Supersub: Haqimi Azim Rosli made an impact by scoring a goal and providing an assist in the Harimau Malaya’s 5-0 win against Laos on Saturday. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: For years, many observers have blamed the presence of foreign strikers in the Malaysian League for inhibiting the growth of local strikers.
Even the naturalisation of Brazilian striker Guilherme De Paula wasn’t fully welcomed by some quarters, who felt that the national team could do with more local hitmen in the No. 9 position.
But those concerns have now been put to rest.
Darren Lok is the undisputed No. 1striker in the national team as his work rate and finishing have won coach Kim Pan-gon and his staff over.
And the best thing is, he won’t be the only one shouldering that goal-poaching responsibility.
In Malaysia’s AFF Mitsubishi Cup game against Laos on Saturday, 19-year-old substitute Haqimi Azim Rosli also made an impact by scoring a goal and providing an assist in the Harimau Malaya’s 5-0 win.
Haiqmi, fondly known as Qimi, is thrilled to have contributed a goal and is looking forward to more appearances.
“2022 has been special to me because I’ve had Super League and cup games with Kuala Lumpur and played for the national under-19 team. Now, the senior team. It’s amazing,” he said.
“As for my performance against Laos, I guess it was my rezeki (luck). But I’m not going to be too proud of it. This is just the beginning and I still have a long way to go before I can be a regular. I’m learning a lot from experienced players like Lee Tuck, Faisal Halim and Safawi Rasid in terms of finishing.’’
Darren is expected to start upfront against Vietnam at the MyDinh Stadium in Hanoi today, but expect Haqimi to be an impact sub again if called upon.
