Hard at work: Faisal Halim training with his teammates. — FAM
PETALING JAYA: National winger Faisal Halim is a popular man these days after winning the Best Goal Award in the recent Asian Cup.
So it would not be surprising to see him heavily marked by Oman defenders in the World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 second round qualifiers on March 21 in Muscat and on March 26 in Bukit Jalil.
“Everyone knows that I have won that award. It’s a bit of pressure if I do not give my best against Oman because people will lambast me,” said the Selangor player.
“If I can show my best, that means I am safe. There is a burden but it is not too heavy. I am not a superstar. I will just do my job,” he said.
The 26-year-old bagged the gong after scoring in the 3-3 draw against South Korea in their final Group E match.
His goal was a beauty as the tiny player (1.58m) scored from an acute angle into the far bottom corner despite being blocked by centreback and “Korean monster” Kim Min-jae. The goal was hailed by the international media.
“That goal gives a good image to the team, which means we can compete against any team. But we have to work harder,” he said.
“Oman have a new coach (Jaroslav Silhavy). Things will be different. Coach Kim (Pan-gon) said it was hard to predict with the new coach, so we have to be prepared for whatever comes our way.”
Faisal is one of the 33 players called up by Pan-gon to prepare for the two matches against Oman.
He admitted that training has been gruelling as the coaching staff want to improve the players’ fitness due to the lack of matches since the Asian Cup.
Super League teams also have just started pre-season training.
“It’s rough because we did not have any games for a few months now. Many teams haven’t had pre-season or training,” said Faisal.
“We have trained for two days and the intensity is high. Coach Kim has to do this because we do not have match fitness.
Faisal hopes to be a role model for the youngsters.
“The intensity is high and fast but I’ve told several national Under-23 players that there is chance for everyone. They just have to follow the instructions and the time will come for them to shine.
“I share my thoughts with those who want to know. I have some experience on the big stage, so I share what I can.
“The young ones in the camp are spirited and talented. They just have to be patient for their chances to come.”
