Malaysian team coach speaks out after bitter defeat in ASEAN final

Despite a 1-3 loss to Buriram United in the Shopee Cup 2025/26 final, Kim Pan-gon expressed contentment with his squad's display.

Selangor FC concluded their Shopee Cup journey 2025/26 with a 1-3 defeat to Buriram United FC over two legs of the final, where coach Kim Pan-gon admitted his side lost a crucial advantage due to tension in the first leg. Nevertheless, the Malaysian representatives left a significant mark by reaching the tournament's final for the first time.

In the return leg at Buriram Stadium, which holds over 30,000 spectators, Selangor started confidently and quickly caused an upset. Syahir Bashah's 18th-minute goal leveled the aggregate score and put the home side under immense pressure.

However, Buriram United's composure emerged at the right moment. Goals from Suphanat Mueanta and Theerathon Bunmathan secured a 2-1 victory in the second leg, allowing the Thai side to successfully defend their title with a 3-1 aggregate. A key tactical adjustment by coach Mark Jackson also helped Buriram turn the tide in the second half.

Despite the defeat, Kim Pan-gon remained immensely proud of his players. He shared: “Tonight I am very proud of all the Selangor players. We played very well, and I am proud of my boys. I think this was a very positive match, and I have no regrets. In the first leg at home, I believe the players were not accustomed to playing a final; they haven't been in that situation for a while, so there was some psychological pressure. We encouraged them to show their identity and represent the fans. That worked, and even away from home, we played with full confidence. I am very proud that the team maintained its identity against a strong opponent. We tried to adjust some tactical issues, and it worked well; the defense also operated steadily. These are positive signs.”

The South Korean tactician also reflected on Selangor's tournament journey following a turbulent early season. He took over the team mid-season and gradually stabilized them, advancing to the historic Shopee Cup final.

Ending the season with third place in the Malaysia Super League and a regional runner-up finish, Selangor FC looks ahead with high hopes. He stated: “I arrived mid-season, and during this Shopee Cup campaign, everything has been very positive. We tried to build an identity with dynamic play in this tournament. In the final, the opponent was very strong, but we still managed to keep our identity. I'm a bit regretful that we couldn't secure second place in the domestic league. We reviewed the team's identity and DNA, and I'm really looking forward to next season. We will become stronger. We will compete and reclaim our position.” Even without clinching the championship, Selangor can take pride in their journey and the foundation they have built for the future.