Football
ESPN staff 8y

Irfan Fandi and Fahrudin Mustafic in Singapore squad for Malaysia friendly

Teenager Irfan Fandi has been chosen alongside veterans Fahrudin Mustafic and Daniel Bennett in Singapore's 25-player squad for two upcoming friendlies, including next Friday's Causeway Challenge against Malaysia.

Irfan, the son of national icon Fandi Ahmad, is in line for his first senior cap against the Malaysians at the Singapore National Stadium, or away to Hong Kong on Oct. 11.

Tampines Rovers utility Fahrudin has a chance to add to his 79 caps while Geylang International defender Bennett, who was recalled for June's tour of Japan and Cambodia, has played a record 126 times for his country, dating back to 2002.

Even with Fahrudin, 35, and 38-year-old Bennett, the latest group has an average age of only 26.8.

"I have chosen a squad with a good mix of youth and experience," said coach V. Sundramoorthy. "We have seasoned professionals like Daniel Bennett and Mustafic Fahrudin, who can guide the young players, like Iqbal Hussain, M. Anumanthan and Irfan Fandi," said coach V. Sundramoorthy.

As expected, Home United prospect Irfan has been selected with November's AFF Suzuki Cup in mind.

"I'm very excited to have been called. I had played for the various age-group national youth teams over the past few years and it is always with pride and passion whenever I wear the national jersey," said 19-year-old Irfan, who can operate as a striker or central defender.

"Having progressed through the youth development system, I am thankful to my coaches, both past and present, for their guidance and advice. I hope fans will turn up in red and cheer us on at the National Stadium next Friday."

Also in line for his first cap is 25-year-old forward Shawal Anuar, who has impressed for Geylang International in the S.League this season.

"Being a part of coach Sundram's squad for these two matches gives me a golden opportunity for me to prove myself," Shawal said.

"I can't wait to train, and hopefully play, with players like Shahril Ishak and Khairul Amri."

Singapore's match against Malaysia will be their first meeting at senior level since the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup at the Sports Hub where the visitors won 3-1, with two late goals, to knock out the home side.

Singapore to play Malaysia (Oct. 7) and Hong Kong (Oct. 11): 

Hassan Sunny, Izwan Mahbud, Syazwan Buhari, Baihakki Khaizan, Daniel Bennett, Irfan Fandi, Juma'at Jantan, Madhu Mohana, Afiq Yunos, Faritz Hameed, Hafiz Sujad, Shakir Hamzah, Mustafic Fahrudin, Anumanthan Kumar, Hariss Harun, Shahril Ishak, Faris Ramli, Izzdin Shafiq, Safuwan Baharudin, Shawal Anuar, Yasir Hanapi, Gabriel Quak, Sahil Suhaimi, Iqbal Hussain, Khairul Amri

 

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