Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli

Early career

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 3–1 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 2–0 in friendly match at the Shah Alam Stadium. He attracted the attention of former Mainz coach Jürgen Klopp.

Kedah FA

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.

Selangor FA

He then played for Selangor for the 2006–07 Malaysia Super League.

Kuala Muda Naza

In the 2009 Malaysia Super League, he joined the new promoted Kuala Muda Naza.

Kelantan FA

On 12 January 2010, he scored his first goal for Kelantan FA in a 3–0 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.

Perak FA

After leaving Kelantan FA, he joined Perak FA and reunited with former national team coach Norizan Bakar.

Kedah FA

He made his second debut on 7 January 2013, appearing as a substitute in a 1–0 win against UiTM F.C.. On 8…

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.

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.

Club

FCSR Haguenau

Championnat de France amateur 2 : 2000 Kedah FA

Liga Perdana 2 : 2002 Liga Perdana 1 : runner-up 2003 Malaysia Premier League : 2005-06 Selangor FA

Malaysia Cup : 2008 runner-up Malaysia FA Cup : 2008 runner-up Kelantan FA

Malaysia Cup : 2010 Malaysia Super League : runner-up 2010

International

Malaysia U-23

SEA Games : silver 2001; bronze 2003 Malaysia U-14

Nike Cup Asia Pacific : 1994-95

Individual

SEA Games Top Scorer : 2001

Coaching

Penang U-21

Sukma Games : silver 2022