Dollah takes a gamble with Badhri

HANOI: Kelantan midfielder Mohd Badhri Mohd Radzi will be the last throw of the dice for national coach Dollah Salleh in their AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final second leg match against Vietnam at the My Dinh National Stadium on Thursday.

Malaysia suffered a 2-1 loss in the first leg at the Shah Alam Stadium on Sunday and Dollah is expected to ring in major changes to the line-up in a bid to advance to the final.

The 32-year-old Badhri, fondly known as Piya to his team-mates, has only made six appearances for the national team since 2013 and is set to make his debut in the biennial competition following the team’s dismal showing in the first leg.

The Mohd Safiq Rahim-Mohd Hafiz Kamal partnership proved to be ineffective in the first leg, while the other midfielder Gary Steven Robbat is doubtful after picking up a knock in the first leg.

The 2013 Most Valuable Player (MVP) and best midfielder award winner said that he’s raring to prove himself if picked to play.

Badhri admitted that his lack of defensive input might be the reason why he was not picked in earlier matches.

“I’m thrilled with the thought of finally making my debut in the AFF competition ... I have waited long for this opportunity and I promise to give my all,” said Badhri. 

 “I have to admit that defending is not my best quality and it might be the reason why I was not picked. Now we face a difference scenario ... we need to win and I think I can offer more tactically in this match.

“Maybe I’ll be paired with Safiq ... we might lack the chemistry as we rarely played together but it’s a do-or-die mission now and we just have to step up our game.”