BANGKOK: In his final appearance for the Malaysian Under-23 football team, Haqimi Azim Rosli looked to be the villain – but, luckily for him, redemption came swiftly.
He was down and out after enduring the agony of scoring an own goal. However, minutes later, the 22-year-old Kuala Lumpur striker rose again, this time as Malaysia’s saviour, to end Harimau Muda’s eight-year wait for a SEA Games medal.
The stirring 2-1 win over the Philippines at the Rajamangala Stadium yesterday gave Malaysia the bronze medal.
Haqimi could finally smile after the game. “I didn’t score one, but two,” he joked.
Malaysia had taken the lead in the 27th minute through Danish Hakimi Sahaluddin, but the Philippines did fight, with Antoine Ortega’s long throw-ins putting immense pressure on the Malaysian defence.
One delivery in the 36th minute deceived the Malaysian defence, with Haqimi unfortunate to glance the ball into his own net.
“I was really down,” Haqimi admitted. “But Aysar (Hadi Sapri) and Ubai (Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili) pushed me. They told me I can do it.”
Six minutes later, Abdul Rahman Daud split the Filipino backline with a perfect through pass and Haqimi burst forward to calmly beat goalkeeper Nicholas Guimaraes to restore Malaysia’s lead.
“I just ran and scored. I am really happy,” he said.
This tournament marked Haqimi’s final appearance at Under-23 level and he leaves with pride.
“I am proud of these boys because we faced a lot of challenges,” he said, citing injuries, suspensions and Izwan Alif Izwan Yuslan’s fractured shoulder.
“We didn’t have enough players but we did well.”
Looking ahead, Haqimi hopes the breakthrough translates into opportunity for Malaysia’s next generation.
“In the league, we need more competitive games. There are many A1 players in this squad. They need to play at a higher level, the Super League.”
As for himself, the work continues.
“I rarely play in the league as well. I have to work harder when I return to Kuala Lumpur.”
