Suzuki Cup: Mohd Fadhli eyes redemption in Bangkok final

Malaysia defender Mohd Fadhli Shas helping his keeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat up duirng the semi-final match against Vietnam last week.

BANGKOK: National centreback Mohd Fadhli Shas will be looking for redemption in the AFF Suzuki Cup first-leg final against Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium on Wednesday.

The Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) centreback made his name with the national team by winning the biennial competition at the age of 19.

Two years later, Fadhli turned from hero to zero as he was sent off during the semi-finals second leg against Thailand in Bangkok. Ten-man Malaysia lost 2-0 to crash out on a 3-1 aggregate.

“A lot of things have changed since my last two Suzuki Cups,” said the 23-year-old. “I still remember winning in 2010 and getting sent off in 2012 ... all this experience has made me a better player.”

Fadhli is banking on helping Malaysia secure a favourable result in the first leg final.

“Getting a positive result here will be perfect for us before playing in the second leg at the National Stadium (in Bukit Jalil) on Saturday ... It will be a sort of payback for me as well.”

National coach Dollah Salleh has paired Fadhli with Mohd Muslim Ahmad, Afif Amiruddin and skipper Mohd Shukor Adan in the heart of the defence in the earlier five matches.

And Fadhli has no qualms over who he will partner to deny the marauding Thais.

“All the defenders in the team have their own special ability and the coach picks the players to suit his game plan,” said Fadhli.