Safawi hopes to keep his composure in crucial Bangkok tie

PETALING JAYA: Winger Safawi Rasid admitted he has to be “much calmer” for him to find the net in the second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final against hailand in Bangkok.

The Johor Darul Ta’zim player singled out his clumsiness in front of goal as the reason for misfiring in the first leg at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last Saturday which ended in a goalless draw.

“There were lots of chances, but I was too hasty and clumsy in front of goal. The eagerness to perform well in front of the home crowd was an added pressure,” said Safawi.

“After this match, I vowed to be much calmer in front of goal. Performance wise, we did not concede and played very well. The aim is now to get an away goal in Bangkok.”

Safawi said Thailand would want to disrupt Malaysia’s game plan by having more ball possession in the second leg at the Rajamangala Stadium tomorrow but believes that the Malaysian attackers can initiate quick counter-attacks.

“We have to be efficient with our counter-attacks. Take our chances and put them under more pressure. Also, our set-pieces should improve,” said the 21-year-old.

The player from Dungun, Terengganu has 14 caps and three goals for Malaysia.

Safawi was earmarked to be the top goal-getter for Malaysia but has yet to score a goal in the tournament.

Under national coach Tan Cheng Hoe, Safawi started against Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand and was a substitute against Vietnam.