KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor coach Nidzam Jamil has urged his men not to be distracted by the off-the-field controversies swirling around them.
He said this after Selangor gave an uncharacteristic performance in a 2-1 loss to Kuching City in the FA Cup quarter-final first leg yesterday.
Incidentally, Selangor's four-game unbeaten streak this season came to an end following the controversial punishments on them by the Malaysian Football League (MFL).
Earlier this week, MFL fined Selangor RM100,000 (later reduced to RM60,000) for pulling out of the Charity Shield on May 10 against JDT. MFL also docked the club four league points, ordered them to play a home match against JDT behind closed doors (later rescinded), and pay compensation to MFL and JDT.
Selangor had earlier asked for a postponement of the Charity Shield match, citing safety concerns following an acid attack on Faisal Halim and threats to team offcials.
In a post-match interview, Nidzam acknowledged the distractions, and said Selangor players need to remain focused on their games.
"There were several factors at play, but it wouldn't be fair to dwell on them. What matters is how we perform on the field.
"Though the result didn't go our way, particularly in the first half I commend our players for their strong second-half performance. We look to the return leg with optimism," said Nidzam.
The match saw Selangor's Chilean striker Ronnie Fernandez scoring in the 31st minute, but Nigerian James Okwuosa and Ghanian Jordan Mintah struck later for Kuching City.
Kuching coach Aidil Sharin Sahak praised his team for their disciplined play. "Our players stuck to the game plan admirably, which was crucial against a team of Selangor's calibre ," he added.
Meanwhile, JDT gave Malaysian University a football lesson with a 5-0 win at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
JDT coach Hector Bidoglio said: "Malaysian University played a compact defensive game, making it tough for us in the first half. However, we adjusted in the second half and capitalised on our opportunities."
Malaysian University coach Ridzuan Abu Shah said: "We knew it would be tough against a team like JDT, but our goal was to avoid conceding too many goals. We'll regroup and prepare for the return leg."