Paint the town red: Colombian Ayron Del Valle’s (third from right) goal in the 23rd minute turned out to be the winner for Selangor in their 1-0 win over Sabah in the Super League. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The dream of playing in Asia is close to becoming a reality for Selangor.
But coach Tan Cheng Hoe wants his boys to remain focused in the next eight matches in the Super League, as they hold on to the second spot with 40 points after 18 matches.
With Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) winning the FA Cup, the team finishing second in the league will get a spot in the AFC Cup for the 2024-2025 season.
On Sunday, the Red Giants took down Sabah 1-0 at the Petaling Jaya Stadium, thanks to Colombian Ayron Del Valle’s strike in the 23rd minute.
Selangor could have added more if it wasn’t for five attempts that hit the bar.
Cheng Hoe was happy with the win but stayed focused.
“We still have eight matches to go. We need to focus more on every match. We cannot lose focus,” he said.
“We have the belief but we have to think about the long term, not just the short term. Players have to work hard to achieve a certain level. Hopefully, we can reach our goals.
“We hit the post several times but the boys fought until the end. We won, that’s important.”
Del Valle was played on the right flank, which is not his usual position this season but the 33-year-old impressed in that position.
“The coaches discussed his position. He can play as a number nine or winger. He played as a winger in Colombia,” said Cheng Hoe.
“With his ability, we can combine him with (Richmond) Boakye and Mickey (Faisal Halim). I hope the three can work well and be real cogs for us.”
He was also delighted to see Singaporean centreback Safuwan Baharuddin making his presence felt in defence since joining.
“We know Safuwan’s quality. He is composed. Plus, he is a utility man and has been fantastic in the last two games.
“We want him to keep this same momentum. His experience is crucial in stabilising our defence.”
Selangor will next take on JDT at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Saturday, but Cheng Hoe knows lots of work need to be done during the week to ensure they give a good account of themselves.
“We all know JDT’s strengths. They are on a whole new level. They just won the FA Cup. They are strong and balanced.
“We have to work harder to compete against them.
‘‘We need the best planning to face them.”
