Eki Is Harimau Malaya's Secret Weapon Against Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 (Bernama) – Malaysia national striker Muhammad Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi can play a key role in the Harimau Malaya squad which will be facing Thailand in the semi-finals of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2018. PKNP FC coach Abu Bakar Fadzim said five months of experience in Thailand's main league with Nakhon Ratchasima FC was a bonus to Muhammad Shahrel which could have impact on the country's offensive. He said Muhammad Shahrel, or better known as 'Eki', better understood the pattern of play of the ''The Elephant War ' squad’s players other than the destructive instincts he possessed which would definitely give difficulties to the opponent's defence. "Eki has his own weapons of attack and undeniably he also often gives a positive decision when fielded. The advantage of Eki in the action against Thailand is that he knows the Thai game style and knows their players’ strong points, "he told Bernama. Abu Bakar is the person responsible for forming Eki to be among the most potent strikers in the country who was crowned the 2017 National Footballer of the Year Award (ABK). Eki scored 29 goals for PKNP FC in three different league campaigns starting from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) League in 2016, the Premier League (2017) followed by the Super League (2018). Malaysia would entertain Thailand's visit at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Saturday in the first semi-finals action before visiting the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok for a reciprocal match on Dec 5. For the record, Malaysia's last defeat of Thailand was in 2014 which saw Malaysia winning 3-2 but failed to win the trophy following the 4-3 aggregate decision in favour of the Thai team. -- BERNAMA