Proflgate Lions on the Hunt for Goals

Returning Ikhsan eager to help improve Singapore's attack in friendly and qualifier

- Deepanraj Ganesan

The Lions have set a target of qualifying for the Asian Cup, but the mission to reach the 2027 edition in Saudi Arabia could be hampered by a lack of goals. In their last five matches, Singapore managed to find the net just once.

It is a worrying statistic ahead of the crucial Asian Cup third-round Group C qualifier against Bangladesh in Dhaka on June 10.

The Lions kicked off their campaign with a 0-0 home draw against Hong Kong on March 25, while Bangladesh's visit to India also ended goalless. Only the group winners will advance to the tournament.

Before the duel in Dhaka, world No. 161 Singapore will host the 164th-ranked Maldives on June 5 at the Bishan Stadium in an international friendly as they seek to rediscover their scoring touch.

It is a task made harder by the unavailability of Shawal Anuar, who has 26 goals in 42 league and continental matches this season, as he is set to undergo a medical procedure during this period.

The goal-scoring responsibility is likely to fall on the returning Ikhsan Fandi, who has not featured for Singapore since last June, or his younger brother Ilhan.

BG Tampines Rovers' Taufik Suparno and Faris Ramli, and newcomer Amir Syafiz of the Young Lions are the team's other forwards.