Harith Danish celebrating with Andy Reefqy on 11 March 2026.
The Singapore Men’s Under-19 National Team concluded their March international friendlies with a strong response, beating Maldives U20 6–2 at Bishan Stadium on 11 March. The hosts had previously suffered a 4–3 defeat three days prior, as the double header against Maldives offered valuable minutes and provided encouraging signs for a young squad preparing for key competitions later this year.
These fixtures form part of the team’s preparations for the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) U19 Championship from 1–14 June, followed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers from 29 September to 6 October.
Singapore 3–4 Maldives (8 March)
Prince Rio dribbling away from two Maldives players on 8 March 2026.
The first meeting between the two sides at Choa Chu Kang Stadium was an end-to-end contest filled with attacking intent from both teams.
Maldives seized the initiative early when captain Ilan Imran broke the deadlock in the 12th minute. The setback appeared to spur Singapore into action as the hosts began pressing forward in search of the equaliser.
Their persistence paid off five minutes before the interval when midfielder Prince Rio swung in a right-footed corner that snuck in at the near post. Just three minutes later, Singapore completed the turnaround as captain Harith Danish found himself on the scoresheet to put the hosts ahead.
The lead, however, proved short-lived. Ethan Ibrahim responded almost immediately for the visitors, scoring barely a minute later to ensure the teams went into the break level.
Maldives returned from the interval with renewed intensity. Their pressure paid dividends when Ahzam Rasheed restored the visitors’ lead in the 53rd minute, before Alhaan Faisal extended the advantage in the 68th minute.
Singapore continued to search for a way back into the contest and were handed a late lifeline when substitute Naisam Nadheem was sent off after receiving two yellow cards within four minutes during injury time.
The hosts capitalised on the numerical advantage soon after. Harith beat his marker down the left flank and whipped in a dangerous cross across goal, which defender Levi Farris tapped home to reduce the deficit. Despite the late push, the effort proved too little too late as the visitors held on for a 4-3 victory.
Singapore 6–2 Maldives (11 March)
Andy Reefqy in action against Maldives on 11 March 2026.
Three days later at Bishan Stadium, Singapore produced a vastly improved performance with a refreshed starting line-up that featured 10 changes, as captain Andy Reefqy led the side in midfield.
Singapore dominated proceedings from the outset. Andy set the tone with a commanding display alongside fellow 17-year-old Danial Herwan, both controlling possession with tidy passing and ensuring sustained pressure in the Maldivian half.
Out wide, Nathan Mao looked lively on the left, constantly seeking openings with incisive passes. On the opposite side, however, it was Harith who proved decisive.
The midfielder struck twice in the first half to give Singapore a firm grip on the match before completing his first-ever career hat-trick in the 52nd minute with another emphatic finish.
Singapore continued to press forward in the second half, with Helmi Shahrol, Adam Irfan, and full-back Sky Yeo also finding the back of the net in a commanding attacking display.
The visitors managed to score twice through Nassah Ibrahim in the 42nd minute and Anoof Abdulla in the fourth minute of added time at the end of the game, but the goals ultimately proved little more than consolation against Singapore’s free-flowing attacking football.
Reflecting on his standout performance, Harith expressed his delight at recording a memorable milestone.
Harith Danish celebrating his first goal against Maldives on 11 March 2026.
“I’m really happy to get my first hat-trick, and it means a lot to do it in front of our home fans at Bishan Stadium.
“The support from the stands gave us a lot of energy and motivation, and I’m grateful that I could contribute to the team’s win.”
Danial also highlighted the significance of the performance as the team continues its preparations for upcoming competitions.
Danial Herwan in action against Maldives on 11 March 2026.
“This result reflects the hard work that everyone has been putting in during training. We’ve been pushing each other every session and it’s encouraging to see that effort translate onto the pitch.
“It’s an important step for us as we continue preparing for the AFF Championship and the AFC qualifiers later this year.”
