Faiz shines on Harimau Malaya debut
Faiz Nasir was the star as Malaysia wrapped up their Airmarine Cup campaign by edging Afghanistan 2-1 to finish third at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Former Pahang import Faysal Shayestesh opened for the visitors with an unstoppable shot in the 32nd minute.
Malaysia, however, bounced back through Faiz Nasir a minute before half-time. It was a memorable moment for Faiz as it was the midfielder’s first appearance for the national team.
Tan Cheng Hoe’s men dominated the second half and were rewarded in the 82nd minute when Afghanistan’s Asbassin Alikhil turned in a Matthew Davies cross into his own net.
The win was a huge boost as Afghanistan are ranked 20 places above Harimau Malaya on the Fifa rankings.
“The team responded well following the defeat to Singapore and I am proud of them,” said Cheng Hoe yesterday.
Faiz was among four players (Hadin Azman, Halim Saari and Rizal Ghazali) handed their first starts in the competition.
The diminutive midfielder was the undoubted star of the show as he displayed composure with matching techniques that belie any nerves he had on his international debut.
Standing at 1.52m, Faiz was not hindered by his size. He ran rings around his well-built opponents throughout the game.
“Faiz Nasir showed confidence, despite earning only his first cap today,” added Cheng Hoe.
Malaysia’s next assignment is the 2022 World Cup-cum-2023 Asian Cup qualifiers. They are expected to start their campaign in the playoffs.