We must pounce on home advantage, says Stange

SINGAPORE — National head coach Bernd Stange says Singapore must take full advantage of their upcoming two World Cup qualifying home fixtures if the Lions are to harbour any hopes of advancing to the next round of qualification, as well as to the 2019 Asian Cup finals.

The Lions take on Afghanistan at the National Stadium on Thursday (Oct 8), and then Cambodia on Oct 13.

Although Singapore, at 157th in the FIFA rankings, are seven rungs below Afghanistan (No 150), Stange believes that the Afghans will “have no chance” if the Lions “bring everything to the table”.

“Nobody should under-estimate Afghanistan,” said the German. “They are physical, and stronger than our players. But I think we have more intelligence, are better organised, and that’s why I am confident.”

Singapore are currently third in Group E with four points, behind leaders Syria (nine points) and ­Japan (seven points). The Lions have one win (4-0 against Cambodia), a draw (0-0 with Japan) and one ­defeat ­(0-1 against Syria).

On the other hand, Afghanistan are fourth with two losses ­(0-6 to ­Japan and Syria) and a win ­(1-0 against Cambodia).

If Singapore win their next two games, it will put them in good stead to finish second in their group. The top team from each of the eight groups, and the four best runners-up, will advance into the third round of World Cup qualifying as well as qualify for the 2019 Asian Cup finals.

Even though midfielder Hariss Harun and defender Safuwan Baharudin are suspended for Thursday’s game, after receiving two yellow cards each in their previous matches, Stange is unfazed.

“This qualifying campaign is a marathon. We will have a lot of problems on the way to success. We will have injuries in our team, suspensions, and unexpected events (such as players’ family and personal problems),” he said. “Everybody is aware that if you want to succeed, you have to cover such problems.”

Stange also said that the current haze situation should not affect the team’s preparations significantly, even though today’s Pollutant Standards Index reading of 162 at 6pm caused the Lions to change their training programme

“Unfortunately today, we cannot do what we want. We have to slow down (the pace) … Just a little bit of stretching, and passing, and a small-sided game,” said Stange.

“(But) the majority of our players are from the LionsXII, and they play week in and week out. It means they are up to date, and I don’t see a problem.”