06 Jan Red-hot Selangor wary of notorious Perak

SELANGOR host Perak in a Malaysian Super League match at the Shah Alam Stadium tonight and it is expected to be a cracker. Following their impressive 4-1 win against MSL defending champions Kedah in the Charity Shield last Saturday which surprised most fans, Selangor must be treated as title contenders even at this early stage of the competition. “Definitely I did not expect to win with a big margin, but we did and now we have to focus on Perak who are a terrific side. They won their first match (against Kuala Muda Naza) as well, so it will be close,” said Selangor coach K. Devan. The terrific performances of Selangor skipper Amri Yahyah, striker Safee Sali and Hardi Jaafar on Saturday must have Devan rubbing his hands with glee. “The three played well but the others did their part and played as a team. We are more focused on teamwork rather than individual performances,” added Devan. “I have warned all the players not to be complacent after the win against Kedah as we have a long way to go. We must collect three points tomorrow (today) at home.”

Perak, now coached by M. Karathu who needs no introduction to local football fans, will be looking to pull off an upset. Their home win on Saturday against Kuala Muda Naza may have been against a weaker team but nonetheless, Perak are always a dangerous side when underestimated. The Negri Sembilan-Kedah encounter at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi is also expected to be an exciting affair. After Saturday’s humiliation, Kedah fans will be hoping that their team return with three points, while Negri Sembilan, who beat Penang 3-0 last Saturday, will want to continue their winning ways. Negri coach Wan Jamak Wan Hassan wants his charges to keep their focus. “The players did well against Penang, but up against Kedah tomorrow(today), the boys will have to work harder,” said Wan Jamak.