So happy: Ahmad Syihan Hazmi was ecstatic after saving the penalty taken by Myanmar’s Win Naing Tun. — FAM
PETALING JAYA: Goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamad was one of the trending searches on social media not just for his brilliant save against Myanmar but also his style of celebrating, which was similar to Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Myanmar had a golden opportunity to force a draw with a minute left to the clock when they were awarded a penalty after Sharul Nazeem was adjudged to have fouled Win Naing Tun in the box.
The referee pointed to the spot but Naing Tun’s low kick to the left was tipped wide by Syihan as Malaysia survived the scare to pick up all three points.
Asked on this, the 26-year-old Negri Sembilan goalkeeper said his style of celebrating was just spontaneous because he is too happy to help the team win.
“My celebration style happened spontaneously because I was too happy with this victory, which was definitely a catalyst for us to go further in this competition.
“I thank everyone who gave 100% commitment to the team,” said Syihan.
He has been a saviour for the national squad several times after denying Thailand on a few occasions in the King’s Cup Tournament in Chiangmai.
Syihan now hopes to feature in the starting 11 when Malaysia play their remaining matches.
Malaysia take on Laos at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow and then face Vietnam in Hanoi on Dec 27 before the final group action against Singapore in Bukit Jalil again on Jan 3.
“Tonight’s match really boosted the team’s spirit. We have tough matches to come and I hope to feature in all of them.
“I also ask all the Malaysian fans to pray that we go until the final.
“Tonight, I’m not the only one but all the players from the defence to the frontline gave their best.”
