JOHOR BARU, June 13 — Making a comeback to the national squad hasn’t stopped Safiq Rahim from being selected as Malaysia captain against Lebanon in 2019 Asian Cup qualifying match at Larkin Stadium today.
The 30-year-old Johor Darul Ta’zim midfield is hopeful not to disappoint while ensuring a good result on home turf.
“Honestly, this is a new challenge. The present national soccer team is a new team with growing hope, so definitely the challenges will be new,” said Safiq.
“Of course, in every game there will be pressure but my friends and I have the experience to handle this,” he said.
“Whatever it is, we need to be positive, our motivation needs to be high and we have the advantage of playing on home turf.
“I don’t want to disappoint the fans,” he stressed at a pre-match press conference yesterday.
Safiq said the team must perform more than 100 per cent on the pitch.
“My team and I will fight for the best possible result,” said Safiq.
Meanwhile coach Nelo Vingada praised his players as fantastic.
“The players are working hard even though it’s Ramadan. Of course, we are weak at some points but also we are quite strong at certain points.
“In quite a short time, the players have improved a lot and they understand better so we can present a compact team,” he said.
He stressed the most important task was for Harimau Malaya to defend well.
Asked about the strength of the Lebanese team, the Portuguese said the opponents were physically stronger.
“Some of the Lebanon players are internationals. This gives them added advantage in the way they play and their physical contact are by all means a cut above ours.
“However, the most important thing during the match is we need to know our team well and feel our team.
“Tomorrow (today) will be the day when we an restore some of our lost pride,” he said.
