DIFFICULT FIGHT 'WELCOME'

Young Lions buzzing despite tough draw for SEA Games; Lionesses also have uphill task

- David Lee Senior Sports Correspondent

The Singapore Under-22 football team will be eager to redeem themselves at the year-end SEA Games in Thailand after the 7-0 loss to Malaysia at the 2023 edition, which was their worst defeat in the regional event since 1971. PHOTO: FAS

(FAS)

The odds are stacked against the Singapore men's Under-22 football team making it past the group stage at the upcoming SEA Games in Thailand, but the Young Lions are relishing the difficult task ahead.

In the draw held during the Games' first technical delegates meeting at the Divalux Resort and Spa in Bangkok on Oct 19, the Young Lions were slotted into Group C alongside defending champions Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines.

Group A will feature hosts Thailand, Cambodia and Timor-Leste, while Group B comprises Vietnam, Malaysia and Laos.

Young Lions coach Firdaus Kassim said after the draw: "We know the challenge ahead... They're tough opponents, but we welcome the challenge."

He said his priority would be exposing the players to high-level matches and building the momentum and rhythm over the coming months.