PETALING JAYA: Safawi Rasid answered his critics in the best way possible.
The playmaker struck twice in the first half as Kuching City beat South Korean side Gangwon FC 2-0 in an AFC Champions League (ACL) Two Group H match at the State Stadium in Kuching on Thursday.
The first win of the campaign lifts Kuching level on four points with Gangwon and revives their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Safawi’s performance came amid concerns over his form, with Kuching having won only one of their previous eight matches since Sept 17.
The 29-year-old had scored three goals in 12 appearances in all competitions before facing Gangwon, starting six of those matches.
Safawi said he was delighted to score but stressed the importance of building on the result.
“Praise must also be given to all the players who always support me. Therefore, this victory is for everyone – the team and the supporters,” he said.
“What is important right now is that we need to stay focused and continue the momentum for the upcoming matches, one by one.”
Recently recalled to the Harimau Malaya squad, Safawi was also pleased to earn another chance to wear the national jersey.
“Any player who receives a call-up is naturally happy and, God willing, if there is a blessing, I will do my best for the team,” he said.
Kuching coach Aidil Sharin Sahak described the win as crucial after a difficult spell that had attracted criticism.
“I think we proved that we are the better team, not only through a positive result, but also through an outstanding performance from the players,” he said at the post-match press conference.
Kuching broke through in the 13th minute after a cagey start.
Nigerian centreback James Okwuosa’s deep ball was nodded down by fullback Declan Lambert and Namibian midfielder Petrus Shitembi’s volley was blocked.
The rebound fell for Safawi, whose cheeky drive from outside the box looped over backpedalling goalkeeper Kim Yu-sung into the top left corner.
Ramadhan Saifullah’s perfect cross from the left set up an unmarked Safawi to thump home the second in the 20th minute.
Gangwon threatened through Kang Yun-gu, whose left-footed effort sailed over, and Kim Gun-hee’s long-range shot was saved by Haziq Nadzli in the 49th minute.
Ramadhan nearly added a third, firing narrowly over, but Kuching’s defence stood firm to seal the win.
Kuching are fourth in the standings with four points, but just one point behind second-placed Kitchee. Phnom Penh Crown are top of the group with nine points.
