Shahdan feels he can still roar for Lions at AFF C'ship

With one swerve of his right foot, Shahdan Sulaiman sent a free kick to the top left corner of Indonesia's net, whipping the 9,000-strong crowd at the National Stadium and many more at home into a frenzy.

- Deepanraj Ganesan

That moment of brilliance in December 2021, which gave nine-man Singapore a shock 2-1 lead in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Championship semi-final, second leg, was one of few moments that have unleashed the roar among Lions' fans in recent years.

While the Lions ultimately lost in extra time, that "surreal moment that will stay with me always" showcased Shahdan's nerves of steel and exceptional set-piece ability.

But bright sparks like those have been few and far between as the midfielder has been plagued by injuries.

With the 36-year-old having overcome those issues to become a key player for Hougang United in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) this season with one goal and three assists from 14 appearances, he is hoping for one last hurrah in national colours at the Dec 8-Jan 5 AFF Championship.

Ahead of an SPL match against his former side Lion City Sailors at the Bishan Stadium on Oct 19, Shahdan said: "Physically, I feel good and I feel I am still able to compete with the younger players.