As Singapore’s national football team is gearing up for their first match in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, head coach Tsutomu Ogura is making it clear: past achievements mean nothing now.
The Lions will face Hong Kong at the National Stadium on 25 March, kicking off their year-long campaign.
However, they will warm up with a friendly against Nepal on 21 March.
Ogura, who led the team to the ASEAN Championship semi-finals last year, remains unimpressed.
“We are not satisfied.
“No one is satisfied with (the ASEAN Championship) … if we had (a better) performance, we would join the final, maybe (we would have become) champions.” he told CNA.
His focus is on a fresh start, warning that the road ahead will not be easy.
He sees this as a new beginning and a major challenge, but he insists that the team must push themselves forward.
Ogura has also set a clear tone for this new era, no player is guaranteed a spot.
“Everyone fights for a place and claims their position in the team.
“There is no guarantee of places. If you are good, you can play.” he said.
The match against Nepal will serve as a crucial test ahead of the qualifiers.
He sees this game as an important opportunity to refine the team’s approach before facing Hong Kong.
This campaign marks the Lions’ Road to Riyadh, as they aim to qualify for the Asian Cup on merit for the first time.
Singapore has only appeared in the tournament once, in 1984, when the nation hosted Asia’s showpiece event.
Among the changes to the squad, striker Ilhan Fandi has been recalled from Thai club BG Pathum United.
Having missed the ASEAN Championship, he is eager to contribute and believes the team can carry their momentum into this campaign.
MAIN PHOTO: FAS