Ten-man Kelantan did more than enough to hold a disappointing Selangor to a tepid, goalless draw in the Malaysia Super League on Wednesday night, as the Red Giants failed to capitalise on Wan Zack Haikal's first half red card in front of their home fans.
Selangor, who were out to bounce back after the 1-0 loss to Singapore's Tampines Rovers which dumped them out of the AFC Cup, were dealt an early blow after midfielder Saiful Ridzuwan Selamat went off injured and was replaced by Nazmi Faiz.
After a confident start at Shah Alam Stadium, under the watchful eye of new Bulgarian coach Velizar Popov, Kelantan striker Blaze Ilioski had the game's first chance when his powerful drive was palmed by Norazlan Razali before Wan Zack Haikal sliced the follow-up shot horribly wide from a good position.
Indra Putra Mahiyuddin's header was correctly ruled offside four minutes later, but Kelantan were clearly on top of proceedings with Selangor looking out of shape and directionless.
The Red Warriors' hopes on taking a stranglehold, however, suffered a severe dent in the 25th minute. Wan Zack received a direct red card for an elbow on Selangor midfielder R. Gopinathan, even though it appeared unintentional.
Aided the by man advantage, Selangor powered forward and could have taken the lead three minutes later. But Khairul Fahmi's fingertips denied a Robert Cornthwaite header that was destined for the top corner.
Patrick 'Ronaldinho' Wleh, who was isolated the entire first half, was hauled off and in came Hazwan Bakri. But even the energetic winger's presence could not lift Selangor, who appeared clueless despite the extra man.
Had Ilioski's half volley dropped a few inches lower, he would have been celebrating a seventh league goal. The Macedonian's pace really troubled the Selangor backline and he was denied a certain goal in the 65th minute.
Kelantan broke forward from a counter attack and Dramane Traore looked certain to reach Ilioski before Razman Roslan's full stretch tackle ensured Selangor did not concede.
The rest of the game petered out as Popov celebrated a crucial point in his first game in charge with a genuine chance of three points when the sides meet again in the MSL in Kota Bharu on Saturday.
Newly crowned FA Cup champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Felda United, meanwhile, continue to co-lead the table after both teams won their respective games.
JDT disposed of Pahang 3-0 while Felda downed Penang 2-1.