When the Singapore Under-22 football team last travelled to the SEA Games, their campaign ended in ignominy with a solitary point from four matches and a last-place finish in their group. Their 7-0 thumping by causeway rivals Malaysia represented a nadir for local football, prompting public outcry over the state of the sport.
Two years on, and in stark contrast, the senior national team has offered cause for optimism. On Nov 18, the Lions secured a historic berth at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, the first time Singapore have qualified on merit, injecting renewed belief into the sport.
Young Lions head coach Firdaus Kassim, who will be leading the squad in Bangkok in December, was quick to note that three players from the 2023 SEA Games squad had been part of the history-making side in Hong Kong – fullback Haryhs Stewart, Jordan Emaviwe and Jared Gallagher.
Blueprint for Development
Since that baptism of fire in Cambodia two years ago, the trio have blossomed in their respective careers with Harhys (Uthai Thani) and Emaviwe (BG Pathum United) both plying their trade in Thailand, while Gallagher is one of the captains of Albirex Niigata (S). Harhys has even earned a starting place in midfield for the Lions in recent times.
And in that same vein, Firdaus is hoping that his travelling squad will be able to produce more talent for the senior team with an eye on the Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia.
“Hopefully, we can take an example from the last campaign in which three players from the squad ended up playing a key role in the senior team’s Asian Cup qualification campaign.
“We would like to do the same with this group of players. Of course, we have to try to deliver a strong performance in the SEA Games, but in the long run, we also want these players to play a key role in future qualifications or tournaments, and most importantly, the 2027 Asian Cup,” he said.
Picking themselves up from a disastrous 2023 campaign is no easy feat, but Firdaus was confident that the team “have taken the lessons” and implemented improvements since then.
A stronger performance and nutrition department, coupled with greater exposure and game time against quality opposition, are among the new measures introduced.
Initially set to get their campaign underway against defending champions Indonesia, Singapore has been shifted into a three-team Group A with tournament hosts and record 16-time champions Thailand and Timor-Leste. The reshuffle follows Cambodia’s withdrawal from the men’s football competition.
Now they will open their campaign against Timor-Leste on Dec 6, 8pm at the Rajamangala Stadium, before facing Thailand five days later.
The three group winners and the best runner-up across all groups will progress to the semi-finals, with Singapore last featuring in the final four back in 2013.
But progression aside, Firdaus is backing his boys to show “togetherness” on the pitch.
“The cohesion of the team is very apparent, and we hope this translates onto the field. Based on our past games and our training camps in Dubai, the boys have given a good account of themselves.
“The way they competed against teams superior in quality and physicality was a pleasant surprise. We expect them to bring the same intensity and performance at the SEA Games,” Firdaus added, referring to their 6-0 loss to the United Arab Emirates and 2-0 defeat to Iraq during their November training camp.
Aizil Ready for Second Chance
Custodian Aizil Yazid, who was the only player to start in all four matches last time out in Cambodia, is also “raring to go after a difficult campaign the previous time”.
Adding that he has more hunger going into this edition, Aizil said that his experience in Phnom Penh taught him the importance of recovery and performance, having competed in four games across 12 days.
The goalkeeper also added that he has matured since 2023 and has become a “more complete player, physically, mentally and technically”.
He delivered an assured display against higher-ranked Asian opponents at September’s AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, most notably keeping Vietnam at bay for 79 minutes with a string of fine saves before they eventually fell 2-0.
“These experiences shaped me to become better, and I’ve learned most from playing in these big games. I’ve grown through these experiences, and hopefully we will do better,” he said.
“I believe I will put on a good show at the SEA Games.”
Men’s Squad List
- Ainun Nuha
- Aizil Yazid
- Sunny Tia
- Andrew Aw
- Aniq Raushan
- Aqil Yazid
- Fairuz Fazli
- Iryan Fandi
- Kieran Teo
- Luth Harith
- Raoul Suhaimi
- Ajay Robson
- Andy Reefqy
- Caelan Cheong
- Harith Danish
- Nathan Mao
- Ong Yu En
- Rae Peh
- Amir Syafiz
- Jonan Tan
- Khairin Nadim
- Muhammad Asis
- Nicolas Beninger
