KUALA LUMPUR – National footballing legend Syed Ahmad Abu Bakar breathed his last breath today at the age of 76 in Kangar Hospital, Perlis after a two-year battle with prostate cancer.
The former striker leaves behind his widow, and five children including former national high jump athlete Syed Zamiluddin.
Syed Ahmad is remembered as the hero who scored four goals that helped Malaysia qualify for the 1972 Munich Olympics.
He wore the national jersey from 1966 to 1974 and played for multiple states throughout his career including Johor, Penang, Perak, and Kedah.
During the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran, Syed Ahmad alongside Mokhtar Dahari and Isa Bakar formed a deadly trio by racking up a total of 20 goals, eventually winning bronze against North Korea 2-1.
In February, Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin along with several FAM executive committee members visited Syed Ahmad at his residence. – The Vibes, June 1, 2022.