PETALING JAYA: Striker Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi earned a spot in the Police first 11 against Johor Darul Ta’zim only because Nigerian striker Ifedayo Olusegun was down with fever.
It turned out to be an inspired inclusion. The 29-year-old scored to give Police a shock 1-1 draw against the Southern Tigers in the Super League match at the Selayang Stadium on Wednesday.
The former Perak and Selangor player drew first blood for the Cops when he scored in the 22nd minute, which jolted the away side.
Police coach P. Maniam said that it was a last-minute inclusion, but turned out to be the right one.
“Ifedayo had a fever. That is why he could not play,” he said.
“That is why we started Shahrel Fikri. He was effective on the right flank. He played well and scored as well. It is outstanding. Police have depth, so that is a good sign for a long league season.”
After the goal, JDT coach Hector Bidoglio made two changes in the 28th minute by bringing on wingback Oscar Arribas for La’vere Corbin Ong and centreback Feroz Baharuddin for Shahrul Saad.
Arribas scored the equaliser in the 33rd minute but Police put on a superb defensive show, led by their young goalkeeper Hakeem Hamidun, who turned 23 on match day, to keep the visitors at bay.
Hakeem was also making his debut for the team in the Super League.
“As a coach, I am delighted. It is an achievement to get a point here in Selayang against a top side like JDT,” said Maniam.
“I want to thank coach Mohd Atfan Hat for trusting the goalkeeper and Hakeem performed so well. He is young and did so well.
“It his first game. Bryan (See) started the first five games but for the sixth one, we decided to play Hakeem and he proved to be a real shot-stopper for us.
“We could see JDT were tired. They could not push themselves because they have played a lot of matches. They had chances but could not bury them. We defended well after they scored the equaliser.”
Hakeem was just happy to have helped his team get a point.
“You could see the reaction after the final whistle. It was a meaningful point for us. As for my performance, I wanted to do my best after being given the chance.
“Most importantly, we did well against the best side in Malaysia. It is a sweet birthday gift too for me.”
Police remain 11th with five points from six games, while JDT are top with 19 points from seven matches.
