Stepping up: Hafizul Hakim (right) ready to take over Azri Ghani’s role as goalkeeper. — Kuala Lumpur City FC
PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur will lean on their back-up goalkeepers for an all-important regional challenge.
The City Boys will not have their undisputed number one goalkeeper Azri Ghani for the AFF Club Championships Group B game against Vietnamese club Cong An Ha Noi at the Cheras Football Stadium on Thursday but they are not worried.
The Malaysian goalkeeper is down with an ankle injury and would only be available for the penultimate Group B match against Thai club Buriram United at the Chang Arena in Buriram on Feb 6.
Hafizul Hakim and New Zealand youngster Lawton Green could be in line to replace him.
The 31-year-old Hafizul has always been the second choice for Kuala Lumpur, playing only two Super League games this year, but Green, 21, is a regular for their Under-23 team that play in the MFL Cup.
In terms of minutes, Green has a chance but Hafizul was once a top goalkeeper for Perak and even played for Malaysia in the past, earning nice caps.
Hafizul is ready to replace Azri but knows he needs to compete well against Green in training.
“It was a big blow when Azri got injured because he is our number one. It is not easy to replace someone like Azri,” said Hafizal.
“I will do my best to help the team get three points if given the starting berth by coach (Miroslav Kuljanac).
“Lawton and I are pushing each other in training, so I know I’m not a sure bet to replace Azri.”
If he starts, Hafizul will have to step up immediately as the opponents are blessed with superb talents like playmaker and captain Nguyen Quang Hai, Brazilian winger Leo Artur, wingback Doan Van Hau and winger Phan Van Duc.
Hafizul also has sentimental reasons if he starts against Cong An, as he wants to win it for his former goalkeeper coach Zailani Abu Bakar, who passed away on Jan 13.
Though he only coached the keepers for four months, Hafizul said his presence was positive not just for them, but the whole team.
“Coach Jai’s (Zailani) passing had an impact on us. He was with us during the 0-1 defeat against Selangor on Jan 12, training us and the next day, he was gone. It was shocking.
“He was with us for a short time but his cheerful presence galvanised the squad. He also improved us a lot as keepers. We will bring his energy and spirit against Cong An.”
