There's still the important second leg tie on Tuesday at Bukit Jalil National Stadium where Timor Leste is the designated host on the day to get through. But after a whopping 7-1 triumph in the first leg, Malaysia have all but secured a place in the second round draw scheduled for next month.
Akram has been an ever-present member of the squad since Tan Cheng Hoe took over as the head coach and their experience of working together formed back when the former was still coaching Kedah. The midfielder has become one of Cheng Hoe's trusted generals on the pitch and when fit, is one of the first names on the team sheet.