Lion City Sailors striker Abdul Rasaq Akeem has been named alongside three other Sailors – Hariss Harun, Hami Syahin, and Izwan Mahbud – in Tsutomu Ogura’s 30-strong Singapore National Team squad that will travel to Japan for a training camp during the upcoming October international window. 

This is Rasaq’s first-ever senior call-up, with the 23-year-old previously making appearances for the nation at the Under-23 level.  

Rasaq has returned strongly from a year-long layoff due to a meniscus injury, and has scored two goals in three league appearances so far – with those strikes helping the Sailors to 6-0 and 3-1 wins over Tanjong Pagar United and Balestier Khalsa respectively. 

Rasaq said he was honoured to get his first Lions call-up, and has vowed to go all out for the national cause. 

“It’s every footballer’s dream to represent their senior national team, and I’m extremely honoured to get this call-up. I’ll work hard and show everyone further about my abilities,” he declared. 

The Lions will play training matches against three J1 League clubs as part of their training camp as they continue preparations for the upcoming ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup in December.