SAFEE Sali has admitted that he is struggling to regain his goalscoring form ahead of the AFF Cup in Singapore.
The 30-year-old hardly figured for Darul Ta’zim this season, scoring only three times for the Super League champions, due to injuries.
However, Safee, who was the AFF Cup top scorer in Malaysia’s victory in the 2012 edition, is responding well in centralised training and he hopes to produce glimpses of his ability in friendly matches against Syria (Nov 12) and Vietnam (Nov 16).
The former Pelita Jaya captain could be axed if he does not perform to Dollah Salleh’s expectations.
Dollah had no choice but to include Safee in his 26-member training squad due to lack of quality strikers in the M-League.
“I am delighted to be given a chance although, I hardly got first team action with Darul Ta’zim this season. I’ve recovered from my injuries and fit for the AFF Cup. However, I need to regain my touches before we leave for Singapore,” said Safee.
“I am working hard in training and adapting to Dollah’s style of play. I want to score goals and I am convinced I will get there."
Safee has not scored an international goal since netting once in the 3-0 win over Cambodia in Kelana Jaya on Sept 20, 2012 but the match was not classified as an ‘A’ international.
His last official goal in an ‘A’ international was in the 3-0 thrashing of Hong Kong on Oct 16, 2012.
Dollah’s other options to spearhead Malaysia’s attack are Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Amri Yahyah and Manaf Mamat.
“I believe we can make an impact and beat all the teams in the AFF Cup. We have depth in all departments but of course, we need to score goals,” Safee added
The trainees will have a taste of football on an artificial pitch when they face Johor’s President’s Cup side in Kluang today. Dollah will use the practice game to evaluate his players’ form on that surface and those who fail to shine may not make the AFF Cup squad.
Malaysia play Myanmar (Nov 23) and Thailand (Nov 26) at Jalan Besar Stadium, an artificial pitch venue, before taking on defending champions Singapore (Nov 29) at National Stadium.
Except for former captain Safiq Rahim, who is carrying a slight knock, the others have no issues with injuries. Safiq’s injury, however, is not serious and he should make the final team.