Football: Singapore to go all out for win and ranking points against Laos in friendly

After three consecutive defeats and with the team sliding down football's Fifa world rankings, national coach Bernd Stange is in no mood for charity when the Lions take on Laos in an international friendly on Thursday at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

The Lions dropped four notches to 159th in the ranking table last month after three consecutive defeats (6-1 by China and 1-0 by Hong Kong in friendlies, and 2-0 by Oman in an Asian Cup qualifier).

Laos are ranked 172nd. They have brought a squad of 22, of which are only three players are above the age of 23. They are using this match to prepare for the SEA Games in December.

Similarly, Singapore will compete in the SEA Games hosted in Myanmar.

But Stange, 65, will field a blend of youth and experience. He said: "It is highly unfair to forget about the older national players like Shahril Ishak and Baihakki Khaizan. We still need them next year.

"We have to beat Laos to take some world ranking points."

National captain Shahril added: "We are very disappointed to lose three games in a row. We have to improve and this game will be about getting a higher ranking."

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