PETALING JAYA: Selangor coach Tan Cheng Hoe cited the commitment and strong mentality of his players as the key to their 3-1 victory over Negri Sembilan in their FA Cup quarter-final at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi on Saturday.
Selangor are thus through to the last four where they will take on Johor Darul Ta’zim or Penang. Safuwan Baharudin fired Negri ahead in the very first minute but Selangor equalised through Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi two minutes later.
Yohandry Orozco then scored a brace in the 60th and 87th minutes to seal Selangor’s place in the last four.
Cheng Hoe said that even though his side were surprised by an early goal by the home team in the first minute, it did not affect the focus of his men and they managed to equalise shortly after that.
“It was an intense match but the commitment and mentality shown by the Selangor players should be praised because they did not give up easily. It was the main factor contributing to tonight’s victory,’’ he said.
“Even though our goal was conceded early, it clearly didn’t affect the rhythm and focus of the players when they managed to level quickly.
“That restored the players’ confidence as they got organised and reduced their mistakes to prevent the opposing team from adding more goals.”
Meanwhile, Negri coach K. Devan did not blame his players but stressed that they did not have enough imported players of quality to match Selangor.
“If we had more quality imported players, it would have been a different story. That’s the difference between us and Selangor - we don’t have the quality to compete with them.
“We can’t blame the players because they worked hard until the final whistle but still couldn’t compete with a superior Selangor side,” he said.
Meanwhile, Terengganu also booked their spot in the last four after thumping Kelantan 4-2. The Turtles scored through Azam Azmi Murad (17th minute), Ivan Mahmut (41st), Sony Norde (53rd) and Syafiq Ismail (82nd).
Ismaheel Akinade replied for Kelantan in the 45th and 64th minutes.
Terengganu will play Sabah or KL in the semi-finals.
