PETALING JAYA: Terengganu winger Safawi Rasid remains optimistic of reaching the semi-finals of the Shopee Asean Club Championship despite currently sitting in fourth in Group A.
Although the Turtles have had inconsistent performance recently, Safawi believes the team can bounce back in the upcoming two matches.
Terengganu have only collected four points from three matches so far in the tournament and must secure wins against PSM Makassar tomorrow at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium, followed by BG Pathum United on Feb 5 in an away fixture to ensure their semi-final spot.
“The opportunity is still there, and for that reason, I hope all my teammates are ready to give it their all in the next two games because we desperately need maximum points.
“Our success in defeating Myanmar’s Shan United 5-0 in an away match has given us the motivation to face PSM and BG Pathum United.
“I also feel more composed this season and satisfied with my performance as I’ve been more focused on every match,” said Safawi.
Terengganu lost their opening 2-3 against Cambodian side Svay Rieng last August, followed by a 2-2 draw with Vietnam’s Thanh Hoa in September.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur veteran midfielder Brendan Gan echoed Safawi’s sentiments, stating that his team has a reputation of delivering strong performances in tournaments like the Shopee Cup.
Referring to their 2021 Malaysia Cup win and 2022 AFC Cup final appearance, Brendan said, “Of course, we still have a chance to progress, even though it seems challenging.
“Our upcoming matches against Hanoi and Buriram are single-leg fixtures, so we must deliver our best in those two games. Kuala Lumpur have been tournament specialists in the past, going by the positive results whenever we participate in such competitions,” said Brendan, who is recovering from a calf injury.
Kuala Lumpur currently have six points from three matches and sit in third place in Group B, same with second-place Buriram, but trail in goal difference.
The two players, who are key figures in the national team, were together with Declan Lambert and Manuel Ott in the Shopee Cup Trophy Tour held at a prominent shopping complex in Kuala Lumpur.
