I did it!: Faisal Halim running towards coach Kim Pan-gon after the match against BG Pathum United. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Striker Faisal Halim pointed to the skies before embracing coach Kim Pan-gon at the final whistle as he continued to mark personal triumph in his footballing career.
In Selangor’s debut Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup campaign, they sealed a semi-final berth after a gritty 1-1 draw against Thai giants BG Pathum United at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Wednesday.
It was anything but straightforward, with the Red Giants forced to battle with 10 men for more than 70 minutes.
Captain Faisal gave Selangor the perfect start with a superb opening goal in the 36th minute.
Receiving a pass on the left from Brazilian striker Chrigor Moraes, he took on two defenders, cut inside and curled a right-footed effort from inside the box past BG Pathum goalkeeper Saranon Anuin.
Faisal was elated with his form, given the personal challenges he has endured over the past two seasons.
“I didn’t expect to be where I am now. It hasn’t been easy to get here,” said the 28-year-old winger, an acid attack victim in 2024 whose case remains unresolved.
“A lot of thoughts came back when I was making my comeback.
“With the support of my team, my teammates and everyone around me, my wife and my son, what I’m experiencing now feels like a gift from God, or even an award.
“I’m thankful and grateful. But I can’t stop here. I have to keep working hard and continue this fight.”
After Faisal’s explosive start, Selangor’s task became significantly tougher when Cape Verdean winger Alvin Fortes was sent off in the 25th minute.
Fortes was initially dispossessed by BG Pathum centreback Kritsada Kaman, but his follow-through saw him stamp on the Thai defender.
BG Pathum eventually drew level in the 63rd minute through an own goal by Selangor’s Ghanaian centreback Richmond Ankrah.
“I can’t say much right now. Ninety minutes, a 1-1 draw, and knowing that the goal I scored took us through - I’ll enjoy this moment,” said Faisal.
“I also have to praise the boys for a valiant fight. Playing with 10 men for more than 70 minutes was not easy, but the coach told us to give everything because we were up against a top-class side.
“I just hope we will get two or three days’ break,” he joked.
Faisal has been outstanding in the Shopee Cup, scoring four goals, while Moraes has played a key supporting role with three assists and one goal.
Overall, Faisal has scored 19 goals and nine assists in all competitions, having featured in 33 matches for Selangor so far.
Since Pan-gon’s arrival in January, Selangor have stayed unbeaten in all competitions, winning the first five games and drawing the next two.
And, since Pan-gon came, Faisal has scored seven goals, proving that their combination is so important for Selangor’s growth for the remainder of the season.
South Korean Pan-gon said: “Step by step, I keep saying, we are making progress but this is not enough. First, we have to humble ourselves. We are not at the level we want yet.”
“We have a lot of work to do on and off the field to be even better. We have to keep fighting.”
