SEREMBAN, May 28 — Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim starred with three assists to help Selangor FC beat Negeri Sembilan FC 3-1 and qualify for the FA semi-finals at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi, here, yesterday.
It took just 43 seconds for the quarter-final game to explode into life as Negeri Sembilan shot ahead with a header by Muhammad Safuwan Baharuddin.
But their joy was shortlived as visitors Red Giants equalised in the third minute when skipper Muhammad Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi thundered home a powerful shot after receiving a perfect pass from Mohamad Faisal.
Five-time FA Cup champions Selangor then made it 2-1 in the 60th minute when Brazilian Yohandry Jose Orozco let fly a powerful shot off a neat cross from Mohamad Faisal.
Mohamad Faisal had a good chance to get his name on the scoresheet 10 minutes later when he found himself in a one-on-one situation with Negeri Sembilan goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel Sikh Azman and it was the Harimau Muda custodian who came out tops as he managed to push the ball out.
But Selangor, under the guidance of coach Tan Cheng Hoe, confirmed their semi-final berth in style when Orozco notched his second - and the team’s third - goal in the 87th minute courtesy of another brilliant pass from Mohamad Faisal.
Cheng Hoe’s men will now meet either defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) or Penang FC, who will square off in another quarter-final tie at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor today.
— Bernama
