FA Cup: Kedah man travels 450km to cheer on Faisal Halim

KUALA LUMPUR: Irfan Afif Ramli is the embodiment of football fandom.

Though he was born and raised in Kedah, the 25-year-old has travelled nearly 450km for a match between Selangor FC and Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), just to cheer on his hero Faisal Halim.

Faisal plays for the Red Giants and Irfan wants to witness the winger in action months after a brutal acid attack left him with severe burns.

Irfan hopes Faisal, who also plays for the national team, will be the catalyst for Selangor's first FA Cup triumph in 15 years.

"I arrived in Kuala Lumpur from Alor Setar yesterday," said Irfan who was wearing Selangor's famous red and yellow jersey.

"I walked from my hotel to the stadium and got here around 5pm.

"My only wish tonight is to see Faisal score a goal. Since his return, I haven't seen him find the net, and I'm hoping tonight will be his moment," said Irfan.

While he concedes JDT will be difficult to beat, Irfan said he hopes Selangor can pull off an upset.

Asked if he had anything to say to his hero, Irfan said, "Even though you don't know me, I know you.

"I've travelled all the way from Alor Setar, and even though it's far from the red and yellow, I've embraced these colours in support of you.

"Tonight, show everyone what you're capable of and score a goal," said Irfan.

Following his acid attack, Faisal has only featured briefly as a substitute for Selangor in two matches.