Veteran striker Safee Sali's experience will count as Malaysia take on Vietnam in the first leg of the Suzuki Cup semifinals at the Shah Alam Stadium on Sunday night. Safee scored two goals as Harimau Malaya defeated Vietnam at home at the same stage of the 2010 tournament. They held Vietnam to a goalless draw in the second leg at Hanoi and went on to defeat Indonesia in the two-legged final with Safee scoring three goals to claim their maiden elite ASEAN title.
Can the 30-year-old Johor Darul Takzim striker reproduce the magic of the 2010 first leg? "It's a bit like deja vu for me," Safee told The Star. "The fans have high expectations on the team to beat Vietnam like how we did in 2010. But the scenario in 2014 is different. This Vietnam side topped their group. They will be hard opponents to beat. But we are hopeful of carrying forward our momentum and are confident of securing a home win."
Is Safee coping with the pressure of having to perform in front of an estimated 70,000 fans at the Shah Alam Stadium against Vietnam? "I'm used to being under pressure as I have been a member of the national team for a few years. I think it's the same for the other experienced players in the team too. We are all focused on doing well on the pitch. We will not be affected by external factors."
Along with Safee, Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Safiq Rahim, Norshahrul, Mohd Amri Yahyah, S. Kunalan, Mahali Jasuli, Mohd Muslim Ahmad and Mohd Fadhli Shas were also part of the 2010 triumph.
Like in 2010, Malaysia made a stuttering start to this year's title campaign. They clinched the semifinal spot as group runners-up only after a dramatic injury time 3-1 win in their final Group B game against defending champions and co-hosts Singapore on Nov. 29. Coach Dollah Salleh's team had drawn with unfancied Myanmar 0-0 in their opening group game and had lost 3-2 to Thailand in their second match.
Safee, who scored his team's opener in the 61st minute in the victory against Singapore, said that he's in buoyant mood after ending his goal drought of almost two years.
"I've got back my confidence and my touch," said Safee. "My understanding with my strike partner Norshahrul [Idlan Talaha] is back at its best. All the other players are also starting to click as team."
Coach Dollah and the Malaysian public will be hoping for an encore from the main architect of the 2010 win.