Selangor’s goalkeeper Mohd Khairul Azhan Khalid is giving our national goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi a run for his money, as they are now both favourites of Datuk Ong Kim Swee.
The two goalkeepers are vying for a place in the starting XI for the AFF Suzuki Cup this November 19.
While Kelantan’s Khairul Fahmi has always been the go-to keeper for Malaysia, Datuk Ong Kim Swee is also impressed with Selangor’s Khairul Azhan who stole the spotlight at the Malaysia Cup Final last weekend. The former Pahang goalkeeper saved two penalties in the penalty shootout that night.
On the other hand, Khairul Fahmi has led Malaysia to win the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup back in 2010, and he has been maintaining a good track record with the national team. But Khairul Azhan is not in a haste to claim the No. 1 jersey.
“I still have a lot to learn, but I will not let the team down if given the job. I know what’s in store at the Suzuki Cup. I was a reserve in the last Suzuki Cup two years ago. I leave it to the coach to decide whether I get to play,” he said.
Does this put Datuk Ong Kim Swee in a dilemma? Not really, he’s quite enjoying this. “This is one less headache for me in the goalkeeper department. I have able replacements in case of any injuries,” he was quoted as saying.
Well, you know what they say, may the best goalkeeper win!
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