Selangor FC’s continental campaign has ended in disappointment once again. A 3-2 defeat to Persib Bandung at the MBPJ Stadium not only continued their poor form in the AFC Champions League 2 but also confirmed their early elimination.
The pattern was painfully familiar — a bright beginning, moments of brilliance, followed by defensive lapses that proved fatal.
Coach Christophe Gamel’s side started aggressively, with Chrigor Moraes scoring within three minutes before Patricio Matricardi’s own goal gave the hosts a 2-0 advantage. But despite the lead, Selangor struggled to maintain their rhythm, especially without captain Faisal Halim.
Persib, led by former Malaysia coach Bojan Hodak, capitalised on the home side’s fading intensity. Andrew Jung struck early in the second half, Adam Alis equalised late, and in the cruelest twist, a last-minute clearance by Sikh Izhan Nazrel deflected off Adam for an own goal.
It summed up Selangor’s ACL2 journey — brave but brittle. Four consecutive defeats, zero points, and an early exit from Group G leave the Red Giants facing hard questions about depth, discipline, and defensive organisation.
While mathematically nothing remains to fight for, their final two matches now become tests of pride and preparation — not for this season, but for rebuilding the resilience Selangor once stood for in Asian football.
