That’s super: Selangor’s Faisal Halim celebrating after scoring the second penalty against Kuala Lumpur in their Super League match. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Fatigue is not in winger Faisal Halim’s vocabulary.
Despite just playing for the national team during the two-week international break, Faisal still had plenty in the tank to score his first goal for his new club Selangor in the Klang Valley Super League derby against Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
Faisal was in the starting 11 for the Red Giants as they eked out a 3-1 win at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras.
After a 4-0 defeat to Johor Darul Ta’zim in an earlier match, the Red Giants have certainly gotten back to their feet in an impressive fashion.
KL went ahead in the 24th minute through Ivory Coast player Tchetche Kipre but Selangor levelled eight minutes later when Colombian striker Ayron Del Valle converted a penalty.
Selangor went ahead four minutes before the break after Faisal struck a penalty, which was awarded for KL City goalkeeper Azri Ghani’s foul in clearing the ball. Del Valle was on target again in the 54th minute to extend Selangor’s lead.
Faisal, who is also fondly known as Mickey, is thrilled to snap his goal drought in the Super League after tucking in the penalty,
“If you want to talk about being tired, everyone is exhausted but this is my job and how I support my family,” said Faisal.
“I can’t give lethargy as an excuse. I’m happy that all the players did their best for this victory.
“Thanks to the hard work of my teammates, I was able to score the first goal for Selangor.
“I’m happy but I still have a lot to improve and I will continue to work hard to help the team.”
When asked whether his first goal came as a relief, Faisal said the pressure will continue because the expectations of the supporters will increase.
“I think this is a normal situation for football players,” he said.
“The pressure is still there because the fans want to see me score more goals after this but what’s important is, as long as Selangor win, I’m happy,” said Faisal, who will now prepare for their next match against Negri Sembilan at home on Tuesday.
