A challenge: Malaysia’s Sharul Nazeem Zulphakar will have his work cut out for him to shackle Singapore dangerman Ilhan Fandi.
PETALING JAYA: Centreback Sharul Nazeem Zulphakar is out to take the shine off the son of a legend when Malaysia take on Singapore in their do-or-die AFF Mitsubishi Cup Group B clash at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday.
The Lions’ dangerman and star striker Ilhan Fandi is making his famous father Fandi Ahmad proud with his exploits, which will keep the Harimau Malaya defence on their toes.
Ilhan’s recent move to Belgian second division club Deinze set tongues wagging, especially after he impressed in the S-League by scoring 17 goals in 21 games for Young Lions and Albirex Niigata.
On Friday, in Singapore’s 0-0 draw with Vietnam, the 20-year-old Ilhan limped off with an injury in the 45th minute, clutching his left thigh.
Sharul, however, expects Ilhan to be fit and in the thick of the fray when their teams square off in an eagerly anticipated match, which Malaysia must win to reach the semi-finals while Singapore need only a draw to advance. Singapore are second in Group B with seven points after three games while Malaysia are third with six. Vietnam lead the standings with seven points but boast a better goal difference.
“Ilhan is an imposing figure, standing at six feet (1.83m) and his finishing is excellent. He has scored one goal so far, but he’s capable of scoring many more,’’ said the 23-year-old Sharul, known as Afro for his eye-catching hairdo.
‘’I have my work cut out trying to mark him but I will relish the challenge.’’
Forward Ilhan is one of Fandi’s three sons in the team, the others are centreback Irfan, who has also scored a goal in the tournament, and Singapore’s main striker Ikhsan.
Ikhsan, however, was not included in the squad after suffering a knee injury on Dec 17.
Sharul has also been impressed with the versatile Irfan but said that Singapore have other equally talented players who can do the damage against Malaysia.
He singled out winger Shawal Anuar, who has scored two goals, and industrious midfielder Syah Shahiran.
‘’This is the quality that Singapore have, and we need a good tactical plan to counter their strengths,’’ said Sharul.
Malaysia have an issue in defence as rightback Azam Azmi Murad is suspended due to his red card against Vietnam and centreback Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee is still recovering from injury.
Even Sharul had an injury issue against Vietnam but he’s relieved to be fit for the Singapore game.
“I’m thankful that my condition is getting better. I can’t imagine missing a game of this importance and I want to play my part to help us reach the semi-finals.’’
