KUALA LUMPUR: Goalkeeper Ahmad Solehin Mamat's impressive display in saving three penalties in Saturday's FA Cup third round win over Melaka has given Kuala Lumpur coach Fabio Maciel a new headache.
Solehin's assured performance at the Hang Jebat Stadium, where KL battled with 10 men for an hour to hold Melaka 1-1 to the end of extra-time before winning 3-1 on penalties, makes him a contender to remain between the posts when the two teams meet again in a Super League match on Mar 31.
Maciel, who has stayed true to Kamarul Effandi Rahim in KL's league games despite several glaring mistakes, said he is pleased to have more options among the goalkeepers.
"I know what Solehin can give because last year he played many games under me," said Maciel after KL advanced to the FA Cup quarter-finals for a second time in three years.
"He did a great job and he is a fantastic goalkeeper. But for the next match, we will decide after looking at the condition of the players.
"It is a good headache for a coach to have so many players fighting for positions. Syazwan (Andik Ishak) has also done well to take his chance when he came in and we have a good group of players."
KL recovered from going behind in the fourth minute when Yahor Zubovich headed in his eighth goal of the season before Guilherme De Paula equalised in the 31st minute.
Following the dismissal of centre-back Boburjon Akbarov for earning a second yellow card in the 63rd minute, KL defended resolutely for the rest of the game before heading to a shoot-out.
Solehin saved from Khair Jones, G. Puaneswaran and Tiago Gomes while De Paula, Indra Putra Mahayuddin and Paulo Josue converted their spot-kicks to send KL through.
"We played half the match with 10 men but we practiced in training for this kind of situation and we were well-prepared. The players did a great job," said Maciel.