Wan Zack Haikal - Google Blog Search
Wan Zack Haikal - Google Blog Search |
| Malaysia Football News: Ahmad Shakir Ali delighted after scoring for <b>...</b> Posted: 02 Mar 2012 12:28 AM PST Ahmad Shakir Ali did his chances of playing in this year's AFF Suzuki Cup no harm at all after scoring a late equaliser in Malaysia's 1-1 draw with the Philippines in Manila on Wednesday. It has been a long way back from the abyss for the 23-year-old Negri Sembilan striker, who last featured for Malaysia in a 5-0 friendly win over Lesotho in September 2009 before he was dropped from the victorious 2009 Sea Games squad. "I'm impressed with the team, we fought till the last minute. My goal is a result of teamwork. Even when we were a goal down, we did not give up. "This result is testament to our strong fighting spirit and the fact we never gave up," Shakir told Astro Arena in Manila after the game. The draw extended Malaysia's winless run in internationals to seven matches and this is the 20th game in which the national team failed to win on their opponents' ground since beating Sri Lanka 4-1 on March 24, 2007 in Colombo. Malaysia could have easily won the game had Philippines goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, third choice for English Premier League club Fulham, not been in superb form denying Safee and Safiq Rahim several times. Wolf's goal, too, could have been prevented had he been picked up at the back post where he headed in low from Jason Sabio's long throw-in. Winger Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor earned his first international cap while defender S. Subramaniam made a long awaited return to the national team with his first appearance in four years. Zaquan Adha Radzak played his first international since 2010 after struggling with injury last year and there was a first start for Terengganu forward Manaf Mamat after three previous substitute appearances. The bumpy Rizal Memorial Stadium pitch did not help with Malaysia's passing game as the hosts started aggressively but coach K. Rajagobal praised his side's second-half comeback. "Both teams played well with hunger and determination. I also give credit to the Philippines, I think it was a satisfying match," said Rajagobal at the post-match press conference. "We really expected Philippines to start aggressively. We could have sealed the game in the first half with two goals but went into half-time with none. It was a good thing we were able to come back in the second half. "All throughout it was an entertaining match. I want to give credit to my players for the never-give-up attitude they had today (Wednesday)." |
| Reach Beyond Your Limits: Azkals May Miss Top Players Posted: 01 Mar 2012 04:41 PM PST The feeling of joy and fulfilment of the national football team, popularly known as the Azkals, following their strong and inspiring stand against Southeast Asian Games champion Malaysia Wednesday night is being tempered by the uncertainty of having a diluted lineup in the coming AFC Challenge Cup. Rave reviews poured in after the Azkals nearly upset the Malaysians who shockingly were in the throes of a monumental setback before a late goal saved the evening for the visitors in a game that ended at 1-all. But the euphoria was soon clouded by the spectre of Azkals losing the game's scorer Denis Wolf as well as the services of the highly efficient keeper Neil Etheridge. Both are doubtful with Wolf reportedly having problems in securing his Philippine passport in time for the match beginning March 9 in Nepal, while Etheridge still needs permission from his English Club Fulham, where he is a substitute goalie, to play for the Philippines. "At the moment, I'm not too sure if I'll be able to play in the Challenge Cup," said Etheridge. "I have to talk to my coach back home and it's going to come down as to whether he will let me play." Besides these concerns, the Azkals are also unsure as to whether Stephan Schrock or Dennis Cagara will be allowed by their European clubs to play and there is also the knee of Chieffy Caligdong which is still hurting. After missing the last three friendly matches at home including the memorable encounter with David Beckham and the MLS champion LA Galaxy last December, Etheridge was back in action and did a spectacular job of protecting the net. The Azkal's game against Malaysia was perhaps their best against a regional powerhouse. They pushed their opponents to fits of frustration with their defense and their attack was consistent and relentless. It finally bore fruit with Wolf's header in the 34th minute from a long corner pass hurled by Jason Sabio. The goal sent the 8,000 fans into a frenzy. Their defense was also something to behold as they stopped scoring chances of the Malaysians who are far and away the more experienced team. Sabio and Juan Luis Guirado were able to neutralize striker Safee Sali and Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor and Mohd Zaquan Adha Abd Radzak. But the determined Malaysians finally found a hole when substitute Ahmad Shakir Mohd Ali hit the equalizer in extra time to salvage a draw. Malaysian mentor K. Rajagopal believes that the Azkals could make an impression against North Korea, India and Tajikistan in the group stage. By JONAS TERRADO mb.com.ph |
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