KUALA LUMPUR: Despite his encouraging form, Selangor captain Faisal Halim insists he is still far from his best.

In Saturday's 1-0 Super League win over Terengganu, Faisal's long ball from midfield set up the winning goal, with teammate Alvin Fortes latching onto the pass to score in the 88th minute at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya.

Despite the match-winning assist and a return to Katsuhito Kinoshi's starting XI, the 27-year-old downplayed his performance, saying there's still more work to do.

"I still need to work hard to reach my best performance. I suffered from cramps today (Saturday), maybe it's the lemang — I overate," joked Faisal, referring to the Hari Raya celebrations.

The winger had just returned from national team duty, where he featured as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Nepal in an Asian Cup qualifier last month.

It has been a long and emotional road back for Faisal following the acid attack in May 2024.

Still, Faisal — named captain in Safuwan Baharuddin's absence — is focused on the present and grateful for the trust shown in him.

"What matters most is what I can offer the team. Whether I wear the captain's armband or not, I'm here to help.

"It's about giving everything for the team. I'm thankful I could play and contribute to the three points," he said.

Although Selangor have already confirmed a second-place finish in the Super League, Faisal stressed that every win still matters.

"Even if we've secured the spot, every game counts. Every win is still important," he added.

For now, Faisal is simply happy to be playing again, rebuilding step by step as he chases the form that once made him one of Malaysian football's most electrifying talents.

Selangor head coach Kinoshi praised Faisal, fondly known as Mickey, for his strong mentality.

"I told him he could come off, but he wanted to keep running. That's what captaincy is — leading with heart and never giving up," said Kinoshi.