Malaysia counting on Shahrel to be their secret weapon
PETALING JAYA: Shahrel Fikri Fauzi will be heavily relied on as Malaysia prepare to face Thailand in the first-leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final on Saturday.
The winger, who made 12 appearances and scored two goals for Thai side Nakhon Ratchasima in the Thai League 1, has been deemed as the key to unlock Thailand’s weaknesses.
“Every Thai player that I have faced in their league has always given his best and what sets them apart is their individual skills,” said Shahrel.
“Who should we mark? It is tough because all their players are good.
“Even without their top players Teerasil (Dangda), Teerathon ( Bunmathan), Chanathip ( Songkrasin) and Kawin (Thamsatchanan), their squad’s depth is still strong.”
Yesterday, Shahrel posted a picture on Instagram of his former teammate in Nakhon Ratchasima, Chalermpong Kerdkaew, who is the Thai team captain.
Shahrel only had good things to say about the 32-year-old centreback.
“It feels good to face my captain because we were very close in Thailand.
“I haven’t communicated with him yet because he is not the kind of person who entertains social media.
“His strengths have always been his aerial duels and reading of the game but he does not have pace.
“We should be fast with our attacks if we want to get past him.
“I am looking forward to this match and I do not want to disappoint the fans in Bukit Jalil.”
The 24-year-old Shahrel is grateful for the chance to don national colours in the AFF Suzuki Cup, especially after having gone through a health scare way back in 2014.
He was refused a spot in the Harimau Muda set-up due to a heart problem.
But the Tawau-born player never gave up hope.
“From 2016 to 2018, I played for Per a kS tate Development Corporation Football Club ( PKNP FC) from the FAM League to the Super League and then joined a Thai club on loan. The journey is full of ups and downs,” he said
“Playing for Malaysia in the AFF Suzuki Cup is a proud moment for me and I wish to continue to do my best for the country.
“I never gave up on this dream,” said Shahrel, who is also able to play as a striker.
For the national team, Shahrel has been used as an impact sub in all the matches except for the 0-2 defeat against Vietnam in Hanoi, in which he started up front.
The player, known for his ability to leave defenders in his wake, relishes the role given by national coach Tan Cheng Hoe.
“I like this role. I know both the senior strikers – Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and Zaquan Adha Abdul Razak – have been delivering the goals for the team,” he said.
“It is a bit tough to get into the first eleven because of their form but as an impact sub, I am able to tire down the defence and help score and assist for the team.
“My aim now is to score for the nation in this tournament.”