KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — The atmosphere in Selangor FC’s dressing room at the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium (MBPJ) turned emotional as their sensational winger Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim set foot there for the first time after being attacked with acid early last month.
Selangor head coach Nidzam Jamil said the presence of the 26-year-old player, better known as Faisal Halim, was unexpected and surprised the players and coaching staff.
He described the arrival of the national player, affectionately known as ‘Mickey’, as an inspiration for the team. The team advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2024/2025 FA Cup after defeating Negeri Sembilan 4-0 in the first-round match at the MBPJ Stadium yesterday.
“Certainly, Faisal’s presence was a morale booster because it felt like a missing piece had returned after a month. We were delighted to have Faisal here to watch the match; he also came to the dressing room before the game. We all hope he can rejoin us soon.
“The atmosphere in the dressing room was quite emotional at first, but we joked as usual. We missed talking to him, and I am happy to see his progress,” he said after the FA Cup first-round match at MBPJ Stadium.
On Thursday (June 13), Faisal made his first public appearance at a special press conference held at the Selangor FC Training Centre in Shah Alam since being splashed with acid by an unknown individual at a shopping mall last month.
Following the May 5 incident, he sustained fourth-degree burns on several parts of his body and was treated in the Intensive Care Unit for about 10 days.
Depending on his recovery process, Faisal is expected to be able to play again within three to six months.
Meanwhile, Nidzam expressed satisfaction with Selangor’s performance and the commitment shown by his players after taming Negeri Sembilan.
“For the FA Cup, any positive result that allows us to advance to the next stage is good. I think in terms of results and commitment, we (the coaching staff) are pleased,” he said.
Selangor will face Kuching City FC in the quarter-finals, which will be played on a home-and-away basis starting at the end of this month.
— Bernama
