Five players called up for debuts in Lions’ March friendly – ​​Football Association of Singapore

Singapore, 16 March 2023 – Five players have been handed debut calls for the Singapore men’s national team by head coach Takayuki Nishigaya, who today announced the 22-player squad for the FIFA International Window later this month.

Amirul Haikal, Daniel Goh, Irfan Najeeb, Joel Chew and Lionel Tan Lions challenge Hong Kong and Macau Two international ‘A’ friendly matches on 23rd and 26th March respectively.

The Tampines trio was joined by four club-mates – Glenn Kwae, Faris Ramli, Shazwan Buhari and Tawfik Suparno – and their combined performances helped the club to the top of the Singapore Premier League.

Irfan Najeeb of Tampines Rovers.Image credits: Singapore Premier League

Huzaifa Aziz has also been recalled to the squad that last appeared in June 2019, joining a midfield lineup that is a mixture of youth and experience.

Huzaifa Aziz celebrates with Faris Ramli and Gabriel Quack during the match against Myanmar on 11 June 2019

Captain Harris Harun will be a notable absentee from the team as he has been given permission by coach Nishigaya to participate in this call-up as he prepares to take his exams.

Having previously qualified for the U-22 level, Tan is delighted to be called up to the senior ranks for the first time. claims to. He is very grateful for the trust Nishigaya has placed in him and it is now up to me to justify his worth in his national team setup.

“I’m going to be a very new player out there, so my job is to learn as much as possible from the senior players and make sure I’m at a good level for the Lions.

Sailors defender Lionel Tan.Image credits: Singapore Premier League

Nishigaya said, “This international window and the next window in June will give us the opportunity to attract new faces to the team, not just those who haven’t had the chance to join the national team for a while.

“The players I have named have played well at home in the SPL for their clubs, but it is important to have a taste for international football and understand exactly the level of intensity required. We need this exposure too, so they know what they need.

“The other coaches and I watch every game and my message to all the players is to see you playing at a good level every week and you deserve to be part of the national team. I want you to show me that.”

The team will depart Singapore on Monday 20th March.

Singapore Men’s National ‘A’ Team Squad

Match Schedule for Singapore Men’s National Team in March 2023

Corporate Communications Department
Singapore Football Association

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