SEARCH FOR STRIKER GOES ON
Syafiq best bet to replace Norshahrul
THE central striker issue appears permanently vexing for Malaysia.
Norshahrul Idlan Talaha led the attacking line for Malaysia in seven of their eight international matches this year, but the 33-year-old failed to offer depth as he is not the player he used to be due to his advanced age.
However, Tan Cheng Hoe still believes in N o rshahrul, who has scored only one goal for the national team this year, as the coach feels the player is an excellent ball distributor in attack.
Cheng Hoe, however, could try out Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Syafiq Ahmad in the future. The forward could provide a solution in attack for Malaysia following his fine performances of late.
Syafiq has donned national
colours five times this year, playing as an attacking midfielder, scoring two goals — one each against Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates in recent World Cup qualifying matches.
In total, Syafiq has netted five goals for Harimau Malaya since making his international debut against North Korea in an Asian Cup qualifying match in November, 2017.
Realising Syafiq’s qualities, former AFC Cup champions JDT served a surprise by playing the 1.74m player as a central striker in their 3-2 win over PJ City in Friday’s Malaysia Cup Group B match at the Petaling Jaya Stadium.
And the 24-year-old did not disappoint as he netted a brace in the 37th and 60th minutes with Safawi Rasid adding the other in the 24th minute to earn JDT a quarter-final spot.
Asked whether he was comfortable leading JDT’s attacking line, Syafiq said: “I can play in any position for JDT.
“The coach decides where I should play. My responsibility is to do my best and contribute to the team.
“When I was informed that I would be starting in the match, I told myself that I needed to continue my good form following the success of scoring two goals for Malaysia recently.
“I think I did well. The focus now is to help JDT win matches. I will continue to train hard and give my best in matches,” said Syafiq.
For the record, Syafiq has scored five times in 16 appearances for JDT in all competitions this year.
JDT on 13 points have topped Group B with one match to spare.
PJ City FC and Perak SEDC, who blanked UiTM FC 4-0 in Manjung on Friday, will now fight for second spot to join JDT in the quarter-finals.
“We needed to win this match to qualify for the last eight. It was a tough game but we fought hard. Those who had just returned from national duty all managed to perform well,” said JDT’s Mexico-born coach Benjamin Mora.