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 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.
Sarawak FA On 10 November 2013, Akmal Rizal officially signed a one-year contract with
Sarawak FA after being released by Kedah FA.
Kedah United In 2015, Akmal Rizal played with Kedah United in the
FAM League. ==International career==