Melaka’s trump card, goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, and chief coach E. Elavarasan are counting on the player for a positive result against PKNP (Perak SEDC) in Tuesday’s Super League match at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh.
Khairul Fahmi played an impressive role in Melaka’s two impressive away wins, against Kedah (2-0) and Kuala Lumpur (4-3) but did not feature against KL in the second round at Hang Jebat Stadium on June 9 before the Hari Raya break and the result was a heartbreaking 4-2 defeat despite leading 2-1 at one stage.
“Apek” as Khairul is popularly known in the football fraternity, was given leave to be with his wife in Kota Bahru to celebrate the arrival of a new addition to the family.Â
Reserve keeper Zamri Selamat was fielded but the one-time national trainee was far from impressive between the posts was responsible for the “soft goals” in the defeat to KL.
Also back in the first team is another new signing Lee Chang-hoon. The Korean midfielder sat out the Kl match at the Hang Jebat Stadium due to an ankle injury.
“The return of the two has given the team more confidence to face PKNP. The Perak outfit is a tough nut to crack, especially at home. We need a positive result after the disappointing defeat to KL,” said Elavarasan from Ipoh.
“I don’t wish to out players but Zamir Selamat made costly errors that cost us precious points against KL. Khairul is an asset to the team. He is playing well since joining us in midseason.
“On his current form, I expect him (Khairul) to be called up to the national team. At this stage of the league, he is the best goalkeeper in the country,” added Elavarasan.
Melaka is currently ninth in the 12-team league with 17 points with PKNP 10th with the same number of points but with a game in hand. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
