The Lion City Sailors are well-represented in Nazri Nasir’s Singapore squad that will take on Malaysia and the Philippines at the FAS Tri-Nations Series 2022, a three-team ‘A’ international friendly tournament hosted in Singapore from 23-29 March.
Hariss Harun is poised to lead the Republic’s Lions under interim Singapore coach Nazri, and the Singapore captain is joined by 10 Sailors teammates including Iqram Rifqi – who has enjoyed a good start to the Singapore Premier League (SPL) season – in the 26-man squad.
The left-sided fullback has started all four Sailors’ games in 2022 – including the AIA Community Shield – and already has one goal to his name. Iqram scored with a rasping shot in the Sailor’s 3-1 win over Hougang United in the club’s SPL opening fixture.
“It’s always an honour to be called up to represent Singapore, and I’m delighted that the work that I’ve put into every training session and every match for the Sailors is paying off,” said the 26-year-old who was part of the Lions squad that inspired the nation at last year’s AFF Suzuki Cup.
“I know there are things in my game that I can improve on, and I’m glad that I’m being tested and pushed on a daily basis by coaches and my teammates at the club. I think my game is improving, and I hope I’ll be able to pull on the Singapore jersey and do a job for my country.”
The Sailors will line up against Albirex Niigata (S) on Friday (18 Mar) in the club’s final SPL fixture before the international break, with the Lions playing Malaysia on 26 Mar before facing the Philippines three days later.
Harimau Malaya and the Azkals will square off on 23 Mar.
All three matches will be played at the Singapore Sports Hub’s National Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 8pm.
As Singapore eases Covid-19 restrictions, more spectators will be able to catch the Lions ‘live’. Up to 15,000 fans will be allowed for both Lions games – up from 10,000 at the Suzuki Cup – with a 5,000 limit set for the Malaysia-Philippines fixture.
Sailors in the Lions squad: Hassan Sunny, Izwan Mahbud, Amirul Adli, Hariss Harun, Iqram Rifqi, M Anumanthan, Shahdan Sulaiman, Hami Syahin, Adam Swandi, Hafiz Nor, Song Ui-young
