SINGAPORE: The Singapore national football team is set to face a significant setback as they prepare for the 2024 ASEAN Championships, officially known as the 2024 AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

Notably, they will be without Lion City Sailors midfielder Song Ui-young and several players currently based in Thailand.

Song has opted out of national team selection due to pressing family matters, a decision he has communicated to head coach Tsutomu Ogura.

"We fully support his request, and we hope to see him back in the team soon," Ogura stated as he finalized his 26-player squad for the tournament.

The absence of the Fandi Ahmad brothers—Irfan, Ilhan, and Ikhsan—who are currently playing for clubs in Thailand, adds to the team’s challenges.

Also missing is Jacob Mahler, who is recovering from an injury.

The loss of these key players raises concerns about Singapore’s competitiveness in the tournament.

On a brighter note, the team secured the return of defender Safuwan Baharudin following cooperative arrangements with his club, Selangor FC, which allowed him to join the squad outside the FIFA international window.

"It’s a huge boost for us to have Safuwan on board," Ogura expressed.

Veteran midfielder Shahdan Sulaiman is also making a highly-anticipated comeback.

The 36-year-old has battled injuries but has returned to form, showcasing his commitment to the national side.

"I was surprised and happy to receive the call-up under the new coach," said Shahdan, who is determined to secure a place in the final matchday squad amidst fierce competition.

The ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup kicked off on December 6,

with Singapore placed in Group A alongside Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Timor Leste.

The Lions are set to kick off their campaign on December 11 against Cambodia at the National Stadium in Singapore.

Following this home match, they will travel to Vietnam for their encounter with Timor Leste.

Coach Ogura remains optimistic, rallying the team with a message of commitment to rising to the occasion.

"With the hard work put in over the past few months, we are ready to face the challenge," he stated.

"We hope our fans will support us and turn the National Stadium into a fortress."

As the four-time champions, having triumphed in 1998, 2004, 2007, and 2012, Singapore aims for redemption following a disappointing performance in the 2022 edition, where they did not progress beyond the group stage despite a promising start.

Fans will be hoping for a turnaround as the Lions make their bid for glory in this prestigious tournament.

Mike Brown, a seasoned journalist, reflected, "The upcoming matches will be vital not just for points, but for the morale of the team as they seek to regain their former glories."