Safuwan returns to Lions den as coach Ogura names 26-man Asean Cup squad

SINGAPORE – Given how regional rivals have made big strides in youth development and talent recruitment via naturalisation, few would put money on the Lions going far in the 2024 Asean Championship.

But Singapore national football coach Tsutomu Ogura, who announced his 26-man squad on Dec 6, is hopeful that his depleted side can pull off a surprise. Eleven players, including Japan-born midfielder Kyoga Nakamura, received their maiden tournament call-up.

The 58-year-old Japanese told The Straits Times: “We can win or lose, but I want our players to feel proud that they are playing for Singapore, and be able to feel proud of the football that we play, that it will be something that people will want to watch again at the stadium or through the television.”

While the squad have been boosted by Selangor’s release of defender Safuwan Baharudin – who has 115 caps and 13 goals – there are still six key absentees for the Dec 8-Jan 5 tournament, also known as the Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup, which falls outside Fifa’s international window.

Singapore face Group A opponents Cambodia at home on Dec 11, followed by Timor-Leste away on Dec 14, Thailand (home, Dec 17) and Malaysia (away, Dec 20).

Missing from the line-up are goalkeeper Hassan Sunny, who retired from international football in August, midfielders Jacob Mahler (injured) and Song Ui-young (family issue), defender Irfan Fandi and his brothers Ikhsan and Ilhan (not released by clubs).

With a total of 252 caps and 29 goals among them, Ogura candidly acknowledged that they will be missed, adding: “But we cannot focus on who are not available, because I want to chase after a better future for Singapore football. The players who are called up now have the opportunity to show what they can do for the national team. Some of them are of a good age, and this is a good chance for them to grow, develop and step up.

“In the short term, we are focusing on the (Asean Cup). In the longer term, our younger players need a chance to play in big tournaments like this. They can gain confidence and experience from this and become key players for the national team for future competitions such as the Asian Cup qualifiers from March 2025.”

At world No. 161, four-time winners Singapore are ranked sixth in South-east Asia. But the Lions can also surprise when the chips are down, such as when they won the 1998 Tiger Cup with an entirely local-born team, and again at the 2012 Suzuki Cup where the 163rd-ranked side finished champions.

There will be some momentum from the Lion City Sailors’ spirited fight to reach the last 16 of the Asian Champions League 2 on Dec 5. Ogura will be relieved to secure the services of 37-cap, 13-goal Shawal Anuar, who is one of seven Sailors called up to the national team.

The 33-year-old has had a barnstorming season with the Sailors with 15 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, as well as two goals and two assists for the Lions in 2024. He told ST: “My motivation to do well in each match is my family.

“I want to create as many memories as I can for them before I retire. I don’t know if this is my last Asean Championship, so I’m just going to give my all and try to achieve something for my country. People can call us underdogs now, but I believe in the team we have, that the youngsters and experienced players will push and give everything to go as far as we can.”

Since Ogura’s appointment in February, he has experimented with various players and systems such as a back three and four, but generally prefers an attacking approach with concepts such as a “strong line”, his idea of a fluid pressing system that pushes up or holds back in a compact unit depending on the level of pressure in the opponents’ half.

The team appear to have taken to his style, turning around a 2-0 deficit to hold China to a 2-2 home draw in a World Cup qualifier in March, and rebounding from 2-1 down to beat Myanmar 3-2 in a friendly in November.

While that remains his only win in six international matches in charge, the comebacks, five goals scored after the 80th minute, and a 2-1 win over J1 League side Tokyo Verdy in October showed their desire and hunger as youngsters such as Ryhan Stewart, Farhan Zulkifli and Jordan Emaviwe shone.

Hougang United left winger Farhan, a 22-year-old who has three caps and one international goal, said: “I’m always looking forward to continue learning and gain experience from senior players and the coaches. I’ve learnt a lot from them, especially about the importance of togetherness.

“Coach Ogura stresses a lot on concept and style of play which are vital for us to progress, and the senior players are always there to guide the younger ones with constructive feedback as they encourage us to push beyond our limits.”

However, they also have clear areas to improve on, as they have leaked 21 goals in six games.

But true to his team mentality and his role as a father figure, Ogura said: “I cannot simply say our goalkeepers and defenders have to improve. Our offence has to improve too.

“If we keep the ball longer, our opponents will have less time to attack. If they have the ball longer, and big space because we do not apply good pressure, they can attack us more, and that’s not good for us. We have to make sure they have less time and space to make it difficult for them to attack. This is something we will work on during the championship.

“Overall, I just want our players to play their best and play to as high a level as possible. I always tell the players the results come later, and the responsibility of results falls on me.”

Tickets for Singapore’s home group matches at the National Stadium are priced from $10 and are available via

ticketmaster.sg/venues/national-stadium

. Fans may use the promo code ROAR24 for discounts.