PETALING JAYA: Things have started to turn for national winger Safawi Rasid after he answered his critics with three goals in two matches.
The 29-year-old had faced questions over his form during a difficult spell for Kuching City, who had won just once in eight matches.
But a productive few days have lifted his confidence ahead of the international friendlies against China and Yemen.
Safawi struck twice in the first half as Kuching defeated South Korea’s Gangwon FC 2-0 in an AFC Champions League Two Group H match last Thursday, securing their first victory of the tournament.
He then converted a penalty against Selangor on Sunday to force extra time in their FA Cup semi-final, before the Cats clinched a place in the final with a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Despite the turnaround, the right winger, on loan from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), is keeping his feet on the ground.
“For me, when you play football, perhaps you do not score today, then you score in the next game,” he said.
“So I just reset and focus. In these last two games, I got what I wanted, but I have to continue this until the end of the season.”
Safawi also credited his Kuching teammates for his resurgence and believes the domestic league offers players a platform to rebuild their confidence.
“In my view, our league is competitive because there are clubs such as JDT, Selangor, Kuching and KL.
“So, for players who are going through a difficult period and want to revive their careers, they can do that here.”
Safawi, who has 22 goals in 71 international appearances, will hope to add to his tally when Malaysia face China on Saturday at the Zhaoqing New District Sports Centre in Guangdong, before meeting Yemen at the same venue on Nov 17.
His last strike for Harimau Malaya came in the 2-1 victory over the Philippines in September 2024.
The China encounter presents a stern examination, with Malaysia’s last victory over them dating back to 1980.
Malaysia will also be without their usual core of JDT players, including Arif Aiman Hanapi.
Safawi, however, believes coach Tan Cheng Hoe’s plans can help Malaysia overcome their opponents’ physical advantage.
“Based on our previous games and what the head coach and his assistants have planned, I believe we can reap results. We just need to be smart, even though some of us have smaller physiques.”
