KUALA LUMPUR – The upcoming FA Cup final clash between Selangor FC and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on August 24 could be a “litmus test” for Faisal Halim, who is expected to be fully fit for the match at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Faisal, affectionately known as “Mickey”, surprised home fans at the MBPJ Stadium on August 3 when he was spotted on the substitutes’ bench during Selangor’s comeback against Terengganu FC. Selangor won 4-1 (6-4 on aggregate) to qualify for the final.
The first leg of the semi-final on July 19 saw Terengganu edge past Selangor with a 3-2 victory at home.
However, the 26-year-old winger, who suffered fourth-degree burns from an acid attack on May 5, was not given any game time in the intense match that drew 10,569 fans to the stadium.
Speaking to Scoop, head coach Nidzam Jamil said that the Penang-born player was more determined than ever to make his first appearance for the Red Giants this season.
Nidzam also mentioned that Faisal would potentially be given some game time in the club’s upcoming Super League clashes.
Currently ranked second in the Super League table with 13 points from seven games, Selangor will take on Kelantan United FC at the MBPJ Stadium on August 10.
“There’s a reason why I put Faisal on the bench. His presence motivates the entire team. We all know what kind of a motivator he is, and we needed his encouraging words for an important fixture like the one against Terengganu.
“On top of that, we had a few of our attacking players injured before the match, and we needed a solid winger on standby to make changes on the pitch when things weren’t working our way.
“Since he has been fit, I don’t see any harm in putting him on the bench because I know what he can do on the pitch when he’s in full form.
“Though he didn’t get game time against Terengganu, I can assure you he will get some in our upcoming Super League matches.
“His potential is evident, as he proves himself every week in training sessions. By giving him more match exposure in the weeks to come, we can expect him to be one-hundred-per-cent ready for the FA Cup final against JDT,” said Nidzam when contacted.
Faisal joined the Red Giants from Terengganu last year and scored 12 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions last season.
For the record, the Red Giants have won the FA Cup five times (1991, 1997, 2001, 2005 and 2009) in their 119-year history. – August 6, 2024