Gambian Alfusainey Gassama’s versatility has added fluidity to Kelantan United’s play, and it has worked out well for them in the Malaysian Premier League. They finished seventh in the final standings and made the grade for the Malaysia Cup as one of the five non-feeder teams from the Premier League. And after two Cup ties, the 26-year-old polyvalent Gassama, who plays as striker, winger, and attacking midfielder, has yet to make an impact.
The others in the Cup fray from that division are champions and runners-up Negri Sembilan and Sarawak United, fifth and sixth finishers Kuching City and Kelantan.
Alfusainey scored 11 goals in 18 games but then hit blanks in the Malaysia Cup loss to Kedah (3-0) and Negri (1-0) in Group C.
And now he’s praying hard to find the net when Kelantan United takes on table-toppers Melaka at the Hang Jebat Stadium when the Cup tournament resumes on Friday.
When asked how he hopes to change things around, Gassama said: Well, for me, football is only one language, so if you understand that language, you should be able to play anywhere your coach asks you to play. I have been versatile since back home, playing for the Gambian Under-23 team in 2016.
“In the ongoing Malaysia Cup, things are not going in our favor. We’ve played big and experienced teams, but we’ve learned from these games. We have three games left to play.
“To win all three would be miraculous, but we would go in with that aim. Even if we win two, it would be good.”
He believes that as a new club, the progress has been good. As for himself, he believes he can continue to grow as an attacker.
“With my growth, I believe there is still room for improvement, and I am working very hard to achieve a better way forward.
“The Malaysia Cup is one of the biggest tournaments in Malaysia. I started playing in the tournament last year, but and I didn’t score. So this year, I am working super hard to at least net a few goals to enhance my record.”