Selangor FC took a significant step toward the ASEAN Club Championship (Shopee Cup) final with a 2-1 victory over Vietnam's Nam Định FC in their semi-final first leg match. Playing at the MBPJ Stadium, the "Red Giants" displayed a resilient performance to hold a slim advantage heading into the return leg in Vietnam. Former international Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan praised the team's focus on delivering results despite ongoing off-field debates regarding league governance. 

The match provided a much-needed morale boost for the squad, who recently secured a dominant 4-0 win over Penang in the Super League. Fans were particularly impressed with the tactical discipline shown by the players, which effectively neutralized Nam Định's attacking threats for most of the game. The return leg will be a crucial test of Selangor's ability to maintain their lead under away match pressure. 

Meanwhile, Malaysia's other representative, Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), faced a tougher night, losing 3-1 to Thailand's Buriram United at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. JDT manager Hector Bidoglio has urged his players to maintain "absolute belief" that they can overturn the deficit in the second leg. The contrast in results for the two Malaysian giants has set up a high-stakes week for local football enthusiasts.