Akmal Rizal Bin Ahmad Rakhli (born 12 December 1981) is a former Malaysian professional footballer who played as a forward. He is one of the batch of Malaysians to play overseas. He is former head coach of the Malaysia Super League club Kelantan The Real Warriors.
A product of the Kedah youth academy (Kedah Piala President), Akmal made his way abroad to RC Strasbourg. He made his debut for the RC Strasbourg Academy which ended in a 3âÂÂ1 win against FC Köln II, scoring 2 goals. In 2000, to aid his development, the then 19-year-old forward joined FCSR Haguenau on loan. He scored 11 goals in 22 games and won Championnat de France Amateur 2. On 20 May 2000, during RC Strasbourg's tour to Malaysia, Akmal and Peguy Luyindula helped them beat GNK Dinamo Zagreb 2âÂÂ0 in friendly match at the Shah Alam Stadium. He attracted the attention of former Mainz coach Jürgen Klopp.
In 2002, he returned from abroad and played for his former youth club. In the 2003 Liga Perdana 1, he scored 10 goals in 24 games and become runner-up with the club.
He then played for Selangor for the 2006âÂÂ07 Malaysia Super League.
In the 2009 Malaysia Super League, he joined the new promoted Kuala Muda Naza.
On 12 January 2010, he scored his first goal for Kelantan FA in a 3âÂÂ0 win against Johor FA. Later, he finally won his first Malaysia Cup in the 2010 Malaysia Cup Final after Kelantan beat Negeri Sembilan FA 2-1.
After leaving Kelantan FA, he joined Perak FA and reunited with former national team coach Norizan Bakar.
He made his second debut on 7 January 2013, appearing as a substitute in a 1âÂÂ0 win against UiTM F.C.. On 8 March 2013, he scored his first season goal, against Kuala Lumpur FA. He made 16 appearances with Kedah FA before he agreed to join Sarawak FA for the 2014 Malaysia Super League season.
On 10 November 2013, Akmal Rizal officially signed a one-year contract with Sarawak FA after being released by Kedah FA.
In 2015, Akmal Rizal played with Kedah United in the FAM League.
He represented Malaysia U23 for the 2001 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur. He also represented Malaysia U23 for the Afro-Asian Games Hyderabad, India in October 2003. In 2002, Akmal was called up for an international friendly match against Brazil. He has also been called up by the Malaysia national team coach Norizan Bakar for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.
Akmal Rizal retired from playing professionally in 2016. He was the co-commentator for Media Prima Berhad. He also opened a youth football academy in hometown Jitra, while completing the coaching course.
On 27 December 2019, Akmal was hired to become assistant coach for Penang FC. In 2022, he became head coach for Penang U-21. On 7 November 2023, he became Penang caretaker for remaining of the 2023 Malaysia Super League season. He were appointed as the permanent head coach of Penang for the 2024-25 season.
FCSR Haguenau
Kedah FA
Selangor FA
Kelantan FA
Malaysia U-23
Malaysia U-14
Penang U-21