By Aimi G.
Singapore are winless in their last six matches and with just one goal scored during that barren run.
There is also a loss to Nepal to come to terms with.
As they prepare to face Bangladesh in a must-win AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier on 10 June in Dhaka, all eyes are now on one man: Ikhsan Fandi.
And to a certain extent, his baby brother Ilhan Fandi as well.
The 26-year-old striker is back in the national fold, having not featured for Singapore since last June due to injuries and limited playing time at Thai club BG Pathum United.
His return to the Lions fold comes at a critical time for the Lions.
“I’m feeling good, confident and happy, and I’m ready to help the national team,” Ikhsan told The Straits Times.
“Yes, it’s been a difficult season.
“A lot of setbacks and I couldn’t get consistency or rhythm. I want to prove myself and get back to the level where I should be at.”
The Lions last victory came in the form of a 3-0 win over Timor Leste more than six months ago, with their latest outing ending in a goalless draw at home to Hong Kong in March.
With only the top team in Group C advancing to the Asian Cup, Singapore can ill afford more dropped points.
Before travelling to Bangladesh, the Lions will play the Maldives in a friendly on 5 June at Bishan Stadium.
Head coach Tsutomu Ogura is urging his players to be more incisive in the final third.
“We need to create more chances.
“The delivery is also important.
“It is also important that we don’t give up and keep trying to create chances,” said the coach.
It’s a familiar story for Singapore fans but with Ikhsan back in red, fans are hoping that his aura and scoring boots will carry the Lions towards wins against Maldives and then against Bangladesh.
PHOTO: FAS