KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia (Interstat) — Selangor delivered an opening-day upset on the road, defeating Sabah 2-1 in a Malaysia Super League match on Saturday at Stadium Likas. The visiting side overcame a projected win probability that heavily favored the home team to start their season with a crucial victory.

The match began with Sabah, bolstered by a significant home-field advantage and a 57.7 percent probability to win according to Interstat’s ELO system, looking to impose their will. However, it was Selangor who struck first with stunning speed. In just the ninth minute, Fergus Tierney found the back of the net, silencing the home crowd and giving the visitors an early lead they would not relinquish.

Sabah responded with pressure, seeking an equalizer before the halftime break. Their persistence paid off in the 44th minute when Alvin Fortes scored, leveling the match at 1-1 and sending the teams into the interval on even terms.

The second half saw Selangor reclaim control of the match. Fifteen minutes after the restart, Faisal Halim scored what would prove to be the decisive goal, putting Selangor ahead 2-1 in the 60th minute. Sabah pushed for a second equalizer in the final half-hour but was unable to break through a resolute Selangor defense.

The final score of 2-1 for Selangor matched the projection from Interstat’s game simulator, though the outcome defied the pre-match odds that had favored Sabah. The result provides an immediate boost for Selangor while handing Sabah a disappointing start to their domestic campaign.

With the result, Selangor begins its Super League season with a record of one win and zero losses. Sabah starts its season with zero wins and one loss. The records for both teams are identical across all competitions. The match was the season opener for both clubs in Malaysia’s top football division.