The last time the Singapore U23 tasted a similar international tournament was back during their campaign in the AFC U23 Championship Thailand 2020 Qualifiers. The team emerged 2nd placing in the group stages, but luck was not on their side as they were not the best 4 runner-up in the group to qualify to the next round. 

The hungry Lions side will now look forward to playing one of their best tournaments on home soil, in the eyes of their very own fans. This could be a very good motivating factor for the boys and especially for certain players who are making one of their final appearances in this age-group tournament. 

Head coach Nazri mentioned in an interview with The Football Association of Singapore how his selection of players was tough due to the players eagerness in wanting to represent their nation in this tournament as well as the morale of the team.  “The coaching staff and I had to make some very difficult decisions with everyone eager to fight for their place. We looked for certain things when deciding on the final squad, in terms of the positions needed as well as the players’ ability, understanding of the game and awareness of our philosophy, which is very important”. 

The mood is good and the players are excited, and I am confident that these players will give their best”. 

The Lions skipper, Jacob, also mentioned how important this tournament means to him and the boys, especially playing on home soil, “ Playing on home soil is an advantage to us but of course, we have to take every game one at a time and get off to a good start.

I know our fans will be at the stadium to support us and that will only spur us even more on the field. The boys have worked hard every day, adapting to the playing philosophies and we will go out there to do our best and fight for the country. I personally can’t wait to lead the team out” . 

The last time Timor-Leste played in the international stage was the Southeast Asian Games back in 2019, leaving the tournament with zero points. They did not manage to claim a single point against all four clashes with Myanmar, Cambodia, Philippines and Malaysia. They finished the tournament being last in the group, with Myanmar and Cambodia advancing to the knockout stages in that tournament. 

  • Singapore U23 vs Timor-Leste U23 head to head 

The two teams have not faced each other in previous tournaments. This will be their first clash. 

Singapore U23 Form Guide: D-L-L-L-W

Timor-Leste U23 Form Guide: W-L-L-L-L

  • Singapore U23 vs Timor-Leste U23 Team News

Singapore U23

There are no reported injuries or suspensions.

Injured: None 

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Timor-Leste U23

There are no reported injuries or suspensions. 

Injured: None

Doubtful: None 

Suspended: None

  • Singapore U23 vs Timor-Leste U23 Prediction

The Lions will be looking forward to claiming all three points from this upcoming game against Timor-Leste. However Timor-Leste will attempt to not let this happen, as they will try to cause an upset to the host.

With home advantage and many other factors that positively impacts the Singapore side, a bright start to this campaign could see themselves being even more motivated for the upcoming matches to come. 

Prediction: Singapore U23 4-0 Timor-Leste U23

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