PETALING JAYA, 17 Sept – Selangor will be without first-choice goalkeeper, Khairul Azhan Khalid for the all-important and crucial match against six-time champions Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) in Saturday’s Super League match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri.
The 30-year-old Khairul is the second big name who will miss the match against the Southern Tigers who lead the table standings with 19 points after seven matches – six more than second-placed Kedah. Selangor is in sixth place on goal difference with 10 points.
The Red Giants are already without influential midfielder Brendan Gan. The national player will sit out the JDT match to serve a one-match suspension after he was red-carded in the 1-1 draw against Melaka United for a second yellow card offense.
Selangor coach B. Sathianathan, however, has taken the setbacks in his stride against JDT who are the favorites. He is expected to field the experienced Farizal Harun in goal while Brendan’s replacement is still a guess.
According to Sathianathan, Khairul’s wedding was fixed way before the league was suspended on March 16 due to the Coronavirus. The national goalkeeper will get married on the same day as the match against JDT.
“Those who are in the Selangor squad must be ready to play and carry the team’s challenge. To be in the Selangor squad simply means you are good enough to deliver when called upon for duty,” said Sathianathan who has not been impressed with the team’s scoring abilities.
“We are creating the chances but the goals are not coming. Not finding the net means you cannot win matches. This has been our main drawback and it cost us dearly.
“Against JDT we will go in as underdogs. They (JDT) are the best team in the country and look good to win their seventh straight league title. But will not throw in the towel and you can expect the best from us.
“Many, even our own supporters, have given up hopes of a Selangor win but we are not going there without a fight. We are ready to face the favorites for a positive result. If we can score from the chances we create it will be an even fight.”
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