'Seladangs' couldn't make their horns count!

A 10 minute delay and a small altercation between the home and away fans summed up Perak's defeat against Selangor as they have bowed out of the Malaysia Cup after losing 4-1 on aggregate against Klang Valley giants, Selangor.

The game, which saw a record crowd of more than 30,000 fans for this season, was a dull affair as Perak couldn't penetrate Selangor's disciplined defense whereas Selangor relied on counter attacks to nullify the home team.

Even the presence of Perak's Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir couldn't help lift up the spirits of the team as the state team produced a subdued display against the Red Giants.

After coming as substitutes in their last game, Captain, Sharulnizam Mustapha and Akmal Rizal Rakhli were drafted into the first eleven and goalkeeper, Nasril Nourdin got his first start after his 7 game suspension was cut short by FAM.

P.Maniam opted with his preferred first eleven although he didn't have the services of former Chelsea trainee, Bunyamin Umar who was suspended after receiving a red card in the previous game. 

The first 10 minutes of the game was a dull affair as both sides didn't create any chances. Selangor determined to maintain lead played cautiously while Perak were devoid of ideas as they only maintained possession during the first 10 minutes.

In the 11th minute,Selangor, made their counter attack as National skipper, Safiq Rahim capitalised on a slack Perak defending as he managed to wiggle his way past Khairi Zainuddin and Hisyammuddin Shaari and pass the ball to midfielder, Azidan Saruddin, only to see Azidan's shot being blocked by the lanky, K.Nanthakumar.

Perak's made their presence count when in the 19th minute, hotshot, Akmal Rizal Rakhli could have scored the first goal of the game when he managed to escape the attentions of Selangor's, Nasriq Baharom, only to see his shot being deflected by right back, Razman Roslan.

Selangor immediately replied when inspirational captain, Amri Yahyah got a golden chance in the 20th minute when he capitalised on a mistake made by veteran defender, Khairi Zainuddin and only had to beat Nasril Nourdin to score the first of the goal. However, a brilliant last ditch tackle by Hisyamuddin Shaari calmed the nerves of the team.

After the 20th minute, Perak managed to create chances but efforts by Fazrul Hazli and Akmal Rizal were easily smothered by Selangor's on loan goalkeeper, G.Jeevanathan.

During the game, a small setion of the crowd turned rowdy as the opposition and home fans exchanged provocations. The federal reserve unit and RELA had to come in and they managed to pacify both set of fans.

Selangor had to make do without their skipper for the rest of the game after he sustained a knee injury and he was replaced by striker, Rudie Ramli in the 26th minute.

In the 40th minute, Fazrul Hazli proved that he was a prospect to be contend with as he managed to dribble his way past 4 defenders and but his placed his shot on the side netting as he delighted the Perak fans with his tricky footwork.

As the second half started, Selangor started off well when Rudie Ramli managed to drift away from the Perak defenders but his shot was saved by Khairi Zainuddin.

In the 49th minute, Rudie Ramli buried Perak's hoped of qualifying for the semi finals as he capitalised on a howler made by Nasril Nourdin after the former National goalkeeper fumbled Safiq Rahim's freekick and Rudie has the easiest of task of heading the ball into the net.

After that, Perak were just in shambles as they couldn't create any dangerous chances and they were just nullified by the disciplined defence led by vice captain, P.Gunalan.

In the 77th minute, the game was stopped for 10 minutes as one of the flood lights suddenly switched off and the game was stopped as the lighting was not right for the game.

However, the game continued as officials decided to go on with the game. After that, both teams played cautiously and Perak who were in need of 3 goals, looked desolate and disinterested in the game.

After the final whistle, the Selangor bench rejoiced as they have came out from their hiccup in the group stages and are well on the way to nab their 33 Malaysia Cup crown.

Perak will surely be off empty headed but they have certainly done well to come this far as this is their first quarter finals in the Malaysia Cup after 5 years.