A test of resilience and a show of resolve – Football Association of Singapore

Singapore Under 19 Team ahead of their match against Qatar, September 2024

(Photo courtesy of Asian Football Confederation)

SINGAPORE 1 OCTOBER 2024 – The Singapore Under-19 football team flew out to the Qatari capital of Doha understanding that a challenging task lay ahead of them. Fadzuhasny Juraimi and his charges were poised to face Jordan, Hong Kong and hosts Qatar in Group J of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers – teams that would provide stern tests.

Before their matches began, the team had the opportunity to gather and reflect over lunch hosted by Chargé d’Affaires Ms. Sumaya Baqavi at the Singapore embassy in Doha. This gathering served as a reminder of the broader community backing the team as they prepared for the tests that lay ahead.

Singapore Under 19 Team with Chargé d’Affaires Ms. Sumaya Baqavi at the Singapore embassy in Doha, September 2024

(Photo courtesy of Singapore Embassy in Doha,Qatar)

Despite a show of resolve, the team fell 3-0 to Qatar in their opening game. They then failed to take chances to stun Jordan, eventually losing 2-0, before closing their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Hong Kong.

While there were lessons in the losses, there were also moments that showed just what the team is made of and also what they can do on the football pitch.

“The players acquitted themselves very well against Qatar and Jordan, and against Jordan in particular, we had chances to go in front which if taken would have made the game very interesting,” said Football Association of Singapore Technical Director Michael Browne.

“The Hong Kong game was completely different, the Singapore team dominated possession against a well organised and deep lying team but could not find a way to score and eventually conceded two poor goals on the break.”

Learning Through Adversity

Fadzuhasny echoed similar sentiments, saying: “Against Qatar, we showed glimpses of good moments, which is very positive and something we can build on. The players kept their spirits high and that approach always helps keep us in the contest.”

Singapore Under 19 Head Coach Fadzuhasny Juraimi, September 2024

(Photo courtesy of Asian Football Confederation)

In their second match against Jordan at the Grand Hamad Stadium, Singapore had opportunities to take the lead, but just could not convert their chances. Goals from Shehade Fakhoury Odeh Burhan and Abdallah Sabra Ibrahim Mohammad within a four-minute spell then sealed the match for the Jordanians.

“Our inexperience at this level showed – at crucial moments we failed to capitalise on the few chances we had, and we were punished for defensive lapses,” said Fadzuhasny.

Speaking after the team fell 2-0 to Hong Kong in their last fixture, vice-captain Fairuz Fazli said: “Every match is a lesson. We may not have achieved the results we wanted, but we will take these experiences to fuel our journey forward.”

It was a similar spirit of reflection that Fadzuhasny spoke with as he looked back on the tournament.

“Our group stage was tough, but the fight the boys showed, especially in the last match against Hong Kong, is something we can build on for future tournaments,” said Fadzuhasny who acknowledged that the road ahead will not be an easy one.

“The main challenges we will face will be maintaining consistency and building on the tactical and physical aspects of our game,” he added.  “We will also need to improve our defensive strategies and enhance our mental resilience.”

Improvements evident, but more required

There were several positives that Browne pointed to, despite the results, and from a bigger picture perspective, he is certain Singapore football must remain firm in its commitment to youth development.

“It is difficult to find fault with the players from an attitude or commitment perspective, they worked exceptionally hard and off the pitch conducted themselves in an exemplary manner – undoubtedly the commitment and dedication of the whole squad was first class,” said Browne.

“During the AFF Tournament (19 to 25 July 2024) the players struggled to cope with the intensity of the games. However, with a little more preparation time they were certainly better in this regard during this AFC tournament.

“Defensively the team was well organised however we need to find more creativity and quality from an attacking perspective,” he added, acknowledging that to be competitive at this level, Singapore must double down on development initiatives.

“As a country we need to raise the level of players that come through our development system and when this happens the performance of our teams at all levels will improve,” he said. “The development initiatives that we have implemented over the past year – the Singapore Youth League, the Junior National Development Centres and National Development Centres – will eventually bear fruit, and I’m confident the levels of our players will improve.”

Eye on the future

Fairuz is already looking to the horizon with a firm determination to level up his own game.

“My personal goal is to get called up for the national team and make my debut. With this experience, I know I need to push even more and work even harder to do that,” said the defender.

Singapore Under 19 Vice Captain Fairuz Fazli (Number 11), September 2024

(Photo courtesy of Asian Football Confederation)

And Browne is confident that some in Fadzuhasny’s squad will continue to raise their game.

“Some of the players will undoubtedly progress to Under-22, Under-23 and First Team level in the next few years,” said Browne drawing on what he witnessed in Qatar.

“The experience gained in such matches, at such events, will certainly benefit these players, because if Singapore as a country is to move forward our teams need to be able to get positive results in difficult environments.”

Singapore Under 19’s Muhd Hud and Kian Ghadessy in action against Hong Kong, September 2024

(Photo courtesy of Asian Football Confederation)

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