Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli

Akmal Rizal Bin Ahmad Rakhli (born 12 December 1981) is a former Malaysian professional footballer who played as a forward. He is one of the batch of Malaysians to play overseas. He is currently the head coach of the Malaysia A1 Semi-Pro League club Kedah FA.

Club career Early career A product of the Kedah youth academy (Kedah Piala President), Akmal made his way abroad to RC Strasbourg. He made his debut for the RC Strasbourg Academy which ended in a 3–1 win against FC Köln II, scoring 2 goals. In 2000, to aid his development, the then 19-year-old forward joined FCSR Haguenau on loan. He scored 11 goals in 22 games and won Championnat de France Amateur 2. On 20 May 2000, during RC Strasbourg's tour to Malaysia, Akmal and Peguy Luyindula helped them beat GNK Dinamo Zagreb 2–0 in friendly match at the Shah Alam Stadium. He attracted the attention of former Mainz coach Jürgen Klopp.

Kedah FA In 2002, he returned from abroad and played for his former youth club. In the 2003 Liga Perdana 1, he scored 10 goals in 24 games and become runner-up with the club.

Selangor FA He then played for Selangor for the 2006–07 Malaysia Super League.

Kuala Muda Naza In the 2009 Malaysia Super League, he joined the new promoted Kuala Muda Naza.

Kelantan FA On 12 January 2010, he scored his first goal for Kelantan FA in a 3–0 win against Johor FA. Later, he finally won his first Malaysia Cup in the 2010 Malaysia Cup Final after Kelantan beat Negeri Sembilan FA 2-1.

Perak FA After leaving Kelantan FA, he joined Perak FA and reunited with former national team coach Norizan Bakar.

Kedah FA He made his second debut on 7 January 2013, appearing as a substitute in a 1–0 win against UiTM F.C.. On 8 March 2013, he scored his first season goal, against Kuala Lumpur FA. He made 16 appearances with Kedah FA before he agreed to join Sarawak FA for the 2014 Malaysia Super League season.

Sarawak FA On 10 November 2013, Akmal Rizal officially signed a one-year contract with Sarawak FA after being released by Kedah FA.

Kedah United In 2015, Akmal Rizal played with Kedah United in the FAM League.

International career He represented Malaysia U23 for the 2001 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur. He also represented Malaysia U23 for the Afro-Asian Games Hyderabad, India in October 2003. In 2002, Akmal was called up for an international friendly match against Brazil. He has also been called up by the Malaysia national team coach Norizan Bakar for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.

International goals Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 8 March 2001 Hong Kong, Hong Kong 2–0 Won 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC) 2. 8 March 2001 Hong Kong, Hong Kong 2–0 Won 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC) 3. 25 March 2001 Doha, Qatar 4–3 Won 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC) 4. 25 March 2001 Doha, Qatar 4–3 Won 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC) 5. 11 December 2002 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 5–0 Won Friendly 6. 18 December 2002 Singapore, Singapore 0–4 Won 2002 Tiger Cup Group Stage 7. 20 December 2002 Singapore, Singapore 3–1 Won 2002 Tiger Cup Group Stage 8. 12 July 2004 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2–0 Won Friendly 9. 21 June 2007 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia 1–3 Loss Friendly

After retirement Akmal Rizal retired from playing professionally in 2016. He was the co-commentator for Media Prima Berhad. He also opened a youth football academy in hometown Jitra, while completing the coaching course.

Managerial career On 27 December 2019, Akmal was hired to become assistant coach for Penang FC. In 2022, he became head coach for Penang U-21. On 7 November 2023, he became Penang caretaker for remaining of the 2023 Malaysia Super League season. He were appointed as the permanent head coach of Penang for the 2024-25 season.

Managerial statistics

Honours Club FCSR Haguenau Championnat de France amateur 2 : 2000

Kedah FA Liga Perdana 2 : 2002 Liga Perdana 1 : runner-up 2003 Malaysia Premier League : 2005-06

Selangor FA Malaysia Cup : 2008 runner-up Malaysia FA Cup : 2008 runner-up

Kelantan FA Malaysia Cup : 2010 Malaysia Super League : runner-up 2010

International

Malaysia U-23 SEA Games : silver 2001;