Singapore spirits high ahead of must-win Asian Games clash: coach Aide
Singapore Under-23 coach Aide Iskandar has called on his charges to be optimistic of victory when they face Oman in their second Asian Games Group C match on Wednesday evening.
An 87th-minute header from Tajikistan defender Siyovush Asrorov condemned Singapore to a narrow 1-0 loss in their opener on Saturday. The team need to avoid defeat against the Omanis to keep their last-16 hopes alive, but Aide is targeting all three points.
“It is a must-win if we want to advance to the next round,” he told Yahoo Singapore on Tuesday night. “I want the boys to put up a strong performance and give their best.”
In order for that to happen, the former Lions skipper is counting on the leadership of established trio Hassan Sunny, Baihakki Khaizan and Safuwan Baharudin, as well as for young central midfield duo Anumanthan Mohan Kumar and Amirul Adli to replicate their solid display from the first match.
Singapore were arguably unfortunate not to gain anything against Tajikistan and Aide revealed that while his boys were disappointed to concede so late in the game, spirits are still high in the camp.
“They did give a good account of themselves in the last match,” he said. “We had good sessions today both on the pitch and [in terms of] video analysis. Morale is positive and they are looking forward to putting up a strong performance tomorrow.”
Amirul will come in for the injured Zulfahmi Arifin against Oman, with no other changes likely. However, Aide added that defender Shakir Hamzah and forward Khairul Nizam are recovering well from injuries and could yet feature at some point.
Younger members like attackers Adam Swandi and Suria Prakash may also get a chance to play so as to give them exposure to high-level competition.
Singapore created their fair share of chances against Tajikistan and Aide acknowledged that they will have to be more clinical if they want to beat Oman.
“We had good chances to score but we didn't capitalise on those, so we need to take our chances in order for us to win games,” he asserted. “I believe they will give everything for tomorrow's game.”
Singapore will face Oman 7pm Singapore time at the Hwaseong Stadium. Watch it live here.
