Selangor FC Defeat Nam Dinh 2-1 to Take Narrow Advantage Into ACC Semi-Final Second Leg

KUALA LUMPUR, MAY, 2026 – Selangor FC gained an important advantage in the 2025/26 Asean Club Championship (ACC) semi-final after defeating Vietnamese club Nam Dinh FC 2-1 in the first leg at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Stadium. The victory gives the Red Giants a narrow edge heading into the second leg scheduled to take place in Vietnam next week.

The match drew significant attention from Malaysian football fans as Selangor looked to strengthen their reputation on the regional stage under head coach Kim Pan Gon.

Both teams entered the match with strong attacking lineups and high expectations, creating an intense and competitive atmosphere from the opening whistle.

Chrigor Moraes Scores Opening Goal for Selangor

Selangor FC controlled much of the early tempo and created several dangerous opportunities against the Vietnamese side.

The breakthrough finally came in the 37th minute when Quentin Cheng delivered a low cross into the penalty area, which Brazilian forward Chrigor Moraes finished clinically to give Selangor a 1-0 lead.

The goal energized the home crowd at MBPJ Stadium as the Red Giants increased attacking pressure in search of a second goal before halftime.

Nam Dinh Respond Before Halftime

Despite Selangor’s strong first-half performance, Nam Dinh FC managed to respond just before the break.

Vietnamese player Nguyen Van Vi scored the equaliser near the end of the first half after capitalising on a dangerous attacking move from the visitors.

The equaliser shifted momentum briefly in favour of the Vietnamese side and ensured both teams entered halftime level at 1-1.

Nam Dinh also demonstrated their attacking threat through experienced players including South African forward Percy Tau, who tested Selangor’s defensive organisation several times during the match.

Chrigor Scores Again to Restore Selangor’s Lead

After the restart, Selangor reorganised quickly and increased the intensity of their attacks.

Their efforts paid off in the 58th minute when Quentin Cheng once again provided the assist, delivering an accurate pass that allowed Chrigor Moraes to score his second goal of the night with a composed chip finish over the goalkeeper.

The second goal restored Selangor’s lead at 2-1 and gave the Malaysian club renewed confidence as they attempted to widen the gap before the final whistle.

Chrigor’s performance was widely praised by supporters and analysts, with the striker proving decisive in one of Selangor’s biggest matches of the season so far.

Selangor Defense Holds Firm Under Pressure

Following the second goal, Nam Dinh increased attacking pressure in search of another equaliser.

The Vietnamese side launched several quick counter-attacks and attacking combinations, but Selangor’s defensive line remained disciplined throughout the final stages of the match.

Goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel and the Selangor defense successfully absorbed late pressure to preserve the narrow advantage heading into the second leg.

Despite several tense moments near the end of the game, Selangor managed to hold onto the victory in front of their home supporters.

Kim Pan Gon Praises Team Performance

Before the match, head coach Kim Pan Gon had expressed confidence that Malaysian clubs could compete strongly against top regional sides.

Following the victory, the result was viewed as an important statement for Malaysian football at regional level, especially against one of Vietnam’s strongest clubs.

Kim’s tactical approach and Selangor’s disciplined structure were considered key factors behind the team’s success during the match.

Tough Second Leg Awaits in Vietnam

Although Selangor secured the win, the tie remains far from decided.

The Red Giants will now travel to Thien Truong Stadium in Vietnam for the second leg, where Nam Dinh FC are expected to play aggressively in front of their home supporters.

Selangor only need to avoid defeat in the return leg to secure a place in the ACC final, but analysts believe the away fixtur

The match is expected to attrac

Growing Momentum for Malaysian Clubs in Regional Football

Selangor’s victory also adds momentum for Malaysian football clubs competing at regional level.

The Red Giants have shown strong performances throughout the ACC campaign and continue to build confidence under Kim Pan Gon’s leadership.

Fans and football analysts believe a successful run in the tournament could further strengthen the reputation of Malaysian football across Southeast Asia.

For now, Selangor FC hold a slim but valuable advantage as they prepare for one of their most important away matches of the season.