PETALING JAYA: In-form winger Safawi Rasid (pic) is ready to make up for striker Bergson da Silva’s absence in their final AFC Asian Cup third-round Group F qualifier against Vietnam.
The 29-year-old Safawi on loan at Kuala Lumpur from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), could be deployed as a central striker rather than his usual position in the match at the Nam Dinh Stadium on March 31 and he is game for it.
Safawi is confident of adapting to the role.
“I’m grateful for the form I’m in this season, and I want to carry that momentum into the national team,” said Safawi.
Safawi is now the national team’s leading attacking option after topping the Super League scoring charts with 12 goals.
“If given the opportunity, I will give my very best and prove my worth to the coach while repaying the fans’ faith.”
He has seen as the right fit as Da Silva’s naturalisation process has not been completed in time.
National coach Peter Cklamovski has hinted that Safawi, affectionately known as Pawi, is capable of playing as a No. 9 within his tactical set-up.
Safawi said the squad remained motivated although their Asian Cup hopes had already been dashed.
“We are playing for honour. We want to restore our pride. Despite everything that has happened, we remain positive and focused on doing our best in Nam Dinh.
“Our target is clear - we want all three points.”
The team were penalised after fielding ineligible players during their early group matches, resulting in points deductions.
Victories over Nepal (2-0) and Vietnam (4-0) last year had been overturned and recorded as 0-3 defeats by the Asian Football Confederation.
