When Diego Maradona turned on his magic in Malaysia to down Mokhtar Dahari and Fandi Ahmad’s FA Selangor

Soccer followers everywhere in the world are mourning the passing of one in every of its biggest abilities; Argentinian World Cup winner Diego Maradona on 25 November 2020.

The star who was well-known for his goal-scoring exploits for his nation in addition to for Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli reportedly died on the age of 60 after struggling a coronary heart assault at his residence in Tigre, Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires gathers to have a good time the lifetime of Diego Maradona 🇦🇷

🎥 @DanEdwardsGoal pic.twitter.com/iSxBAW9jT8

— Purpose Asia (@Goal_Asia_) November 26, 2020

Many within the footballing world bear in mind him fondly for his prowess in addition to for his antics, and Malaysia too has witnessed his magic, when he was a budding star at Argentinian champions Boca Juniors, all the way in which again in 1982.

As part of their anniversary celebration, then Malaysian giants Selangor organized quite a few pleasant matches towards worldwide golf equipment equivalent to Switzerland‘s Young Boys and Grasshoppers FC, Japan‘s Matsushita FC, and Boca Juniors.

The Argentinian aspect had been on the time travelling overseas for their very own sequence of pleasant matches, having lately received their 20th Metropolitano Argentine Primera División title. Maradona in the meantime was solely a rising star who had simply joined them the yr earlier than, though he had made his nationwide group debut again in 1977. Additionally in tow was the likes of Uruguay worldwide Ariel Krasouski and Argentina defender Oscar Ruggeri.

The encounter between the Selangor Invitation aspect and Boca Juniors was performed on the Merdeka Stadium on 12 February 1982.

The Purple Giants in the meantime featured their very own stars R. Arumugam, Mokhtar Dahari, Santokh Singh, in addition to invitational gamers equivalent to Malaysia legend Soh Chin Ann, Thai star Piyapong Pue-on Singapore and future Singapore legend Fandi Ahmad, who obtained a brief leave from his nation’s Nationwide Service to play within the pleasant.

The inclusion of Fandi proved to be astute, when he opened the scoring within the match simply three minutes in. He related with Jamaluddin Norbit’s nook kick utilizing his head to attain previous goalkeeper Carlos Alberto Rodriguez, sending the 25,000 residence crowd into elation.

The followers current might have been forgiven for pondering that the house group could come away with a shock win, judging from Selangor’s dominance within the first 15 minutes. In accordance with a report, Selangor had been reportedly promised a return fixture in Argentina in the event that they managed to supply a win towards the favourites.

However then the Golden Child turned his magic on.

Within the 18th minute, he despatched Carlos Cordoba by way of with a go which the defender completed with an correct drive, for the equaliser.

Simply earlier than the hour mark, Maradona took a extra direct involvement to attain the winner, beating Arumugam in a one-on-one scenario.

Footage of the aim may be seen right here:

The match led to a 2-1 win to the guests, and Maradona and co. quickly flew off to Japan for his or her subsequent friendlies.

It was maybe simply one other pleasant encounter for the Argentines, however Malaysian followers keep in mind that match fondly for the truth that it featured not solely the longer term star and World Cup winner, but in addition Malaysia’s personal goal-scoring legend and among the finest Asian strikers on the time, Mokhtar Dahari. Their photograph collectively, taken throughout the pre-kickoff pennants alternate, continues to be well-known to this present day, and much more so immediately after information of Maradona’s passing broke.

Simply months after the encounter, the longer term legend would safe a transfer to Europe, signing for Spanish giants Barcelona, en path to attaining his 1986 World Cup title, extra accolades and his legendary standing.

His passing shall be mourned by soccer followers everywhere in the world, younger and previous, even these in Malaysia.

Different sources:

– Boca Juniors eye Fandi

– Boca Juniors lawan Jemputan Selangor XI (Januari 1982)