ACC Shopee Cup Pre-Match Press Conference | vs Selangor FC

Our Stags are back on the road. They return to Shopee Cup action following last month’s 3 - 1 victory over Cebu FC in Manila, Philippines. Goals from Hide Higashikawa, Dylan Fox and Trent Buhagiar secured the club’s inaugural win in the competition and set a positive tone for the group stage.

Awaiting the Stags are the formidable Selangor FC. Runners-up in last season’s Malaysia Super League, The Red Giants remain a respected force despite suffering unfortunate back-to-back defeats to Kuching City and Bangkok United. Nevertheless, our boys in yellow and black are fully focused for the task ahead.

Here are all the details from the pre-match press conference with Head Coach Noh Rahman and defender Irfan Najeeb ahead of the clash against Selangor FC:

On Team Preparations and Expectations

Noh Rahman: Preparations have been good. We played our last game in Clark for the AFC Champions League Two, then came back, did some recovery and arrived yesterday (in Selangor). All in all, preparations are good.

Irfan Najeeb: Our expectation is to win. Going into any game, we as a team, have the confidence and belief that we can take on any team. We have been doing well and so, we have the ability and the squad to win.

On the Quality of Shopee Cup Games

Noh Rahman: These games are quite intense. The games in this competition are similar to the AFC Champions League Two games. We welcome every kind of challenge in this competition. I have spoken to the team that this competition brings a little bit more excitement because as professional players, they love to travel and play in front of big crowds and at good stadiums. So these challenges are quite welcoming.

On Both Teams’ Momentum

Noh Rahman: We go into games with the intention to win. As to whether we have momentum or not, we go into each game fully focused and we only think about ourselves. Yes, we have been watching Selangor’s games, but we are more focused on what we can do as a team to carry on the good work that we have done so far.

On Mental and Physical Preparations

Irfan Najeeb: With Selangor being one of the best teams in Malaysia, it is a good test for me and the players. We will be up for it.

On Squad Rotation

Noh Rahman: Being involved in three competitions so far, it is quite important to maintain freshness within the team. Rotation is one of the factors that we consider. We played our last game on the 18th in Clark and despite the travel, the players have recovered well. They are ready to compete in this game.

On Selangor’s Key Players 

Noh Rahman: There are two or three players that we are watching. But as a team, it is not so important to focus on just these players. Collectively, they are a good team. So in terms of going into the game, we are just going to focus on ourselves and we will try to compete.

On Club and Fan Sentiments towards the Shopee Cup Competition

Noh Rahman: Selangor is one of the bigger clubs in Malaysia and so, I am expecting a good crowd. We look forward to the challenge. I’m sure our fans back at home will be watching the game, and we hope to have a good game and come out with a good result.

Irfan Najeeb: As players, we will always do our best for the fans, and we will represent the club and nation with pride.

The Red Giants vs The Stags - Catch the match LIVE on meWatch tomorrow, 24 September at 9pm SGT.