Malaysian captain wants focus on World Cup qualifiers

Malaysian captain Safiq Rahim and striker Safee Sali are thrilled to have got their names on the score-sheet against an English Premier League (EPL) side.

But the duo, who scored three goals between them against Liverpool on Saturday, prefer to stay focused for Saturday's first leg, second round match of the World Cup qualifiers against Singapore.

Safiq scored from a well-taken free kick in the 42nd minute while Safee celebrated his return from a hamstring injury with a brace in the 79th and 82nd minute in Malaysia's 6-3 defeat to the 18-time EPL champions.

"I scored from a brilliant free kick ... my third goal in four matches. My free kicks are getting better and better. I hope to continue my fine form when we face Singapore," said Safiq at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.

"My goal was a result of a team effort. It is a dream to score a goal against a team like Liverpool but we, as a team, should forget about it as our focus should now be on the World Cup qualifiers."

Safiq said his team must build on Saturday's performance for their match against Singapore.

"We played better as a unit compared to our match against Arsenal. Everyone in the team played well but more importantly, our game did not collapse when Liverpool scored first from a penalty.

"However, we did not play a brilliant game. It is important that we keep working hard," added the midfielder.

Safee finally managed to translate his fine club form with Indonesia Super League side Pelita Jaya into two goals for Malaysia.

"I finally scored after seven months without a goal for the national team since the AFF Cup. But more importantly, I had a good 15-minute workout after coming on as a substitute today (Saturday).

"My hamstring also did not give me problems. It is a good sign. But I need to work on my fitness as I can't play a full match yet.

"My goals against Liverpool showed that I've not lost my zest and sharpness." Safee, however, said his team will need to tighten their defence and work on other aspects of the game before meeting Singapore.

"Our defenders need to work harder to get their act together. I think they should have enough time to get things right," added Safee.