For my wife: Malaysia’s Safawi Rasid celebrating after scoring a goal against the Solomon Islands during a friendly match at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak, Terengganu. — FAM
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian winger Safawi Rasid only played for 28 minutes but one brilliant goal during the friendly against the Solomon Islands has made an impact not just in Malaysia but around the world too.
And he dedicated that moment to his pregnant wife Syifa Melvin.
The 26-year-old, who replaced Endrick Dos Santos in the 62nd minute, scored a beauty in the 76th minute during their 4-1 win in the international friendly at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak, Terengganu, on Wednesday,
Receiving a cross from playmaker Lee Tuck, the former Ratchaburi winger brilliantly took a first touch with his right foot and controlled with his left, before he swivelled and unleashed a left-footed volley past goalkeeper Philip Mango.
After scoring, he took the ball and placed it inside his shirt and later confirmed it during the press conference that it was dedicated to his pregnant wife.
“It’s for my wife. She is six months pregnant. Please pray for our well-being and that everything goes smoothly,” said Safawi, who is now back with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) after his loan stint with Ratchaburi ended.
The goal went viral and even international media hailed it as a Puskas-worthy goal, referring to the best goal award given by FIFA annually.
Safawi was happy to score his first international goal exactly after one year.
The last time he scored was in Malaysia’s 4-1 win against Bangladesh in the 2023 Asian Cup round three qualifiers on June 14.
“It was exactly a year ago that I scored for Malaysia. It felt good once I hit the volley. But this is a team effort and I’m proud of the team,” he said.
“Since returning from Thailand, I’ve been training with JDT and did a lot of extra training to maintain my form and performance. It’s also nice to score in my homeland.”
Meanwhile, another goalscorer and midfielder Paulo Josue was happy to have scored his first goal after three caps.
“The chances were coming but I scored just one. I hope to score more if given the chance in the next game,” said Josue, who is playing as a striker for the first time.
“I’ve no issues playing as a striker as long as I can help the team. Overall, our team have good moves and understanding, we just need to be clinical.”
Malaysia will next take on Papua New Guinea at the Sultan Mizan Stadium on June 20.
