Four-goal win target for Lions against Timor Leste
Singapore interim national football coach Fandi Ahmad has revealed his best-case scenario for Wednesday’s (21 November) crucial Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup group-stage match against minnows Timor Leste: A four-goal win.
Indeed, a big victory would put the Lions (three points, no goal difference) in good stead to overtake Philippines (six points, plus-two goal difference) for second place in Group B, assuming the Azkals lose to group leaders Thailand on the same day.
They may still need a good result against the Thais in their final group match in Bangkok on Sunday to advance into the semi-finals for the first time since 2012, but Fandi is insistent that a good result against Timor Leste is paramount.
Must-win, must-score, do-or-die
“It’s really a must-win, must-score, do-or-die match,” he said during the pre-match media conference on Tuesday. “Even if we win, we still have to hope Indonesia beat Philippines in their final match. For now, we need to focus on this match, take our chances, score early and score plenty.”
After beating Indonesia 1-0 in their opening group-stage match at National Stadium, the Lions faltered in their next game, conceding a late goal in a 0-1 loss to Philippines in Bacolod. Philippines could then have opened up a big goal-difference advantage when they led 3-0 against Timor Leste in their next match, but the underdogs stunned them with two late goals to cut their advantage.
While that result opened up a window of opportunity for the Lions, Fandi also cautioned his charges against underestimating their Wednesday opponents.
“They are aggressive, they are mobile, and they have no fear and no pressure,” he said. “We need to be compact and tactically disciplined, and to be ready to counter-attack when they have too many players forward.”
Two strikers and speedy wingers
On his part, Fandi will likely put on two strikers – Ikhsan Fandi and Khairul Amri – instead of having Ikhsan as the lone striker as was in the past two matches. He is also likely to unleash his speedy wingers Gabriel Quak and Faris Ramli to try and unlock Timor Leste’s defence.
Midfielder Izzdin Shafiq also revealed that his midfield teammates have also been honing their long-range attempts, saying, “We have to play our part, help to take on the scoring responsibilities. Hopefully the practices will get us ready for the match.”
For Timor Leste, they are already out of the running after losing all their three group-stage games so far. However, they showed improvements after being walloped 0-7 by Thailand in their first match, losing 1-3 to Indonesia and then 2-3 to Philippines.
Nonetheless, defender Jorge Sabas Victor believes his side are in for a tough match. The 20-year-old said, “We’re playing on Singapore’s home ground, so it will be difficult. But we are focused on our own performances, and we want to play at our best on Wednesday.”
Morale and confidence will be key
With so much as stake, Fandi is banking on his side’s morale and confidence during the past few days of training to provide the composure and the penetrative passes for the goals on the pitch.
“I’ve always tell them to enjoy the training and be positive. If you’re in a good mood, you will be in a good mental state during crucial matches,” he said. “I know we need many goals, but if we don’t get them early, we need to be patient and composed. It’s not easy, but I’m confident in the boys.”
Related stories:
‘Sloppy’ Singapore fall to Philippines to cede advantage at AFF Suzuki Cup
Lions begin AFF Suzuki Cup on right foot with 1-0 Indonesia win
