Unfazed by Lions omission, Hougang United’s Farhan Zulkifli vows to work harder

SINGAPORE – Being dropped from the national squad would be a blow to many players, but for Hougang United’s Farhan Zulkifli, it has only fuelled his determination to train even harder.

The diminutive winger was part of Lions coach Tsutomu Ogura’s Asean Championship squad last December, but was left out of the 22-man squad announced on March 14.

“It’s really competitive to be in the national team. Everyone is fighting for their place, so as much as possible, I would like to feature more, but I still have a long way to go,” said the 22-year-old.

“I’ll continue to give my best so that I can have more minutes in the national team... it is something that pushes me to train harder.”

The door is not totally closed yet as Ogura will make a final decision on his squad for the friendly against Nepal (March 21) and Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong (March 25) after this weekend’s Singapore Cup matches, which includes Hougang’s Group A match against Brunei DPMM.

Farhan has a knack for scoring goals. He found the net on his Singapore Premier League (SPL) debut in 2019, becoming the SPL’s then second-youngest goalscorer at 16 years and 231 days, behind Hariss Harun (16 years 174 days).

He has since been overtaken by Hakeme Yazid (16 years 175 days) and Khairin Nadim (16 years 194 days).

Farhan also scored his first goal for the Lions during a 3-2 friendly win against Myanmar last November, a memorable milestone as his family was at the National Stadium to witness it.

These moments also serve to motivate him.

“I would like to take this time to work on what needs to be worked on, like my decision in the final third, where I need to get more goals and more assists for me to touch up on my game,” he said.

“So that when I have the opportunity, once I get called up to the national team, I’m ready to give my best fight for the team.”

Looking ahead to their Singapore Cup match against DPMM on March 15, Hougang interim coach Robert Eziakor said they are seeking a win to give themselves a shot at qualifying for the semi-finals.

The Cheetahs are fourth in the five-team Group A, with three points from two games.

Eziakor said: “We learn from the last game we played against them. We’ll try to stay calm, not to get ourselves caught in releasing our numbers. As much as we can, we try to reduce their counter-attacks and exploit the attack line.”

DPMM, who are top of the group with seven points from three games, are in pole position to seal a semi-final spot.

Their coach Jamie McAllister said: “We are really looking forward to the game against a well-organised Hougang team who have some quality players with pace and power in their squad.

“I feel our team are in a good place mentally, physically and relishing the challenge at the moment. The players are prepared but know there is a fine line between confidence and complacency.

“There are many players who are in form and playing well, so with Davis (Ikaunieks) adding goals to his performances, it shows how much quality he has.”

Tanjong Pagar United v Geylang International (March 15, 8.30pm, Jurong East Stadium)

The Jaguars will be looking to end their wretched run of five consecutive losses in all competitions, but are set for a tough time against Geylang top scorer Tomoyuki Doi, who broke the record for most league goals in a season (39) last week.

BG Tampines Rovers v Young Lions (March 16, 8.30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

The Singapore Cup looks like the Stags’ only chance of silverware this season. They are seven points behind SPL leaders Lion City Sailors, having played one game more. Itsuki Enomoto will be looking to torment his former side Young Lions again, having scored in a 5-1 win in the league in February.

Lion City Sailors v Balestier Khalsa (March 16, 8.30pm, Bishan Stadium)

The Sailors are riding on a high after qualifying for the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League Two. The Tigers will have their work cut out for them in defence, having conceded 70 goals in 25 games, the second-worst record in the league.