In what was only his third start for Kuala Lumpur City this season during the AFC Cup 2022 ASEAN Zonal Semi-final against Viettel FC on Wednesday, ended in a celebratory and jubilant mode as Azri G. emerged hero in the penalty shootout, saving The Red Tornado’s seventh spotkick by Bui Duy Thuong to send the City Boys into the final on August 24, 2022 at home, against fellow group mates PSM Makassar of Indonesia for a ticket to the Inter Zone Semi-Final against India’s Mohun Bagan.
Vietnam did not rank highly in Azri G.’s list of places to go following his exploits with the national team during the Hanoi SEA Games in May this year, but he exorcised those demons of the past with a confident and assuring display for the Red & White’s in the 6-5 win on sudden-death penalties after both teams were tied at 0-0 following extra time at the Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam.
peaking of the win to The Star on Friday and The Voice of The City Boys over the weekend, the Kota Bharu born custodian who also started the AFC Cup group fixture against PSM Makassar last June, was level headed in deflecting the hero label accorded to by fans.
“Firstly, all praises to Allah for our win. We qualified for the ASEAN Zonal Final in our first attempt.”
“This success is not only because of me but the whole team. My save alone didn’t get the team to the final. We all worked our socks off to frustrate Viettel, who dominated the game. The team gave their whole commitment and more than their best.”
“Viettel FC, we know, is a good team. They have national (Vietnam) players and excellent foreigners, but that no longer matters. We won (laughs)!”
Continuing, he revealed,
“In the SEA Games, Malaysia lost because of my mistake. And I haven’t stopped thinking about how I can make up for that. When I got the chance to play in the AFC Cup, especially against a side from Vietnam, I knew I had to do well.”
The 23-year old goalkeeper paid tribute to his teammates in helping him remain composed at such an important fixture and he also extended his gratitude to the headcoach.
“For someone who doesn’t get to play regularly in the league but is thrust into such a big game, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. But my mates were always there to keep me calm.’’
“I must thank coach Bojan, who believed in me. A penalty shootout is tough because it’s nerve-wracking for anyone. So I’m thrilled to make the crucial save.”
The City Boys are two time ASEAN level champions in 1987 and 1989, when it was known as the ASEAN Champions’ Cup, back then a part of the AFC Asian Club Championship.
To read the match report of Viettel vs KL City on 10/8/2022 (AFC Cup), please click COMING SOON
To watch the highlights of Viettel vs KL City on 10/8/2022 (AFC Cup), please click https://youtu.be/Pic615Sh4rY
To watch the complete match of Viettel vs KL City on 10/8/2022 (AFC Cup), please click https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_cup.html