KUALA LUMPUR: Safawi Rasid aims to overtake football icons Safee Sali and Datuk James Wong in the goals-chart for Malaysia.
Safee and James have 23 goals each for Malaysia. Safawi, with a tally of 22, is just one goal shy of matching their feats.
Safawi, widely known as Super Wi, can reach a new milestone by scoring against Lebanon in the Merdeka Tournament final tomorrow at the National Stadium.
"I'm thrilled about the possibility of setting a new record. I'm still in my prime and I'm eager to score in our next match. "It would be a significant milestone in my career," said Safawi.
The record for the most goals scored for Malaysia is held by the late Datuk Mokhtar Dahari (89). Next are Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan (50), Isa Bakar (45) Shaharuddin Abdullah (39) and Datuk Dollah Salleh (33).
Safawi, 27, has helped put Malaysia in the Merdeka Tournament final by scoring a penalty in the 2-1 win over the Philippines.
"Scoring the winner (against Philippines) has boosted my confidence. We're all excited to face Lebanon in the final," said Safawi.
On their interim head coach, Pau Marti Vicente, Safawi said: "Vicente's tactical guidance has been clear and effective. Although we've had less than a week together, the chemistry within the team is improving."