The Sultan of Selangor Cup returned in style, with pre-match pageantry setting the stage. Among the dignitaries was Forrest Li, president of the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), seated proudly alongside His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Selangor, His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah as the stands buzzed with anticipation. Mimifly’s soulful Angst and Raja Gelek’s vibrant halftime show elevated the event into a full-blown celebration.

Veterans Match: Singapore vs Selangor

The legends kicked off the evening in a tight, tactical battle. The first half ended goalless, filled more with grit than glamour. Still, flashes of class shone through, none more so than from Tan Sio Beng, whose relentless drive was a reminder that spirit never ages. Late in the match, Nahar Daud nearly stole it for the Singapore side but but couldn’t find the finish, sending the contest to penalties.

In the shootout, both sides matched each other blow for blow. Steven Tan and Ali Imran Lomri were clinical for Singapore, while Asmawi Bakiri and Liew Kit Kong kept Selangor level. Then came the decisive moment, Indra Shahdan calmly slotted home, putting the pressure squarely on Nazzab Hidzan. He stepped up, but Bashir Khan guessed right, diving sharply to save with authority. Stadium Merdeka erupted as Singapore Veterans triumphed 3-2 on penalties, reclaiming the cup in 2025.

Main Event: Selangor vs Singapore (SPL Selection)

Fireworks lit the sky before kickoff, and fireworks lit the pitch soon after. Faisal exploded down the wing, slicing through Singapore’s defence before teeing up Aliff Haiqal for a easy finish. Selangor 1, Singapore 0, and the stadium erupted.

But the pitch made life difficult for both teams to adapt, and Singapore was certainly fighting to get a grip of the elements. On the stroke of halftime, Takumi Yokohata pounced on a defensive mistake to level things at 1-1, silencing the red tide.

The second half brought a shift. Singapore found their rhythm, sharper and calmer in the rough conditions. Yet Selangor’s hunger was undeniable, and the crowd sensed it too. With their head coach dismissed just the day before, this went beyond a friendly, really going all out to prove to their fans they can still get the job done.

Just as the match was going into Penalties, the Singapore side concedes the softest of penalties. Selangor’s Chrigor Flores Moraes seized the moment, burying the spot-kick to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory.

From the veterans’ shootout win to the last-gasp penalty drama, the Sultan of Selangor Cup 2025 delivered everything, with nostalgia, tension, joy, and raw emotion. For Selangor, this was a win and more; it might just be the turning point their season desperately needs.

Photo Credit: Football Association Singapore