Irfan: Don’t compare me to Aidil
Irfan Zakaria does not want fans to compare his performance to that of Aidil Zafuan Radzak.
Irfan earned his first AFF Cup start in the 2-2 draw against Vietnam in Tuesday’s final first leg in Bukit Jalil following an injury to regular Aidil.
“Many fans expect fringe players like myself to play the same way as the regulars in the team.
“Everyone is playing for a common goal. However, each player has his own abilities and it is tough when people compare you with others,” said Irfan, who has earned 10 caps, on Thursday.
Irfan came in as a substitute against Cambodia (group match) and Thailand (semi-finals, return leg) before earning his first start against Vietnam.
Many regarded his performance against Thailand as a disaster after he came in for Aidil in the 18th minute in Bangkok.
However, the 23-year-old performed better against Vietnam in the first leg though he found it hard to stop Vietnam’s speedy strikers.
“I gave my all in that match. My coach (Tan Cheng Hoe) and my teammates have been encouraging me and this has helped me in gaining confidence,” he said.
Irfan, who is best remembered for being part of the national youth team that won the silver at last year’s Kuala Lumpur Sea Games, added that he still needs to work on his consistency.