Melbourne City FC fans are already aware of the stardom surrounding Safuwan Baharudin in Singapore but his goal on Friday night put social media into overdrive.
Waves from Safuwan’s goal did not only reach the shores of South-East Asia but even made its way to Manchester as the reaction to his performance made the back pages abroad.
The Manchester City FC Twitter and official site congratulated Safuwan on his debut goal for the Club, also sparking a social media reaction.
One of Singapore’s largest publications, The Straits Times , said:
“Local footballer Safuwan Baharudin’s first goal for A-League side Melbourne City has not gone unnoticed.”
“The 23-year-old’s achievement in scoring the first ever goal by a Singaporean in Australia’s top football league was congratulated by English Premier League champions Manchester City.”
“Safuwan, a Manchester United fan, was on hand at the back post against Adelaide United on Friday to smash home an equaliser for his side in the 52nd minute. The match ended in a 3-1 victory for City.”
TODAY Singapore said Safuwan will not look to much into the goal as he looks to be at the Club in the long term:
“The 23-year-old Singapore international defender became 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.”
“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.”
Asiaone sports had this to say:
“In a bid to turn the game around, van’t Schip tinkered with his team at the break and moved Safuwan to the left side of a four-man defence for the second 45 minutes. What a masterstroke it turned out to be.”
“Just seven minutes after the restart, Safuwan found himself unmarked to power the ball home after Adelaide failed to clear their lines. Safuwan’s goal rejuvenated his side, and they scored a second through striker Josh Kennedy three minutes later.“
Channel NewsAsia were also across Safuwan’s performance, reporting on his Melbourne City FC Man of the Match performance.
“Scoring MCFC’s first goal in their 3-1 comeback win over Adelaide United on Friday also got Safuwan – the first Singaporean ever to play in the Hyundai A-League – a feature on the Manchester City FC’s website.”
