A final flourish
Striker Wleh hoping to end long drought in Cup showdown
PETALING JAYA: Selangor striker Patrick Wleh hasn’t scored for almost three months. His last goal came on Aug 12.
But the lanky Liberian hopes to end his goal drought when Selangor take on Kedah in the Malaysia Cup final at the Shah Alam Stadium on Sunday.
In fact, the 25-year-old, who is on loan from PKNS, hopes to make it up to the Selangor fans by scoring the opening goal in the final.
“I pray that I’ll be able to score the first goal. I believe that it will be the most important goal ... it should win the game for Selangor. It is a challenge, but I want to make it up to the fans for letting them down this season,” said Wleh.
The Liberian admitted that he has been a huge letdown despite having scored 19 goals in all competitions thus far.
And he has pledged to raise his game in front of the bumper 80,000-crowd on Sunday.
“This is my second final in five years ... it’s a big chance for me to show the Malaysian fans that I’m capable of playing better football.
“This season has been a bad and disappointing one for me. I know I can do better,” said Wleh, who attributed his inconsistent form to injuries and personal reasons.
But it wasn’t just Wleh who has been dismal this season. So bad were the Red Giants that head coach Zainal Abidin was removed in August.
He was replaced by his assistant K. Gunalan, who has overseen an upturn in their fortunes since.
Expectations were high on Selangor to do well after they won the Malaysia Cup for a record 33rd time last year – by defeating Kedah 2-0 in the final.
But things did not work out as planned.
First, they lost the Charity Shield match to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) 7-6 in a penalty shootout after both teams were tied 1-1 in regulation time.
Then, they crashed out in the third round of the FA Cup – losing 2-1 to Police.
The fans, rightfully, stayed away.
The Red Giants also failed to make an impression in the Super League, finishing fifth with only 28 points – a massive 19 points behind champions JDT.
So, Sunday’s final will be Wleh and Selangor’s chance to salvage the season.