KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian football lost another star following the death of Khalid Ali at the age of 66 after a long battle with lung cancer.
The former Selangor player donned the national jersey from 1977 to 1985, during which his greatest achievement was helping Malaysia to qualify for the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow.
Khalid died at 3.05pm at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, today surrounded by his family members. Khalid's demise was announced by his younger brother and former national striker Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan.
Known for his fiery criticism of Malaysian football, Khalid was one of the best players produced by the country.
The lanky midfielder had an illustrious career, winning the Malaysia Cup with Selangor four times (1976, 1978, 1979 and 1984) and the top division in 1984.
He had also won the Sea Games gold medal with the national team in 1979 in Jakarta.
Khalid's combative play in the middle of the park saw him named as among the AFC Asian All Stars with compatriots Datuk Reduan Abdullah and Jamaluddin Norbit in 1982.
Datuk Jamal Nasir, who was Khalid's teammate during the 1980 Olympic qualifiers, said the defensive midfielder was an exceptional player.
In Malaysia's qualifying campaign, the team defence, marshalled by Khalid, conceded only four goals in six matches including the historical play-off win against South Korea.
While many fans remember the famous combination play between attackers Datuk James Wong and Datuk Hassan Sani which resulted in the 2-1 win over South Korea, the devastating move was actually started by Khalid, explained Jamal.
"He was a very good player and very underrated... our second goal against Korea started by him. Khalid cleared South Korea's attack with a header to Hassan who started the attack and was finished by James for the win," said Jamal.
"He was a great player and very hard working. He never gave up and I'm saddened to hear about his passing. I have lost a dear frienxxd."
Meanwhile, Datuk Santokh Singh, who played with Khalid at Selangor and the national team, said his teammate was one of the nicest people on and off the pitch.
"He started as a defender before becoming a midfielder. He's one of the best defensive midfielders we ever had in Selangor and Malaysia," said Santokh.
"He's a friend who was always willing to help and he would go all the way to help... a very kind-hearted person. And I wish my condolences to his family."