GEORGE TOWN, January 21 — Selangor FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Penang FC in the first leg of the Challenge Cup semi-finals at Stadium Bandaraya. The decisive moment came in the 35th minute when Penang captain Rafael Vitor accidentally deflected a cross from Selangor’s Quentin Cheng into his own net.
The match saw early chances for both teams, with Vitor’s header denied by Selangor goalkeeper Kalamullah Al-Hafiz Mat Rowi and a powerful strike from Mukhairi Ajmal brilliantly saved by national goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel. Despite Selangor introducing star striker Faisal Halim in the second half, they could not extend their lead, leaving them with a slim advantage heading into the second leg.
Selangor FC’s head coach, Katsuhito Kinoshi, expressed satisfaction with the result, noting the importance of the away goal. Both teams will now prepare for the return leg on February 2, where Penang FC will aim to overturn the deficit and keep their Challenge Cup hopes alive.
