Safiq proves to be the trumpcard!

2 brilliantly taken free kicks from playmaker, Safiq Rahim was just the right tonic for Selangor as helped Selangor to beat rivals, Perak, 3-1 in the quarter final first leg match up at the Shah Alam Satdium.

Perak who were unbeaten in the Malaysia Cup at last succumbed to a defeat although the likes of Shahrulnizam Mustapha and Akmal Rizal Rakhli have returned from their suspension which has been cut short by FAM.

Around, 20,000 fans attended for the game as a strong contingent from Perak ensured that the atmopshere was just right for a quarter final match.

P.Maniam, Interim coach for Selangor, has had a renaissance affair with Selangor since he took over, and this is his third win after three games. Impressive stat for a debutant, the former Selangor legend ensured that Selangor came out victors in the game and ensured that they have a 3 goal advantage in the coming game at Ipoh Stadium.

Perak started off well in the 3rd minute, when Safiq Jamal blazed his shot over the bar after being teed by 19 year old Mohammad Nuridzuan. Then Selangor started to assert themselves by dominating in midfield as Safiq Rahim and Bunyamin Omar proved to strong Wan Hossein Abdul Ghani and Nazri Kamal.

Amri Yahyah, who is on form after impressing in his last 2 games, could have gotten the first goal for Selangor when he received a long pass from Safiq, only to see his cross cum shot saved by Perak's goalkeeper, Kamarul Effendy.

In the 13th minute, Safiq Rahim showed why he is so good with set pieces as her curled a brilliant free kick to score the first goal of the game. Reminiscent of the goal he scored against Liverpool in a friendly, his teasing shot beat the wall and the crest fallen, Kamarul Effendy.

After the goal, Selangor piled on their attack as midfielders, Azidan Saruddin, Amirulhadi Zainal and Safiq Rahim could have scored if not for Kamarul Effendy's impressive performance in front of goal.

In the 38th minute, Perak brought in Shahrulnizam Mustapha to shore up the midfield and it was a great tactical move by Norizan Bakar, as Perak's movement became much more mobile as the 30 year old midfielder moved the team forward with his passes and runs.

Perak could have nabbed a goal in the closing stages of the second half, as striker, Safiq Jamal headed from a Nuridzuan corner by he was thwarted by Selangor's on loan goalkeeper, G.Jeevanathan.

Come 2nd half, Selangor went gung ho as they created flurry of chances as skipper, Amri Yahyah and the impressive, Safiq Rahim proved to be the thorn for the Perak squad. Azidan, who has been criticised by many sections, silenced his doubters, as he proved to be one of the best players during the game. 

In the 57th minute, Safiq again proved his worth as he scored another stunning free kick which caught Kamarul Effendy off guard. He proved his doubters about his form and he is surely itching for a call up to the national squad after having such  great game.

He did not stop there, as he turned provider for Amirulhadi Zainal as his brilliant pass found the onside Amirulhadi as the National winger had the easiest chances to just tap into the goal with only Kamarul Effendy to beat.

Realizing the need for a goal, Norizan Bakar brought in Akmal Rizal Rakhli and Isma Alif to find the elusive away goal for Perak. His substitution paid off, as both the players started to assert themselves and Perak begun to find their rhythm to get back into the game.

In the 76th minute, Perak's constant pressure paid off as on loan sensation, Failee Ghazali scored the consolation goal for Perak as he took advantage of a loose ball which ricocheted off Selangor's defender, Nasriq Baharom.

Perak continued to find for their second goal but Akmal Rizal Rakhli's attempts and G.Jeevanathan steady goalkeeping ensured Selangor came out victors in the highly pulsating match.

One sad note from the game was the state of officiating as Shamsuddin Ibrahim gave away many decisions for both sides though Perak were severely hit by his poor officiating.

Perak will have to score 2 goals and concede none if they were to proceeed to the semi finals of the Malaysia Cup. Selangor just need a draw, to ensure that they will qualify for the semis and at the same time, continue their ambitions of snatching their 33rd Malaysia Cup.