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Where are they now: Malaysia's history makers of the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup

With one of the richest footballing histories in Southeast Asia, it is quite remarkable that it took Malaysia until the 8th edition of the AFF Suzuki Cup before they were finally crowned champions of the region.

Having been runners-up in the inaugural tournament back in 1996, where they lost to Thailand, Harimau Malaya would not reach the final again until 14 years later.

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On that occasion, however, they did not disappoint as they claimed a 4-2 aggregate win over fierce rivals Indonesia to lift the Suzuki Cup for the first and only time so far.

Ahead of the upcoming tournament, which takes place in Singapore and kicks off on Dec. 5, we look back at some of the key players of Malaysia's history makers from a decade ago and find out where they are now.

Khairul Fahmi

Having started Malaysia's opening game on the bench, Khairul Fahmi was thrown into the fray after Sharbinee Allawee was dropped following a humiliating 5-1 loss to the Indonesians and justified his selection, especially with a series of fine saves in the semi-final against Vietnam.

Best known for his time with Kelantan, the 32-year-old spent most of his international career vying with Farizal Marlias for the No. 1 jersey and, after brief stint in the wilderness, is back in the national team for what will be his 6th consecutive Suzuki Cup.

Fadhli Shas

Having played a starring role in Malaysia's triumphant campaign at just the age of 19, the future looked exceedingly bright for Fadhli Shas as he was tipped to become one of the country's greatest centre-backs ever.

While his career may not have reached the heights it was expected to, he can still count lay claim to being a seven-time Malaysia Super League champion with Johor Darul Ta'zim alongside numerous other successes.

S. Kunanlan

Having forged a reputation as a speedy winger who thrived on terrorising opposition fullbacks, S. Kunanlan was a mainstay for Malaysia until retiring from international football in 2016 with 74 caps to his name.

More recently, he has evolved into a reliable fullback still capable of posing a threat going forward, and has been heavily involved in the plethora of trophies JDT have claimed over the past few seasons.

Safiq Rahim

Regarded as the finest Malaysian playmaker of his generation, Safiq Rahim would leave hometown club Selangor for then-emerging powerhouses JDT in 2013 and would go on to play a pivotal role in five consecutive league triumphs, as well as victory in the 2015 AFC Cup.

Safiq continued to be a regular feature for the national team until he was phased out in recent years, but can lay claim to being the first midfielder to win the Top Scorer award at a Suzuki Cup following his six-goal haul in 2014.

Safee Sali

Safee Sali was a man at the peak of his powers during the 2010 Suzuki Cup and, despite putting Indonesia to the sword with three goals across both legs of the final, would earn a move to Indonesian side Pelita Jaya (now Madura United) the following February.

His free-scoring ways in front of goal would gradually diminish but he will always be regarded as one of Harimau Malaya's finest forwards and is still featuring for Kuala Lumpur City at 37.

Norshahrul Idlan Talaha

Malaysia's Suzuki Cup-winning team of 2010 boasted a near-perfect strike duo. While Safee provided sheer power, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha offered more guile and invention in the final third.

Apart from a 54-goal haul over three seasons with Kelantan, Norshahrul was never a prolific goal-getter but excelled in bringing others into play, and was also part of the 2014 and 2018 sides that finished as runners-up in the regional competition.

Amri Yahyah

Malaysia's formidable depth in attack in 2010 is perhaps best highlighted by the fact that someone like Amri Yahyah had to settle for a reserve role yet was able to make an impact when he was called upon.

Enjoying legend status in Selangor, where he played at for the first 13 years of his career, he also had a brief spell with JDT and was still featuring in the recently-concluded Super League season with Sabah at the age of 40.

K. Rajagobal

With the Suzuki Cup triumph coming just a year after he led the Under-23s to a gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games, Malaysia coach K. Rajagobal earned legendary status among the Harimau Malaya faithful.

Rajagobal would continue to be at the helm until 2013 and, following a return to the club scene with Sarawak and PKNS FC (now Selangor 2), is back in international football after being handed the reins of Brunei Darussalam at the end of last year.