Safuwan scores first Melbourne City goal

MELBOURNE — Safuwan Baharudin (picture) scored his first goal for Melbourne City in their 3-1 win over Adelaide United yesterday, but insisted he is not reading too much into it as he seeks to earn a permanent deal with the club.

The 23-year-old Singapore international defender became possibly the first Singaporean to score in the top-flight Australian A-League when he swept the ball past Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic from close range in the 52nd minute after Aaron Mooy’s corner had been deflected into his path by Adelaide’s Tarek Elrich.

It cancelled out Pablo Sanchez’s 32nd minute opener for the visitors. Further goals from Josh Kennedy after 55 minutes and Iain Ramsay three minutes from time secured the victory for Melbourne City.

In an email interview with TODAY last night, Safuwan, who is there on a three-month loan deal from Singaporean side LionsXII, said he could not afford to dwell on his goal, which he described as his most important so far.

“I’m just happy to score the goal today, and this still doesn’t mean anything, but only to keep working harder,” said the 1.81m-tall centre-back. “I don’t know what my future is for now, but whatever it is, I’m taking one day at a time because there’s still a lot more to learn and for me to work on.”

Melbourne City are to make a decision on whether to retain Safuwan when the A-League season ends in April. He earned his three-month loan stint after impressing on a training stint in the United Arab Emirates last month.

Head coach John van’t Schip gave little away on the Singaporean’s future after yesterday’s match, but said: “(Safuwan) can play in midfield and defence, and with set pieces he showed today, he’s a (useful) player and we’re very happy that we have him with us.”

The result sees Melbourne City climb into sixth place in the 10-team Hyundai A-League with 24 points after 18 games, but they trail leaders Perth Glory by 11 points.

Their next A-League match is against away at the Central Coast Mariners on March 8. While Safuwan played down the importance of his maiden strike for Melbourne City, it will strengthen his claim for a regular place in Van’t Schip’s starting 11.

“There’s still a long way to go in the season, but this goal definitely will give me a morale booster, as now I know I’m actually capable of scoring in another league,” said Safuwan.

“It was the best feeling ever because this is like a dream come true to score on my home debut. I’ve scored many goals over the past years for the LionsXII, but nothing can beat scoring my first goal for Melbourne City, as this is another chapter for my career.”