Exactly two years after an acid attack threatened to end his career, Selangor FC forward Faisal Halim says his passion for football remains stronger than ever as the Red Giants prepare for a crucial ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup semi-final showdown.
PETALING JAYA, May 5 — Selangor FC winger Faisal Halim has vowed to keep pushing himself to greater heights as he marks the second anniversary of the acid attack that nearly ended his football career, with the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™ now firmly in his sights.
The 28-year-old national forward suffered severe burns to his neck, shoulder, chest and hands in the shocking 2024 incident, undergoing four surgeries before making a remarkable return to competitive football.
Now, two years on, Faisal — affectionately known as “Mickey” — has emerged as one of Selangor’s key figures in their impressive continental campaign, contributing four goals during the group stage to help the Red Giants reach the semi-finals.
Selangor will host Nam Dinh FC of Vietnam in the first leg of their semi-final clash at MBPJ Stadium on Wednesday before the return leg in Vietnam next week.
“Today is a hard day for me as it’s two years after my accident. It’s not easy,” said Faisal.
“I’ve come back to play football again with the support of my teammates, family and friends. It’s hard for me but I’m eager and excited for tomorrow.”
“I hope we can get something for the fans, for the club.”
Following the attack, Faisal admitted he briefly considered walking away from football altogether, but the overwhelming support he received both locally and internationally helped him find the strength to continue.
“Even if my face is different, my heart and passion is still the same,” he said.
“I accept what happened before. I’m eager to work hard every game, every training session, to be the best.”
“Some people say Mickey is back, but for me, it’s not. I still want to work harder. I want to be consistent in every match.”
Faisal knows Selangor face a stern test against the reigning V.League 1 champions, who boast one of the tournament’s best defensive records after conceding just three goals in the group phase.
The Vietnamese side are spearheaded by prolific striker Nguyễn Xuân Son, while Selangor will look to Faisal and Brazilian forward Chrigor Moraes to deliver in front of home supporters.
Faisal believes capitalising on home advantage will be crucial before next week’s decisive second leg.
“If I can score, it’ll be beautiful for me but most important is the team first,” he said.
“We are ready for tomorrow. When we’re home, we have the advantage — our stadium, our grass, our families and supporters are here.”
“A lot of positive things.”