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Players to watch: jet-heeled Arif Aiman, Faisal ready to torment Asian Cup defenders | Scoop
Speedsters Faisal Halim (left) and Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi have been key to Kim Pan-gon’s Malaysia team, especially with their consistent scoring. – Abdul Razak Latif/Scoop pic, January 10, 2024
Sports

Players to watch: jet-heeled Arif Aiman, Faisal ready to torment Asian Cup defenders

Former captain Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan tips speedy wingers to get goals for Malaysia

Main Author Image
Sandru Narayanan
Updated
5:00 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Former national team captain Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan asserts that Malaysia’s secret weapon for their upcoming Asian Cup campaign lies in the prowess of their wingers, who are anticipated to pose a threat to their opponents.

The 62-year-old has said that the combination of Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi and Faisal Halim is enough to secure the maximum number of goals for Malaysia in the tournament.

“Both Arif and Faisal are currently in the form of their lives, playing exceptionally well for both their clubs and the national team. They have been key figures in coach Kim Pan-gon’s squad, consistently scoring in important matches.

“Opponents will face a tough time playing against these players, as they are incredibly quick and unpredictable with their offensive movements when in possession of the ball.

Former Malaysia captain Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan (pic) has lauded Arif Aiman and Faisal for their hunger and desire to play for the national badge. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, January 10, 2024

“Both players possess the hunger and desire to play for the badge, showcasing it through their consistent performances on the pitch. If they maintain their fine form, I can guarantee that Harimau Malaya can advance to the knockout stages of the tournament or even further with ease.

“The Asian Cup tournament also serves as the perfect platform for these players to unleash their maximum capabilities, as they could potentially be scouted by some of the best teams in the world to join their football clubs. Many Asian players are currently making a mark in foreign leagues,” said Zainal, who won 116 caps and scored 50 goals for Malaysia.

Arif Aiman, who plays for Johor Darul Ta’zim, has scored a total of seven goals for Harimau Malaya in 22 appearances since making his debut in 2021, while Faisal has scored 14 goals in 25 appearances since his debut in 2019.

Before the actual tournament, Malaysia drew 2-2 in a closed-door friendly against Syria at the Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Monday.

Harimau Malaya’s goals were scored by Arif Aiman and Paulo Josue, who plays for Kuala Lumpur City.

Meanwhile, Zainal applauded Pan-gon’s tactics for the national team; however, he feels that the South Korean’s charges should not rely too much on individual players to get the job done.

Despite lauding Kim Pan-gon’s (pic) tactics, Zainal has cautioned against Malaysia relying too much on individual players to get the job done. – Scoop pic, January 10, 2024

“The team have been performing well recently against higher-ranked teams, but the goals are mostly contributed by certain players, and this needs to change.

“Besides Arif and Faisal, most other players seem a bit weak in finishing their chances. Football is a team game, and everyone has to play their part.

“Harimau Malaya don’t get 10-15 chances in a game; they only get a few opportunities. Most of the time, it doesn’t fall to Arif and Faisal, and other players should step up, and capitalise on their chances,” Zainal added.

Malaysia, who ended a 42-year wait to qualify for the Asian Cup on merit, will begin their Group E campaign against Jordan on January 15, followed by clashes with Bahrain on January 20 and two-time champions South Korea on January 25. – January 10, 2024

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