PETALING JAYA: Selangor fans can expect something spectacular from winger Faisal Halim in the FA Cup final as he believes the 45-minute performance in the Sultan of Selangor Cup against the Singapore selection on Saturday was not a reflection of his true form.
Faisal, wearing a black mask, played for the Selangor selection in the first half and helped the team win 2-1 to retain the cup for the third consecutive time at the Merdeka Stadium.
Giving a good fight: Selangor’s Faisal Halim (right) is challenged by a Singapore selection player in the Sultan of Selangor Cup match at the Merdeka Stadium. — Selangor FC
Except for a minor hand injury during the match, the 26-year-old national striker was positive and continued to show an improved performance since suffering a serious acid attack by an unknown person at a mall on May 5.
Faisal had suffered fourth degree burns and was in intensive care unit (ICU) for 10 days. He underwent surgeries before playing again on June 16 in an FA Cup match against Negri Sembilan.
“I believe the 45 minutes don’t reflect my true performance. If compared to my previous performance, I have not reached my maximum level,” said Faisal.
“I still need the time to achieve that level and I hope everyone will give me the space to achieve my true ability again.
“Although I suffered a minor injury by falling down and spraining my left hand, it’s not serious. I am more confident and want to focus on improving my fitness and strengthen my condition.”
The positive vibes form Faisal will be a welcome news for the Red Giants as they face a formidable task of facing powerhouse Johor Darul Ta’zim in the FA Cup final at the National Stadium on Saturday (Aug 24).
In the second leg of the semi-finals, Selangor turned around a 2-3 first-leg defeat away to Terengganu by notching a 4-1 victory at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Aug 3 to reach the final with a 6-4 aggregate.
“We are going to the final with one objective. Whether we win or lose, we want to give our best for the Selangor fans,” added Faisal.
Johor, who outran Kedah with a 5-1 aggregate in the last four, will be the team to beat but the presence of sentimental favourite Faisal in the final will give the Selangor fans everything to cheer for on Saturday.
