Lethal combo: Akhyar Rashid (left) sets up Faisal Halim for Malaysia’s opening goal in a friendly against China in Chengdu. – FAM
PETALING JAYA: One man – winger Faisal Halim – showed no fear as he took on players much bigger than him at a packed Chengdu Phoenix Hill Stadium.
And thanks to his courageous show, Faisal made it a performance to remember by scoring a lone goal to help Harimau Malaya hold mighty China 1-1 in a Tier One International friendly on Saturday.
Fondly known as Mickey, he netted the opening goal in the 11th minute after receiving a through pass from fellow winger Akhyar Rashid and finished it off with a superb shot past China goalkeeper Yan Junling.
China’s winger Lin Liangming hit back in the 36th minute when he unleashed a shot outside of the penalty box to beat Malaysian goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi.
Faisal showed that even a recent suspension could not stop him from giving a spirited show.
Only standing “tall” at 1.58m (five feet, two inches), he took the mickey out of bigger defenders like Zhang Linpeng, Tyias Browning and Gao Zhunli, all six footers and above.
He even received a standing ovation from the opposing fans.
His performance against China, and also against Syria in the other tier one friendly which they drew 2-2, has impressed many as he had entered the friendly without minutes with his club Selangor in August.
Faisal was suspended for a month in August by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for a comment he had made on officials after the Super League match against Sabah on April 27.
“Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God) for this performance after the suspension, I guess this is God’s way of showing love,” said Faisal, who has scored 12 international goals in 25 games.
“This goal is for the team and fans.”
“The game against China was tough because we are not at their level yet but we tried to fight. The draw is a sign of our progress.
“We have shown that we have good character and mentality. We will learn from these matches and be even better.
Meanwhile, coach Kim Pan-gon was happy with the two draws against world No. 94 Syria and world No. 80 China.
“We had a good game against high-ranked China and Syria and learnt a lot. I’m proud of the boys,” said the South Korean.
“I have zero complaints. We are learning and moving forward. The team spirit is good. Malaysia have the potential and are showing no fear against top nations now.”
