That’s how you do it!: Sharul Nazeem Zulpakar (centre) celebrating with teammates after scoring against Perak. — Selangor FC
PETALING JAYA: Selangor showed no signs of rustiness despite two months of non-competitive action.
The Red Giants, led by coach Tan Cheng Hoe, were imperious from start to finish when they thrashed Perak 4-0 in their Super League encounter at the Petaling Jaya Stadium here yesterday.
But Cheng Hoe was not jumping for joy just yet as he has set his sights on the next encounter when they take on his former team Kedah at the Darulaman Stadium on Dec 2.
Selangor remained second in the league with 55 points from 24 games, taking a five-point gap from third-placed Kedah, who have 50 from 23 matches.
Beating the Canaries would widen the gap and ensure they finish second behind Johor Darul Ta’zim, which guarantees a spot in the continental stage.
“We have to continue working hard because the next two matches will not be easy. Kedah will be crucial in our quest for Asia ticket. So my boys will have to work hard every day to get this momentum going,” said Cheng Hoe.
“As for the game against Perak, the early goal gave us confidence. We knew Perak had improved a lot before the game, so I told the boys to stay focused and they worked hard until the end to get this win. Four goals are indeed special.”
The home side took an early lead in the second minute when an unmarked centreback Sharul Nazeem Zulpakar finished off a well-drilled corner from Venezuelan midfielder Yohandry Orozco with a superb header.
Perak could have had an equaliser in the 22nd minute if it wasn’t for Selangor goalkeeper Samuel Somerville, who pulled off a super save off a Luciano Guaycochea free-kick.
But it was ten minutes later that Selangor added their second of the game when midfielder Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi finished off a layoff from Colombian striker Ayron Del Valle.
In the second half, the in-form Faisal Halim constantly tormented from the flanks and created numerous chances for Del Valle, but the 34-year-old was not clinical enough upfront. He missed at least three glorious goal-scoring chances during the game.
Orozco got the third goal of the game when he received a pass from Alex Agyarkwa, beat a defender, and unleashed a thumping right-footed shot to beat T. Shaheeswaran in the 73rd minute.
After missing several chances, Del Valle finally got his goal when he curled a shot from inside the box after receiving a pass from Agyarkwa in the 80th minute.
The former Once Caldas player remains as the top scorer of the league with 22 goals from 24 Super League matches.
Perak remained ninth with 22 points from 24 games.
