ULAANBAATAR, 22 MARCH 2019 – Singapore Under-22 Head Coach Fandi Ahmad has expressed confidence in the team ahead of their opening match in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-23 Championship qualifiers later today.

 

The U22s will face Hong Kong in the Group G clash and have spent the past two weeks preparing for this campaign in Mongolia, which Fandi believes has been adequate.

 

“I think we have prepared quite well for this match,” he told FAS.org.sg. “We tried our best to train at the same time as when the game will be played so that the players can get used to actual match conditions.

 

“We don’t know too much about our opponents but we have analysed video from their games in January and (we have noted that) they have hardworking players. They attack and defend in numbers… and their captain is very skillful and have good technical abilities.”

 

Fandi added that composure is key to getting a good result, while his defensive options have been boosted by the arrival of Irfan Fandi. Midfielder Hami Syahin, who was an injury doubt, could feature, though attacker Saifullah Akbar is suspended.

 

DPR Korea and Mongolia are the other two teams in the group, with only the winner being guaranteed qualification to the final tournament in Thailand next year. The four best second-placed teams from the 11 groups will also qualify.

 

Fandi has urged his players to play their hearts out and make history by being the first Singapore side to qualify for the championship.

 

“We are here to challenge for the top position and fight for a place in the final in Thailand,” he said. “I hope the boys do their best for the match and get a good result. That will be a morale boost to the entire team.”

 

The match will kick off at 1pm and live-streamed at the following link:

22 March – Hong Kong vs Singapore

 

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