SINGAPORE (1 April 2016) – Bernd Stange insists he will look back fondly on his reign as Singapore coach despite losing to Afghanistan in what is expected to be his final game at the helm.
The Lions were unable to finish off their 2018 FIFA World Cup/2019 AFC Asian Cup joint-qualifying campaign on a high after a 2-1 defeat to the Afghans at the Takhti Stadium on Tuesday.
Goals from Khaibar Amani and Josef Shirdel were enough to hand Afghanistan the win, although Fazrul Nawaz scored with a poacher’s finish late on to hand Singapore a consolation.
The Singaporeans, despite the defeat, are through to the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers after finishing third in Group E behind Japan and Syria.
While the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) have yet to issue an official statement on his future, Stange had last week announced that he would not be continuing on after his current contract expires in April.
However, the German claims he is proud of what Singapore have achieved under him in the past three years.
“We have ended the second qualifying round with ten points and I would like to thank our players and backroom staff for their total commitment, dedication and focus,” he said.
“The support from the management has been amazing and helped to motivate our boys throughout the campaign.
“I am proud of our boys and officials and I am very optimistic that this team will make history by qualifying for the 2019 Asian Cup – if we keep the team, including players and backroom staff, together and also if we provide more support, especially in terms of training facilities.
“I have full optimism on the future of Singapore football but we need everyone to come together and provide full support on this journey towards success.”
SOURCE: www.the-afc.com
