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Malaysia goalkeeper Khairul believes he can shut the door on fancied Japan

ByERIC SAMUEL

FUKUOKA: National goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat is ready to shut the door on fancied Japan today.
Last year, greenhorn Khairul did well to concede only two goals to the Asian giants in a group match at the Asian Games in Guangzhou.

Now, a wiser and mature Khairul said he was ready to face the “Young Samurai” squad and hopefully get a better result than at the Asian Games.

“I admit that the Japan frontline and their speedy wingers kept me busy throughout that match. The attack came from all corners and I see Japan coming at us hard again,” said Khairul at the team hotel yesterday.
Japan’s star striker Kensuke Nagai will be the one to watch as he beat Khairul for the opening goal in the Asian Games.

The other strikers are Masato Kudo and Takamitsu Tomiyama.

“They will give me hell again but I am more confident now. I more or less know their game and will work hard with the defenders to put up a strong fort at the back,” he said.

Khairul said it would need team effort to stop the fleet-footed Japanese from running riot in the box.
“The defenders will have to be at their best and most importantly, they cannot afford to lose concentration in the box.

“We have put in a lot of effort in our defensive discipline in training and I hope we will be able to shut them out and steal at least a point from Japan,” said Khairul.

The defence will comprise the same backline in the Asian Games except for newcomer Mohd Zubir Azmi at the left-back position. The others are Mohd Fadhli Shas, Mohd Muslim Ahmad (centre-back) and Mahalli Jasuli (right-back).

There is no doubt a lot will rest in the hands of Khairul, who made his mark as a rookie goalkeeper in the Asian Games.

The Kelantan custodian was thrown into first-team action following injuries to regular national goalkeepers Mohd Sharbinee Allawee and Mohd Farizal Marlias.

“What an experience it turned out for me. I have studied the video clips of the match and we know what to expect from them this time around,” said Khairul.

After the Asian Games, Khairul established himself as the number one goalkeeper and played an instru­mental role in Malaysia’s triumph in the Suzuki Cup Asean Football Federation (AFF) Championships last year.
Khairul was voted Best Young Player and Best Goalkeeper in the national football awards last year.



THE STAR

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