Forward Safawi Rasid: 'Malaysia has something to prove against the Vietnam national team'

The Malaysian national team has lost its chance to compete for a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup, but forward Safawi Rasid believes the team still has something to prove against the Vietnam national team following the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)'s decision to award two losses.

Malaysia's wins against the Vietnam team (4-0) and Nepal (2-0) in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers were recently canceled by the AFC due to the use of an ineligible player.

Malaysia will face the Vietnam national team again in the final group stage match at Thiên Trường Stadium (Ninh Bình) on March 31, with the main motivations being honor and redemption.

Safawi said this shock does not diminish the team's determination to end the campaign with a good result against their long-standing rival, the Vietnam national team.

He believes the presence of some experienced players in the squad will help Malaysia maintain competitiveness.

"This is our final qualifying match, for honor. Even though we cannot secure an Asian Cup ticket, we are aiming for a positive result even when playing away," Safawi said.

"We still have players who regularly feature for the national team. Everyone is maintaining a positive and focused spirit for the match against Vietnam."

Safawi, who has made 70 appearances for the national team and scored 22 goals, last scored for Malaysia in a 2-1 friendly win over Philippines on September 4, 2024.

His most recent start for Malaysia was on November 18, 2025, when he played the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win over Nepal in the Asian Cup qualifiers.

Safawi, who is one of Malaysia's standout players at club level this season with 12 goals and 3 assists for Kuala Lumpur City, hopes to bring that form to the national team.

Despite criticism from some fans that the 28-year-old player is past his peak, Safawi remains confident that his performance will speak for itself.

"In the M-League, I am satisfied with what I have shown and hope to bring that to the national team in the final match.

Fans can say many things, but I will try to prove myself; the numbers will not lie.

I will give my all for the team if I play, I don't want to waste the opportunity."

Meanwhile, Peter Cklamovski, the head coach of the Malaysian national team, defended the decision to call up Johor Darul Ta'zim defender Junior Eldstal to the national team, asserting that this selection was not arbitrary but based on the player's current capabilities.

He stated that he is aware this decision has faced criticism due to Junior's lack of playing time, but as the coach, he still sees this player playing an important role, particularly in terms of experience and influence within the team.

According to him, it is not unusual for a national team to call up experienced players, especially when preparing for major matches like facing the Vietnam national team.

"I think that's the familiar argument about why Junior was selected, and I accept that. Once again, bringing experienced players into the team is not unusual. It happens in many national teams.

What he contributes in terms of leadership is very valuable, and that is something you cannot measure with statistics. That is the basis for squad selection in this situation," he said at the press conference in Bukit Jalil.

He added that player selection is not solely based on statistics but also considers other factors that can influence the team's overall balance and strength.

For Cklamovski, the presence of players like Junior not only helps on the field but also supports other teammates through their international match experience.

Previously, Malaysian football fans expressed dissatisfaction with the selection of this center-back, believing there were other players more deserving of the position.

The final match in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers against the Vietnam national team on March 31 is no longer a race for a ticket but carries the meaning of honor for the Malaysian national team.