SINGAPORE (27 June 2012) – The Singapore Under-22 suffered yet another defeat in a friendly that was being used as preparation for their campaign in the AFC U22 Asian Cup qualifiers next month.
After losing 4-2 to the Young Lions previously, the Singapore U22 squad this time round fell 3-2 to S-League side Houngang United. Despite taking the lead through Faris Ramli’s penalty in the 22nd minute, the team just could not maintained their composure as they allowed Hougang to pounce in the equalizer off Fazli Jaafar just before the break.
Immediately after the restart, Houngang took the lead but Faris then restored parity with the equalizing goal at the hour mark. But there was no way back for the Singapore U22 when Azhar Sairuddin unleashed a stinger late in the second half for the well-deserved victory to Houngang.
The Singapore U22’s final friendly match before their departure to Pekanbaru, Indonesia will be against the Singapore Armed Forces FC. For the AFC U22 Asian Cup qualifiers, Singapore are in Group E against hosts Indonesia, Australia, Japan, Macau and Timor Leste.
