Ahmad Fakri Saarani
Ahmad Fakri bin Saarani is a former Malaysian professional footballer who played for the Malaysia national team. Fakri played mainly as a right winger but also as a forward. Fakri has earned 30 caps for the Malaysia national team since making his international debut on 12 August 2009 at the age of 19.
Club career
Perak, Harimau Muda
Fakri was born in Kota Bharu. He has been raised in Batu Gajah, Perak. He started his professional career with Perak when he signed a three-year contract from 2007 until 2009. At the beginning, Fakri was a natural right winger. He played for Perak youth team during his season debut.Fakri was promoted to Perak first team as the senior striker R. Surendran was away for national duty with the Malaysia national team on a playing tour of Sri Lanka. It was Steve Darby, the former Perak coach, who brought him into the senior team. On 24 March 2007, Fakri made his Liga Super debut in a 5–1 win against Negeri Sembilan. He scored a hat-trick and made one assist during the match.
In the following season, Fakri signed a one-year contract with Harimau Muda A in 2007–08 Liga Premier. He made 24 appearances and scored 9 goals for the club.
Perlis, Negeri Sembilan, Felda United
After two seasons for Perlis, in December 2010 Fakri signed a contract with Negeri Sembilan. In 2012, Fakri was named as Felda United's new player.Atlético SC
On 8 December 2012, it was confirmed that Fakri had signed a one-year contract with Terceira Divisão side Atlético SC.Kelantan
Fakri had returned to Malaysia and signed with Kelantan after his contract with Atlético SC ended. On 19 April 2013, Fakri scored his first league goal for Kelantan in 1–2 defeat to PKNS. On 31 August 2013, he scored his first Malaysia Cup goal in a 1–2 defeat to Negeri Sembilan. Fakri played as a substitute in the 2013 Malaysia Cup final against Pahang.Kedah
On 1 January 2016, Fakri signed a one-year contract with the 2015 Malaysia Premier League champions Kedah. On 14 December 2016, after his loan stint with Felda United ended, Fakri returned to Kedah and signed another one-year contract.Felda United (loan)
On 16 July 2016, Fakri was loaned to Felda United on a 6-month deal.Melaka United
On 24 November 2017, Fakri signed a one-year contract with Melaka United.International career
Youth
Fakri is former Malaysia Under-20 member squad. He has participated in ASEAN Football Federation Youth Championship 2006 and ASEAN Football Federation Youth Championship 2007. He also play in 2007 Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy. In 2008, Fakri was seconded to Harimau Muda, a Malaysian Premier League team made up of members of the Malaysian Under-20 national side.Senior
Fakri made his senior debut in 0–0 draw against Kenya on 12 August 2009, coming off from the bench. In November 2010, Malaysia coach K. Rajagobal called up Fakri for the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, but he was ruled out by injury during the 2010 Asian Games. He was replaced by Ashari Samsudin.He was selected by Malaysia coach, K. Rajagobal for 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup campaign. However, he only came in as a substitute in Group B match against Indonesia.
Personal life
Fakri has a younger sister, Nur Haniza Saarani, playing for the Malaysia women's football team.Statistics
International
International goals
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
| 1 | 16 October 2012 | Mong Kok, Hong Kong | 13 | 3–0 | 3–0 | Friendly | |
| 2 | 5 March 2014 | Tahnoun bin Mohammed Stadium, United Arab Emirates | 20 | 2–1 | 2–1 | 2015 Asian Cup Qualifiers |
Honours
Club
Perak U-21Kelantan
- Malaysia FA Cup: 2013; Runner-up 2015
- Malaysia Cup: Runner-up 2013
International
Malaysia U-20- AFF U-20 Youth Championship : runner-up 2006, 2007