KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor coach Kim Pan Gon has confirmed that winger Faisal Halim faces an extended period on the sidelines after aggravating an injury sustained on international duty.
The South Korean revealed that Faisal, known as Mickey, worsened the injury by refusing to come off during national team duty at the recent FIFA Asean Cup.
"Mickey's injury, yes, not a good situation... I feel he will take time before returning to action," said Pan Gon.
"It was during a game (in the Asean Cup). He was hit by an opponent. However, he did not signal to come off... he continued playing.
"Our medical staff are trying their best to help him recover. However, I think he will need more time."
The injury setback compounded a frustrating Sunday for Pan Gon, whose side squandered a 2-0 lead, losing 3-2 to Star City in an FA Cup quarter-final, second-leg match at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya.
However, the Red Giants reached the semi-finals 6-4 on aggregate.
Pan Gon criticised his squad for switching off.
"Today, we were poor. We were mentally and psychologically too casual when we were leading 2-0. The team must wake up from this," he said.
Star City coach Mehmet Durakovic was delighted after ending Selangor's long unbeaten home run.
"I don't think Selangor have lost at home for more than 15 games, so I am very proud of the players," Durakovic said.
"It's a result to remember as we are a new team. We will cherish this win for a long time."
On Sunday, defender Zikri Khalili headed home the opener in the ninth minute before Brazilian attacker Vitor Pernambuco doubled the advantage in the 33rd minute to put Selangor 2-0 up.
However, Star City struck back through goals from Moses Atede (61st), Pedro Santos (75th) and Ramon Machado (90th).
Meanwhile, KL City coach Datuk Dollah Salleh was left frustrated after his side crashed out at the KLFA Stadium, failing to find a way past a 10-man DPMM side.
"We did not use the numerical advantage when a DPMM player was sent off. They sat back and defended with almost all of their players in the penalty box," said Dollah.
DPMM coach Jamie McAllister credited his players' tactical execution after defender Tommy Mawat was sent off late in the first half.
"I told my players to just play their game after Tommy was sent off," said McAllister.
"I thought we created better chances with just 10 players."
Jordan Murray scored the only goal of the match in the 11th minute to earn DPMM a 4-3 aggregate victory.
DPMM will face defending champions Johor Darul Ta'zim, while Selangor take on Kuching City in the semi-finals.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
