On the second anniversary of the tragic acid attack that significantly impacted his life, Selangor FC captain Faisal Halim, affectionately known as “Mickey,” has declared that his passion for the game remains unshaken. As the Red Giants prepare to face Vietnam’s Nam Dinh in the first leg of the Shopee Cup (Asean Club Championship) semi-finals tomorrow night at MBPJ Stadium, Faisal is focused on securing a victory that holds deep personal and professional significance.

Reflecting on the two years since the incident on May 5, 2024, Faisal admitted that while his physical appearance has altered, his internal drive to succeed is stronger than ever. During the pre-match press conference, he shared that while his face may be different, his spirit and passion to be the best remain the same. The 28-year-old winger emphasized his goal to return to the peak performance levels he displayed before the attack, maintaining consistency for both himself and his club.

Despite the emotional weight of the date, Faisal remains a vital asset for Selangor as he is currently the club’s leading attacker in the tournament with four goals in five matches. He has netted 22 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions this season and noted that while scoring on this anniversary would be beautiful, the team’s victory is his absolute priority.

Selangor head coach Kim Pan Gon also expressed a strong desire to lead the team to the final, viewing it as a crucial step in rebuilding the club’s character. Since taking charge in January, Pan Gon has guided the “Gergasi Merah” to an impressive record of 12 wins, five draws, and only one defeat. The coach believes a home win is essential before the return leg in Vietnam on May 16, stating that the DNA of Selangor is always about wanting to control and dominate the game. He urged his players to recognize the importance of this match for the club’s future, noting that a spot in the final would significantly boost the confidence of both the squad and its supporters.