KUALA LUMPUR: Despite seeing no action for two months, Selangor showed they had not lost their competitiveness when they hammered Perak 4-0 on Saturday to strengthen their position to claim the runners-up spot in the Super League.
Playing at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya, the Red Giants scored through Sharul Nazeem Zulpakar (third minute), Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi (33), Yohandry Orozco (73) and Ayron Del Valle (80).
Selangor coach Tan Cheng Hoe praised his players for displaying character and a positive attitude during the game
"The players who just returned from national duty also added more experience to our game today," said Cheng Hoe after the match.
Despite the two-month break, the team continued training in Shah Alam during the Fifa dates without captain Brendan Gan, Sharul, Faisal Halim, and Mukhairi, who played for the national team in the World Cup qualifiers.
Cheng Hoe said the clean sheet against Perak will help them achieve their top-two target in the league.
"It is important as positions in the league could be decided by goal difference if teams finish equal on points," said Cheng Hoe.
Selangor, with 55 points from 24 games, will conclude their season against Kedah on Dec 2 and Police on Dec 17.
Kedah, also vying for the second spot, has 50 points from 23 matches.
Perak coach Yusri Che Lah attributed their weakened performance to the absence of four regular players and acknowledged being caught off guard by Selangor's counterattacks.
The Bos Gaurus will end their league campaign against Sabah on Dec 3 and Terengganu on Dec 17.