defeat in 25 matches.

Coach K. Devan said that he was not worried at all over the 2-3 defeat by Kuala Muda Naza in a Malaysia Cup Group D match at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar two days ago.

“The bubble may have burst but we are still on course to achieve bigger goals this season,” said Devan of their ambitions to become the first team in Malaysian football to win all four titles in one season.

“We want to achieve history and set the benchmark for teams to break our record.”

The Red Giants are the team of the season, having claimed the Charity Shield, FA Cup and the Super League titles.

The final group match against Kuala Muda was academic to Selangor in their march to the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals as they had already taken an unassailable lead as group winners with two matches to spare. The Red Giants also took it easy in the previous match and drew 2-2 with Police.

“There is no doubt we had a good run — to go undefeated in 25 matches since March 31. I am sure it would take a long time for any other team to achieve the same feat,” said Devan.

Against Kuala Muda, Devan fielded most of the reserves and two players making their return from long-term injuries — K. Nanthakumar and R. Sreetharan, who underwent corrective surgeries on their legs at the start of the season.

“Nanthakumar played his first full game and Sreetharan put his name on the score sheet. I am sure that with more competitive matches, the duo will give the current regulars a run for their money for first-team places,” he said.

Selangor will be up against Terengganu for a place in the Malaysia Cup semi-finals. The first-leg quarter-final match will be played in Shah Alam Stadium on Tuesday.

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