When Kim Pan-Gon took charge of Selangor in January he returned to a club he knew well from his time with Malaysia, and one that has not won major silverware in over a decade. Selangor sit 180 minutes from ending that drought, with the potential to lift a regional prize rather than a domestic title.
The Red Giants have exceeded expectations in their debut ASEAN Club Championship campaign, officially the 2025-26 Shopee Cup, and progressed to the final after a 4-1 aggregate semifinal victory over Thép Xanh Nam Định. Selangor will meet defending champions Buriram United, beginning with Wednesday’s first leg at home in Petaling Jaya.
Buriram reached the decider at the expense of Johor Darul Ta’zim, Selangor’s domestic rivals. Johor Darul Ta’zim have won the past 12 Malaysia Super League titles, underscoring the quality of the opponent Selangor must overcome.
Kim said returning Selangor, the 33-time Malaysia Cup champions, to former glories was a major motivation for taking the job. He praised the club’s potential, the supportive environment in Malaysian football and the players’ work ethic, and said winning the title would be significant for both Selangor and Malaysian football. Kim added that the squad was proud to represent the club and country and were looking forward to the match.
The campaign has been turbulent for the Red Giants. Katsuhito Kinoshi was sacked five league games into the season, Christophe Gamel served as interim manager, and Kim arrived later. After finishing as league runners-up in the previous two Malaysia Super League seasons, Selangor ended this term third behind Johor Darul Ta’zim and Kuching City, while both Malaysia Cup and FA Cup runs concluded at the semifinal stage.
Selangor will head into the final as underdogs but possess a key attacking threat in Brazilian striker Chrigor. After scoring once in the group stage, Chrigor netted all four of Selangor’s goals across the two-leg semifinal tie.
