KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor fought bravely but slipped to a 4-2 defeat against Bangkok United in their Asian Champions League Two (ACL2) Group G opener at the MBPJ Stadium in Petaling Jaya on Thursday.
The Thais struck early, with Ilias Alhaft breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute.
Just four minutes later, Muhseb Saleg Al Ghassani doubled the lead after meeting a pinpoint cross from Jakkapan Praisuwan.
Selangor briefly clawed their way back when Quentin Cheng’s delivery caused chaos in the box, allowing Chrigor Moraes to capitalise on a defensive slip and score in the 23rd minute.
But Bangkok United hit back almost instantly, Alhaft curling a superb effort from the right into the top-left corner to make it 3-1.
Things got worse for the Red Giants when Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar was sent off in the 39th minute for a dangerous high challenge on Seia Kunori.
Despite the setback, substitute Aliff Izwan Yuslan offered late hope, scoring in the 72nd minute just moments after replacing Kevin Deeromram.
However, the Thais sealed the points when Philipe Maia struck in the 84th minute.
Selangor will face Lion City Sailors away on Oct 1.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
