Heart-warming presence: Faisal Halim is seen during the warm-up session before Selangor began their FA Cup semi-final game.
PETALING JAYA: Selangor’s 4-1 win over Terengganu in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday was certainly a jump for joy in the stands, but the victory was a little sweeter with the return of Faisal Halim in the squad.
After making appearances at Selangor’s home fixtures as a spectator, it was the first match Faisal Halim was reintroduced into the starting lineup after being victim of an acid attack on May 5, leaving him with fourth-degree burns.
Although the winger wasn’t fielded during the match that saw Selangor win the semi-finals with a 6-4 aggregate, Faisal was happy to be there with his teammates to celebrate making the final.
"This win is for all Selangor fans. Even though I did not play because I’m not fully fit just yet, I could share my spirit with my teammates," said Faisal, who wore a mask on the pitchside.
The 26-year-old has been training with the team but hadn’t gotten the full green light to see action in a competitive match.
Even Faisal was shocked when he got the news the night before the match but was ready to lace up his boots when head coach Nidzam Jamil came calling.
"It's been close to three months since I got this injury. I was very sad, but coming back into the team has given me a new spirit.
"I have been training with the team and I hope to progress even more so I can join them on the pitch soon," he said.
Meanwhile, Nidzam said although it was risky to list Faisal in the substitute lineup, it was worthwhile in the end.
"This is a decision that a coach has to make and I took that risk to put him in the squad, and I think it was worth it.
"One of the reasons he was included was due to Mukhairi Ajmal being unavailable, and Faisal was deemed fit after training with the team for the past two weeks.
"I’m not crazy to include a player that can’t play into the lineup. The doctors and physiotherapists have said he’s alright to play.
"Of course, there were going to be risks, even healthy players have risks as well.
"But if you’re in my position, and everyone says Faisal is ready to play, would you not include him or put him on the bench?" said Nidzam.
Selangor will now play the winners of the game between Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) or Kedah, in the FA Cup final.
