AKMAL BACK FOR MALAYSIA

Initially, Akmal was left out of the national squad in preparation for their friendly against Indonesia but following the injury to Shafizan Hashim, it has allowed the former Kedah front man back in the team.

Shafizan was injured during a recent friendly game and had to be left out of the team which will be off to Surabaya to play the game against the Indonesian national team slated for this Friday.

“I should be grateful to head coach Sathia for having the faith in me,” said Akmal.

“And with this chance, I have to prove that I’m still good at the international level and that I can have a positive contribution to the squad. As a striker, I have to score goals and I will have to do just that even if I get to play as a substitute.”

The last time AKmal appeared in the ‘Royal Yellow’ of Malaysia was back in 2002 at the Asean Football Championship.

Sathia said that the decision to re-include Akmal was made based on the player’s ability.

“He is a good striker and I really hope that he will use this opportunity to show what he still has and that he can be an asset to the national squad all the way to the Asean Football Championship at the end of the year.”