PETALING JAYA: Two years after a life-altering assault, footballer Faisal Halim is choosing resilience over despair as he prepares to lead Selangor into a crucial regional showdown.
The pint-sized winger is determined to deliver a standout performance for the Red Giants when they face Vietnamese club Nam Dinh in the Shopee Asean Club Championships semi-final first leg at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Wednesday (May 6).
Tuesday (May 5) marks a poignant date for the 28-year-old. On that day in 2024, the former 2023 Asian Cup top scorer was the victim of an acid attack at a shopping mall in Kota Damansara, suffering fourth-degree burns on multiple parts of his body.
Now, Faisal is focused on moving forward and reclaiming his best form.
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"Over the past two years, I have learned to accept what happened and move forward," he said.
"My passion has not changed. Even if my appearance may be different, my desire to be the best is still there. I continue to work hard every single day.
"I always want to give my best for myself, for the team, and for my club."
Faisal added that his goal is not just to return to action, but to regain the consistency that once made him one of the region’s most feared attackers.
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"I want to return to the level of performance I had two years ago. It is not just about coming back or playing well in a few matches – I want to be consistent in every game.
"When I get the ball, I want opponents to already feel my presence."
With Selangor eyeing a place in the final, Faisal’s determination could prove vital as the Red Giants look to seize the advantage on home ground.
