PETALING JAYA: Faisal Halim is a real fighter. On May 5, he was in intensive care unit, a victim of a vicious acid attack with what looked like career-ending injuries.
On Saturday, the 26-year-old winger was on the Selangor bench, ready to come on if the team needed him.
Having him on the bench was what they needed, as they thumped Terengganu 4-1 in the FA Cup semi-final second leg at the Petaling Jaya Stadium.
The Red Giants got to the FA Cup final after clinching a 6-4 aggregate. They were beaten 2-3 in the first-leg at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak on July 19.
No one had thought that Faisal could make such a quick return to football after the acid attack at a shopping mall. And there was a huge cheer as Faisal, fondly known as Mickey, came on the field to warm up.
He acknowledged the crowd by waving at them.
“I brought as much spirit as possible to the team although I did not get to play. I am not fully fit but I am glad to have cheered the boys. Returning to the stadium is a new boost for me.
“I just trained with the team. I hope to progress well.”
In the 4-1 win, Selangor captain and centreback Safuwan Baharuddin was the hero, scoring a hattrick.
The Singaporean international scored two headers in the third and fifth minute and got his third goal with a sumptuous volley in the 54th minute.
Jordanian striker Reziq Bani Hani completed a glorious night for Selangor by scoring in the 93rd minute.
Terengganu’s goal was scored by Nigerian striker Ismaheel Akinade in the 22nd minute.
Safuwan revealed the win was good for the team as they look to bounce back after their recent away form in the Super League.
“It was not an easy night for both teams. We have had to endure some negativity but on Saturday, we turned it positive,” said Safuwan.
“Not only my goals, but our overall performance was better in terms of attack and defence. It was not easy to get the hattrick but I am not the only one who contributed. We have good set piece takers, that is one of the key factors we got the win tonight.
“The volley was pure instinct. It wasn’t something I worked on in training. I just took my chances well.”
