If you were at the game, you wouldn’t even need this article to validate your own choice. I bet your choice will be synonymous to mine.
It’s usually difficult to pin-point one individual player for good performance, when the score line is 0-0 but Hafizul Hakim’s performance in between Perak’s sticks was absolutely stupendous.
He was identified by many to be the weak link in Perak’s starting eleven, considering that Zamir Selamat is still nursing his injury. After all, Hafizal played for Melaka United last year – nothing too fancy.
But the Ipoh-born lad produced a stunning performance, denying Kelantan’s forwards on several occasions to keep Perak in the game. He saved two free-kicks in the first half, before going on to produce a De Gea-esque save to deny Dramane Traore’s excellent header, midway through the second half.
Even when Kelantan got the ball inside the net, it was only after Hafizal had parried Brendan’s initial attempt away, only for the offside Ilijoski to tap it in. If that wasn’t enough, Lucca’s well placed shot on the 86th minute, was yet again, saved by Hafizal.
Considering the flak they’ve been receiving throughout pre-season, Perak will be happy to get their season off to a positive start. But Hafizal’s performance will boost their confidence ahead of what will undoubtedly be a tough season. No Zamir, no problem.
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