Finding the net: Safawi Rasid converting the penalty during the match against the Philippines in the Merdeka Tournament on Wednesday. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: National winger Safawi Rasid has set his sights on one record.
The Terengganu player, on-loan from Johor Darul Ta’zim, currently has 22 goals in 62 caps and just needs two more to go past former international Safee Sali.
Safee is the highest scorer in Malaysia’s modern history with 23, having played for Harimau Malaya from 2006-2017.
The late Datuk Mokhtar Dahari is the highest goalscorer in Malaysian history with 89 goals, which he did from 1972 to 1985.
“I like to break this record for my own satisfaction. For sure, it will be great to achieve this when we play against Lebanon in the Merdeka Tournament final,” said Safawi.
Safawi is expected to be one of the key men for Malaysia when they take on Lebanon in the Merdeka Tournament final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
In the semi-final game against the Philippines on Wednesday, Safawi scored the winner in the 73rd minute to help Malaysia beat them 3-1. The other goal was scored by midfielder Syamer Kutty Abba in the 43rd minute. The Philippines’ goal was an own goal from centreback Feroz Baharuddin in the 27th minute.
Safawi. — Bernama
Safawi felt the goal he scored was a confidence booster before the final.
“It was good for me in terms of building my confidence for the final,” said Safawi.
“Against Lebanon, if I am in the first eleven, I will surely give my best for the badge and also for the fans at the stadium.”
Meanwhile, leftback Daniel Ting said their next performance has to be better compared to the game against the Philippines.
Daniel was chosen ahead of undisputed number one leftback La’vere Corbin-Ong in the first eleven against the Philippines and justified it by putting up a good shift in defence.
He was also a threat in attack with his headers from set-pieces.
“Every player wants to be in the first eleven.
“Everyone is capable but I am happy to be getting more minutes.
“I hope to get the chance again for the game against Lebanon,” said the Sabahan.
“Defensively, we looked solid and controlled the ball well against the Philippines, but it’ll be different against Lebanon. They are more physical and we have to be ready for that challenge.”
