Football: Singapore to play rivals Malaysia at National Stadium in October

SINGAPORE - As part of their preparations for the year-end Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup, Singapore are set to face causeway rivals Malaysia in the Causeway Challenge at the National Stadium on October 7.

The Lions were handed a tough draw for the 11th edition of the biennial football tournament earlier this month when they found themselves in Group A alongside defending champions Thailand, co-hosts the Philippines and Indonesia.

Results in recent months, which include an embarrassing 1-2 defeat by Cambodia in an international friendly, the Lions’ first loss to the Asean minnows in 44 years, and a 3-0 thumping at the hands of Vietnam at the AYA Bank Cup final have done little to help inspire confidence in head coach V.Sundramoorthy’s team.

The last time Singapore faced Malaysia was at the Suzuki Cup in November 2014 when Malaysia triumphed 3-1 at the National Stadium to send the then defending Suzuki Cup champions crashing out in the group stages.

“Singapore and Malaysia enjoy strong bilateral relations and good cooperation in many areas, including sports,” said Football Association of Singapore (FAS) Vice-President Lim Kia Tong in a media statement. “The beautiful game of football has been and will continue to be a very substantive platform in cementing this good cooperation.

“Football matches between both countries are always special for our fans and players.”

The Republic, who will also take part in five other international friendlies in the coming months, will be hoping to win the Suzuki Cup for a record fifth time after triumphs in 1998, 2004, 2007 and 2012.

Lions vice-captain Harris Harun, who won the Suzuki Cup in 2012, said:  “Both countries share a unique bond and deep historical ties, and matches between Singapore and Malaysia have always attracted thousands of fans to the stadium.”

“Therefore, our Lions – including several who will be participating in their first Causeway Challenge – are looking forward with much excitement to the Singapore vs Malaysia match,” added the 25-year-old, who plays for Malaysian Super League side Johor Darul Ta'zim.

Match details: Singapore vs Malaysia

Date: 7 October 2016

Venue: National Stadium

Time: 8.30 pm.

* Tickets for the match will be available from www.sportshubtix.sg, from 12.00pm on September 1, 2016.