Singapore huddle, 17 December 2022

 

SINGAPORE, 22 DECEMBER 2022 – In just two days’ time, the Lions will do battle in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022.

 

It will be Singapore’s 14th involvement in Southeast Asia’s flagship international tournament and Takayuki Nishigaya’s men will be gunning for a fifth regional crown to add to the triumphs from 1998, 2004, 2007 and 2012.

 

The Lions begin their Group B campaign against Myanmar on Saturday evening at the Jalan Besar Stadium, before travelling to Vientiane to face Laos on 27 December. A home clash against Vietnam on 30 December awaits before the group stage concludes with an away derby showdown against Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on 3 January 2023.

 

Overall, Singapore has played 62 matches at the AFF Championship, scoring 112 times, conceding 63 goals and keeping 21 clean sheets. Ninety nine different players have made an appearance, while 35 different players have scored. Daniel Bennett, the most-capped Lion ever with 142 caps, holds the record for most appearances, most consecutive starts and most starts by a Lion – 34. Three hat-tricks have been scored (Noh Alam Shah in 2004 and 2007, Safuwan Baharudin in 2018). Lionel Lewis has kept seven clean sheets, followed by Rezal Hassan and Hassan Sunny with four each.

 

Nishigaya has called upon 23 Lions for this edition of the tournament, which will see five players in an AFF Championship squad for the first time – defenders Christopher van Huizen, Joshua Pereira and Ryhan Stewart, and midfielders Shah Shahiran and Farhan Zulkifli. Goalkeeper Hassan is involved for a record ninth time at an AFF Championship, surpassing Shahril Ishak and Baihakki Khaizan (both eight).

 

Below, you will find a closer look at each of them as they aim to do the country proud!

 

GOALKEEPERS
	Name: Hassan Sunny DOB: 2-Apr-84 (38 years) Height: 1.84m Club: Lion City Sailors Caps: 100 Goals: 0 Previous editions: 8 (2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020) Squad number: 18 The most recent addition to Singapore’s centurion club, “Superman” is as reliable as they come in goal. Hassan began his professional career in 2003 and has been part of two title-winning squads (2004 and 2007). Despite his age, the commanding custodian is still regarded as one of the safest pair of hands in the region and will be a key figure in the quest for number five.
	Name: Syazwan Buhari DOB: 12-Sep-92 (30 years) Height: 1.73m Club: Tampines Rovers Caps: 0 Goals: 0 Previous editions: 2 (2016, 2020) Squad number: 1 An established figure in the Singapore Premier League, Syazwan has had to bide his time at international level having earned his first call-up in 2016. A capable shot-stopper with lightning-quick reflexes that makes up for his relatively small stature, the Tampines Rovers star is also adept at making penalty saves.
	Name: Zaiful Nizam DOB: 24-Jul-87 (34 years) Height: 1.74m Club: Geylang International Caps: 4 Goals: 0 Previous editions: 1 (2018) Squad number: 12 The reigning AIA Singapore Premier League Golden Glove winner enjoyed a stellar season with Geylang International, whom he helped to fourth place. An experienced and capable deputy, Zaiful has had to be content with a handful of appearances at international level but nonetheless remains a reliable custodian to call upon.
DEFENDERS
	Name: Amirul Adli DOB: 13-Jan-96 (26 years) Height: 1.81m Club: Lion City Sailors Caps: 21 Goals: 0 Previous editions: 1 (2014, 2020) Squad number: 5 A highly-regarded defender during his younger days, Amirul tasted AFF Championship action at just 18 in 2014. The centre-back, who can also fill in on the right and in central midfield, has started to become a regular member at international level again in the past few years and will aim to break through to the first team.
	Name: Christopher van Huizen DOB: 28-Nov-92 (30 years) Height: 1.7m Club: Tampines Rovers Caps: 9 Goals: 0 Previous editions: None Squad number: 22 From nearly hanging up his boots in 2021 to now being in his first ever AFF Championship squad, Van Huizen has experienced a massive swing in footballing fortunes. The first four of his nine caps came between 2015 and 2016, with the rest only coming after this March – and in a new position, having made the switch from winger to wing-back at club level. Possessing a lethal delivery with either foot, Van Huizen is eager to make his mark.
	Name: Hariss Harun DOB: 19-Nov-90 (32 years) Height: 1.81m Club: Lion City Sailors Caps: 116 Goals: 11 Previous editions: 5 (2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020) Squad number: 14 As he has done for seemingly forever, Hariss will lead another Singapore side into an AFF Championship. There is not much left to be said about the most experienced member of this team, who has cemented his status as one of the best to ever don a Lions jersey. Now operating further back in central defence on the pitch, Hariss’ leadership and aggressiveness will be vital to the side.
	Name: Irfan Fandi DOB: 13-Aug-97 (25 years) Height: 1.89m Club: BG Pathum United (THA) Caps: 43 Goals: 1 Previous editions: 2 (2018, 2020) Squad number: 17 Rock-solid performances in recent years have seen Irfan emerge as a leader at the back for the Lions and the future is now, as far as he is concerned. Heading into his third AFF Championship, the powerful centre-back can step up and contribute at both ends of the pitch.
	Name: Joshua Pereira DOB: 10-Oct-97 (25 years) Height: 1.78m Club: Geylang International Caps: 2 Goals: 0 Previous editions: None Squad number: 21 International recognition came late for Pereira, whose superb displays at club level this year made him hard to ignore. A promising central midfielder who captained various age-group national teams, Pereira has finally made his breakthrough to the senior side and his ability to play in both defence and midfield will be a useful asset.
	Name: Nazrul Nazari DOB: 11-Feb-91 (31 years) Height: 1.65m Club: Hougang United Caps: 56 Goals: 0 Previous editions: 2 (2018, 2020) Squad number: 4 A mainstay in the team in recent times, Nazrul is an experienced head whose ability to play on either flank has served the team’s needs countless times. He is not the most imposing of figures, but Nazrul will never back down from a challenge and is also an attacking threat with his intelligent runs.
	Name: Ryhan Stewart DOB: 15-Feb-00 (22 years) Height: 1.80m Club: Chiangmai FC (THA) Caps: 4 Goals: 0 Previous editions: None Squad number: 16 A dynamic full-back with the legs to run all day, Stewart’s full-hearted performances with the Young Lions over the past one and a half years saw him earn a move to the Thai second division earlier this year. A maiden international call-up and debut swiftly followed and he will be raring to go when called upon during this tournament.
	Name: Shakir Hamzah DOB: 20-Oct-92 (30 years) Height: 1.80m Club: Tanjong Pagar United Caps: 59 Goals: 3 Previous editions: 4 (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020) Squad number: 2 Slightly over a year on from being stretchered off in the previous edition, Shakir has made his return just in time to perhaps complete some unfinished business. At his very best, the defender has it all – pace, power, aerial ability and an uncompromising tackle.
MIDFIELDERS
	Name: Farhan Zulkifli DOB: 10-Nov-02 (20 years) Height: 1.62m Club: Hougang United Caps: 0 Goals: 0 Previous editions: None Squad number: 13 The youngest member in the team, Farhan’s inclusion is perhaps a bit of a surprise given his inexperience. However, he has been a regular at club level since making his professional bow at just 16 and enjoyed a successful season with Hougang United this year, culminating in Singapore Cup triumph, after a spell out on the sidelines in the early part of the season. A nippy customer, Farhan can play anywhere in midfield and also at both wing-back positions.
	Name: Hafiz Nor DOB: 22-Aug-88 (34 years) Height: 1.70m Club: Lion City Sailors Caps: 17 Goals: 2 Previous editions: 1 (2020) Squad number: 11 Possessing a mind-boggling rate of acceleration, Hafiz has firmly established himself with the Lions in recent years. His turn of pace is complemented with the ability to whip in a dangerous cross, and Hafiz has also adapted to a wing-back position this season.
	Name: Hami Syahin DOB: 16-Dec-98 (24 years) Height: 1.65m Club: Lion City Sailors Caps: 12 Goals: 0 Previous editions: 1 (2020) Squad number: 3 Still only 24, the talented Hami has his best years ahead of him. While he may not have had plenty of match time this season, the nifty central playmaker is technically accomplished and able to split a defence in an instant.
	Name: M. Anumanthan DOB: 14-Jul-94 (27 years) Height: 1.77m Club: Lion City Sailors Caps: 27 Goals: 0 Previous editions: 3 (2016, 2018, 2020) Squad number: 6 A midfield dynamo who covers every inch of the pitch, Anumanthan has also shown his versatility this season by filling in further back in central defence. His tenacity will be invaluable for the Lions.
	Name: Shahdan Sulaiman DOB: 9-May-88 (34 years) Height: 1.80m Club: Lion City Sailors Caps: 81 Goals: 6 Previous editions: 5 (2010, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2020) Squad number: 8 The beating heart of the Lions midfield, Shahdan’s vision and passing ability is second to none. The elegant playmaker can turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye, and has the ability to run a game from deep in midfield. A dead ball specialist as well, Shahdan is a vital cog in the Singapore engine room.
	Name: Shah Shahiran DOB: 14-Nov-99 (23 years) Height: 1.73m Club: Young Lions Caps: 8 Goals: 0 Previous editions: None Squad number: 15 A precocious talent, Shah has not looked back since making his debut in March. The midfielder was thrust into the starting line-up by Takayuki Nishigaya on his second cap and a display that belied his years has seen the youngster establish himself in the Lions set-up.
	Name: Song Uiyoung DOB: 8-Nov-93 (29 years) Height: 1.74m Club: Lion City Sailors Caps: 13 Goals: 3 Previous editions: 1 (2020) Squad number: 7 Since receiving citizenship, Song has seamlessly slotted into the Lions midfield. The dynamic midfielder adds plenty of bite and has the ability to play a variety of roles within the centre of the park, making him an invaluable tactical asset. Driving runs have become a trademark and Song is also a threat in the box.
	Name: Zulfahmi Arifin DOB: 5-Oct-91 (31 years) Height: 1.78m Club: Hougang United Caps: 54 Goals: 1 Previous editions: 4 (2012, 2014, 2018, 2020) Squad number: 23 Entering his fifth AFF Championship, Zulfahmi continues to underline his importance to the Singapore side since breaking through in 2013. The midfielder has grown in stature, adding leadership qualities to a potent left foot and precise range of passing.
FORWARDS
	Name: Amy Recha DOB: 13-May-92 (30 years) Height: 1.72m Club: Hougang United Caps: 8 Goals: 0 Previous editions: 1 (2020) Squad number: 9 Another player whose international breakthrough has been recent, Amy has blossomed into an attacking threat who is lethal anywhere across the frontline. The fleet-footed forward enjoys running at opponents and possesses a powerful strike.
	Name: Faris Ramli DOB: 24-Aug-92 (30 years) Height: 1.70m Club: Lion City Sailors Caps: 69 Goals: 10 Previous editions: 4 (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020) Squad number: 10 A skilful and versatile forward, Faris is always a tricky customer to handle with his turn of pace and strong finishing ability. He is also capable of playing a killer ball and will offer flexibility in terms of attacking options for Nishigaya.
	Name: Ilhan Fandi DOB: 8-Nov-02 (20 years) Height: 1.83m Club: Albirex Niigata (S) Caps: 5 Goals: 1 Previous editions: 1 (2020) Squad number: 19 A remarkable 2022 has seen Ilhan’s career skyrocket. The forward turned promise into reality by racking up 20 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions, which saw him win the AIA Young Player of the Year accolade. A maiden international goal arrived in the recent friendly victory over the Maldives and the talented attacker will be keen to make an impression in this edition, having not featured last time out. A good showing will also see him leave on a high note to new club KMSK Deinze, who are in Belgium’s second tier.
	Name: Shawal Anuar DOB: 29-Apr-91 (31 years) Height: 1.68m Club: Hougang United Caps: 21 Goals: 4 Previous editions: 1 (2020) Squad number: 20 A livewire attacker who blends skill and technical ability into a powerful final product, Shawal thrives on unpredictability to cause chaos in opposing defences. He comes off the back of arguably his best ever season at club level, plundering 14 goals and seven assists as Hougang United won the Singapore Cup, and also heads into the tournament after doubling his international tally in the win against the Maldives.

 

 

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