PETALING JAYA: Selangor midfielder Aliff Haiqal Lau hardly showed any nerves as he skipped his way to the pitch when he was called in as a substitute in the 80th minute.
And five minutes later, the 23-year-old Aliff became the hero for the Red Giants against Kedah in the Super League game at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Saturday.
He capitalised on a loose clearance from the Canaries’ defence by unleashing a superb half volley from just outside the penalty box to give his club their first win in the league.
Selangor were playing their first game in the league after withdrawing from the Charity Shield game against Johor Darul Ta’zim two weeks ago as a safety measure following an acid attack on their top player Faisal Halim.
And immediately after the superb goal, Aliff pointed towards the Selangor Ultras and showed solidarity for Faisal by doing the customary ‘Siuuu’ celebration with Jordanian midfielder Noor Al-Rawabdeh.
Aliff has known Faisal for a very long time as they were part of the “Mencari Ramli” programme as teens, where they had trained with Manchester United Academy for a few weeks in 2013.
“This win is for Mickey,” said Aliff, who wears the number 77 jersey, while Faisal dons number seven for Selangor.
“It has been a tough few weeks for the club but I’m glad to see the whole team moving forward as one, as a family, in show of solidarity for him. I want Faisal’s family to know that we are always behind him.
“I was surprised when the ball went inside the net. I knew I had to do Mickey’s style of celebration in front of the fans.
“Crucial time, crucial goal. I guess it is my rezeki (blessing) to get the winning goal for Selangor. Credit to my teammates because they worked their socks off from the first to the last minute. They defended valiantly and attacked in numbers to get a goal.”
Aliff was glad to play his role as a substitute.
“I’ve scored goals as a substitute before but I would also want to fight for a first eleven spot.”
