MAN FULFILLS BLIND BROTHER'S WISH TO CHEER ON THE MALAYSIAN FOOTBALL TEAM IN QATAR

DOHA, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- Football is a sport for everyone, regardless of background or status, and Raff Iskandar Erman Effendi, a fan of the Malaysian National Football team known as Harimau Malaya squad, is acutely aware of that fact.

His younger brother, Muhammad Ridzwan, 27, was born with visual impairment but shares the same passion as other football fans in the country to be in the stadium, supporting the national team in every match, no matter the venue.

Realising that one of Muhammad Ridzwan's biggest dreams was to be part of Malaysia's historic journey in the 2023 Asian Cup campaign here in Qatar, Raff Iskandar decided without hesitation to fly here with his brother.

"For me, this is not a challenge because we are used to going to stadiums in Malaysia, and he (Muhammad Ridzwan) wants to experience the 'away day' atmosphere of the Asian Cup, especially when Malaysia successfully ended their 42-year wait to qualify on merit.

"Usually, I will simulate the game situation using hand gestures, for example, when Arif Aiman runs or Matt Davies makes a tackle, to help him understand what is happening. He may not see it, but can feel what is happening," said Raff Iskandar when met at the Al Janoub Stadium tonight.

Malaysia began their Asian Cup campaign against Jordan in the first match of Group E here on Jan 16 at 1.30 AM (Malaysian time).

Meanwhile, Muhammad Ridzwan, who earns a living by playing music, said he enjoys going to the stadium to experience the lively atmosphere even though he cannot see.

"My hope this time, like everyone else's, is to see Malaysia win.

“But I want the Malaysian players to know that among all the fans, I am one of those who came not to watch, but listen to them win," said the youngest of seven siblings.

Raff Iskandar, 31, and Muhammad Ridzwan, who hail from Perak, arrived in Qatar this morning and plan to watch all three group matches of Malaysia, who will meet Bahrain this Saturday and two-time champions South Korea on Jan 25 after the clash with Jordan.

The two are among the thousands of national team fans currently in Qatar for the prestigious Asian football competition.

The national side which ended a 42-year wait to qualify for the Asian Cup on merit, aims to make history by advancing to the Round of 16 after being stranded at the group stage in its previous three appearances.

Get the latest news and information on the 2023 Asian Cup at asiancup.bernama.com.
-- BERNAMA