PETALING JAYA, Aug 4 — Selangor FC winger Faisal Halim, still recovering from an acid attack, did not expect to be on the bench in the team’s second leg semi final match of the FA Cup against Terengganu FC here last night.
In the clash at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Stadium, the Red Giants won 4-1 to advance to the final in style, with a 6-4 aggregate victory.
Faisal, better known as Mickey to fans, said he was told he would be on the roster a day before the match, and although he did not play, he was happy to be part of the victory in front of home supporters.
“Congratulations to everyone, this victory is for all of you. What I can say is that I brought as much spirit as I could. Even though I couldn’t play because I am not yet fully fit, I could give some motivation to my teammates.
“It’s been almost three months, just a few days shy of three months, since I was benched due to my injuries. I was very sad, and my return tonight at the MBPJ Stadium is a new beginning for me,” he told reporters after the match.
Meanwhile, Selangor head coach Mohd Nidzam Jamil said Faisal was listed for two reasons — Muhammad Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi couldn’t be fielded, and Faisal was deemed fit after undergoing full training for two weeks.
“I’m not crazy enough to put a player who can’t play on the list. He (Faisal) has been training with us, the doctor allowed it, the physiotherapist allowed it. Of course there’s a risk, even with healthy players there are risks ... I took the risk to list him, and I feel it was worth it,” he said.
Earlier, Faisal delighted Selangor fans with his appearance in the warm-up session ahead of kick-off.
In early May, he was attacked by an unknown individual with acid at a shopping mall here. He was seen wearing a black face mask in the aftermath, believed to protect his healing wounds.
The winner of the Best Goal Award at the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar last January suffered fourth-degree burns and was treated in intensive care for 10 days before undergoing four surgeries.
— Bernama
