Major improvement: Akhyar Rashid scored a goal each against Turkmenistan and Hong Kong in the recent friendlies. — JDT
PETALING JAYA: Winger Akhyar Rashid is flying high as a national player after scoring in Malaysia’s two recent friendlies against Turkmenistan and Hong Kong.
And it wouldn’t be a flight of fancy for him to think of being in Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) starting line-up against Sabah at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri today.
The competition for the winger’s spot is so stiff that the 23-year-old Akhyar has only made two substitute appearances for the Southern Tigers in the Super League, registering just 51minutes of action.
What a contrast that is compared to his exploits with the Harimau Malaya.
Akhyar scored a goal each against Turkmenistan and Hong Kong, playing more than 150 minutes.
He now hopes to make a bigger impact for JDT as the league resumes today.
“I’m elated and also humbled by the good experience of scoring for Malaysia. Now, I hope to reproduce that form with JDT, should I be picked to start against Sabah,” said Akhyar.
JDT coach Esteban Solari has hinted there could be changes to his first XI.
The Argentine has often started with Arif Aiman Hanapi and Juan Muniz on the flanks, with Akhyar, Ramadhan Saifullah and Mohamadou Sumareh being the other options.
But with Arif still recovering from a hamstring strain, Akhyar can fancy his chances of starting tonight.
Solari said several players are not at full fitness yet and still undergoing rehabilitation.
“Natxo (Insa) is close to returning after being out for several months due to a back injury, while Bergson (Da Silva) is still not fully fit after missing the past three games,” he said.
“Arif and Endrick (Dos Santos) are not 100% fit yet and are still recovering and doing light training.”
