Gavin Lee names 24-man squad for upcoming football friendlies
On Wednesday (4 Nov), the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced a 24-man Lions squad for the inaugural Mizuho Blue Challenge — The Kallang Football Series Singapore, featuring match-ups between the national teams of Brazil, Japan, Singapore, and Paraguay.
Source: fasingapore on Instagram
Head coach Gavin Lee has named a squad featuring several changes from the group that represented Singapore at the FIFA ASEAN Cup, which wrapped up in October.
Ten Lion City Sailors players made the cut, forming the largest contingent in the squad: captain Hariss Harun, Ryhan Stewart, Lionel Tan, Hami Syahin, Kyoga Nakamura, Song Ui-young, Glenn Kweh, Farhan Zulkifli, Shawal Anuar, and Ilhan Fandi.
Experienced figures such as Hariss, Safuwan Baharudin, and Shawal remain in the squad, alongside Ilhan.
New faces earn call-ups
One of the biggest surprises was the inclusion of 21-year-old Balestier Khalsa midfielder Woo Chun Wei, who received his first senior national-team call-up.
Coach Lee said Woo’s performances in central midfield showed maturity beyond his age and proved he could compete at international level.
Hougang United midfielder Saifullah Akbar, as well as Geylang International defenders Joshua Pereira and Darren Teh, were also recalled to the squad.
Injuries and personal reasons rule players out
Several familiar names were absent from the squad.
Lion City Sailors full-back Nur Adam Abdullah misses out after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury during his club’s victory over Young Lions on 11 Oct.
Source: lioncitysailors.fc on Instagram
Thespa Gunma forward Ikhsan Fandi is also unavailable due to injury.
Cardiff City defender Perry Ng, who became a Singapore citizen in late September, was left out as he is expecting the birth of his first child with his partner.
Source: busterng and fasingapore on Instagram
Irfan Fandi was another notable omission, leaving younger brother Ilhan and Shawal as the only recognised forwards in the squad.
Lions face Paraguay and Brazil
The Lions will open their campaign against world No. 33 Paraguay on Friday (13 Nov) at 8pm.
They will then take on world No. 6 Brazil, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, on Tuesday (17 Nov) at 6pm. Both matches will be held at the National Stadium.
The fixtures are part of a four-nation series also featuring Japan, who will play Brazil on 14 Nov before meeting Paraguay on 17 Nov.
The matches were originally intended to help Singapore prepare for the AFC Asian Cup in Jan 2027. However, the Asian Football Confederation has since postponed the tournament to take place from Dec 2027 to Jan 2028.
Despite the change, Lee said the Lions’ preparation and approach remain unchanged. He described Paraguay and Brazil as difficult tests that will help the team improve ahead of the Asian Cup.
Fans react to selection
Fans had mixed reactions to the squad selection.
Some questioned the logic behind selecting only two forwards.
Source: fasingapore on Instagram
Source: fasingapore on Facebook
Perry Ng’s unavailability for selection also understandably disappointed many fans.
He is yet to make an appearance for Singapore since attaining citizenship in late September. Fans have been itching to see him on the pitch for the Lions since.
Source: fasingapore on Instagram
Other fans were optimistic and excited about the opportunities for the newcomers to the squad.
Source: fasingapore on Instagram
Some fans also speculated on the omission of centre-back Irfan Fandi.
Source: fasingapore on Facebook
Source: Reddit
Some suspect that he was left out of the squad following a social media outburst after a 5-1 loss at home for his club, Tampines Rovers, to Cambodian side Svay Rieng in the AFC Champions League Two on 29 Oct.
Others have chalked it up to his unimpressive form.
Source: Reddit
Some fans were also concerned that other Tampines Rovers players in the National Team may have to play matches on consecutive days.
The Rovers are due to play Thai side Ratchaburi at home on 18 Nov, one day after the game against Brazil, for the ASEAN Club Championship competition.
Also read: AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia to be pushed back to Dec 2027, amid instability in region
AFC Asian Cup postponed to December 2027, amid instability in region
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Featured image adapted from @fasingapore on Instagram.