Irfan Fandi, Nur Adam Abdullah recalled for Lions’ March 31 Asian Cup qualifier

But 32-cap midfielder Song Ui-young misses out as he is still recovering from ankle surgery. Read more at straitstimes.com.

SINGAPORE – The Lions will get a defensive boost for their Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh, with Singapore national football coach Gavin Lee including centre-back Irfan Fandi and left-back Nur Adam Abdullah in his 26-man squad for the March 31 game at the National Stadium.

Both defenders were out of the national fold for a considerable amount of time owing to injury.

Port FC player Irfan won his last of 49 caps in a 2-1 friendly loss at Malaysia in September 2025, when he tore the medial collateral ligament in his left knee. The result was later overturned by FIFA for a 3-0 win for Singapore as the Tigers had fielded ineligible players.

The 28-year-old, who will be joined by his brothers and attacking duo Ikhsan and Ilhan in the national team, thanked Lee and Lions physiotherapist Nurhafizah Abu Sujad for their encouragement and care. He has since recovered to play 12 league and cup games, contributing to three clean sheets for Port, who are second in the Thai League 1.

He told The Straits Times: “It’s an honour to be called up again. Missing out on the big win over Hong Kong hurts me till today but I know this is just the beginning. We have a lot to work on before the Asian Cup, and I will be working hard to try and keep my place in the team.

“Every time I step into the national team, I always give my 100 per cent, and I try to be a good role model and help the team as much as I can with the experience I have.”