Football: Singapore Announce 26-Man Squad for November FIFA Window

Gavin Lee Aims to Impress as Interim Head Coach Amid Growing Calls for Permanent Appointment to lead Singapore National Football Team

Faris Ramli returns to the national team fold after standout domestic form. PHOTO: FAS

SINGAPORE, 5 November 2025 — The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has unveiled a 26-man squad for the upcoming November FIFA International Window, with interim head coach Gavin Lee set to lead the Lions into two pivotal matches that could define the nation’s footballing future.

Singapore will travel to Pathum Thani to face Thailand on 13 November, before a decisive encounter against Hong Kong, China at Kai Tak Stadium on 18 November in Group C of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

Both teams sit level on eight points, with Hong Kong narrowly leading on goal difference. However, head-to-head results take precedence in this competition format — meaning the winner of their clash will secure top spot and automatic qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup Finals in Saudi Arabia, regardless of other results.

Day & Date	Match	Competition	Time (SGT)	Venue
Thursday, 13 November 2025	Thailand vs Singapore	Men’s ‘A’ International Match	8:30 PM	Thammasat Stadium, Pathum Thani, Thailand
Tuesday, 18 November 2025	Hong Kong, China vs Singapore	AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers	8:00 PM	Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong, China

There are growing calls for Gavin Lee to be appointed as permanent head coach after recent performances.  PHOTO: FAS

Gavin Lee’s Growing Case for a Permanent Role

After confirmation that Gavin Lee will continue as interim head coach, calls have intensified among fans and pundits for the 34-year-old tactician to be appointed Singapore’s permanent head coach.

Since taking charge, Lee has instilled fresh energy and structure into the team, highlighted by October’s 2–1 away victory over India that revived Singapore’s qualification hopes. His tactical clarity and emphasis on domestic talent have impressed both the media and supporters.

“We are fully aware of the opportunity in front of us,” said Lee. “We need the same focus on preparation, being together, and trusting our processes. This is a moment for everyone – the team, the staff, and the fans – to come together.”

Timeline of Singapore National Team Head Coaches (1999 - 2025)

Period	Head Coach	Nationality	Notes
1999 – 2001	Vincent Subramaniam	Singaporean 🇸🇬	Last permanent local head coach. Guided Lions during 2000 AFF Championship cycle.
2001 – 2003	Jan Poulsen	Danish 🇩🇰	Brought European structure and development focus.
2003 – 2012	Radojko “Raddy” Avramović	Serbian 🇷🇸	Singapore’s longest-serving and most successful coach (AFF Cup titles in 2004, 2007, 2012).
2013 – 2014	Bernd Stange	German 🇩🇪	Implemented attacking football philosophy but mixed results.
2014 – 2016	Fandi Ahmad (caretaker / youth transition)	Singaporean 🇸🇬	Took charge on interim basis before full appointment of next coach; also oversaw U-23 program.
May 2016 – Apr 2018	V. Sundramoorthy	Singaporean 🇸🇬	First local to lead the team in 15 years. Initially appointed “caretaker” but functioned as head coach for two years.
May 2018 – Apr 2019	Fandi Ahmad (interim)	Singaporean 🇸🇬	Stepped in again after Sundram’s resignation; led Singapore at AFF Suzuki Cup 2018.
May 2019 – Dec 2021	Tatsuma Yoshida	Japanese 🇯🇵	Popular for attacking style and youth integration. Stepped down end 2021.
May 2022 – Jan 2024	Takayuki Nishigaya	Japanese 🇯🇵	Guided team through early 2026 World Cup qualifying; contract terminated in early 2024.
Feb 2024 – Jun 2025	Tsutomu Ogura	Japanese 🇯🇵	Led during AFC Asian Cup qualifying; replaced mid-2025.
Jul 2025 – Present (Nov 2025)	Gavin Lee (interim)	Singaporean 🇸🇬	Current interim head coach; public sentiment growing for permanent appointment after strong performances.

Squad Balances Consistency and Form

Lee’s selection rewards players who have shown strong Singapore Premier League (SPL) form while maintaining a consistent core group that has driven the Lions’ progress throughout the campaign.

Geylang International captain Joshua Pereira earns his first call-up since June 2024 after a series of commanding defensive performances. Lion City Sailors full-back Akram Azman and BG Tampines Rovers winger Faris Ramli also return following standout domestic form.

Faris’ return strengthens an attacking unit featuring Ikhsan and Ilhan Fandi, alongside Song Uiyoung, whose brace in Goa last month reignited Singapore’s qualification push.

Song Uiyong scored a fantastic double away to India in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers last month.  PHOTO: FAS

Fan Support Ramps Up for Final Push

For supporters travelling to Thailand, match tickets at Thammasat Stadium are available for purchase, while fans heading to Hong Kong can register for an official ticket waitlist for updates on ticketing and logistics.

Meanwhile, official nationwide watch parties will be held across Singapore, allowing fans to gather and rally behind the Lions. Details will be released by FAS in due course.

A Rare Local at the Helm

If appointed permanently, Gavin Lee would become the first Singaporean in nearly 25 years to hold the post on a full-time basis. The last confirmed permanent local head coach was Vincent Subramaniam (1999–2001), while V. Sundramoorthy (2016–2018) and Fandi Ahmad (2018) both served in interim or short-term capacities.

Lee’s current run could therefore mark a turning point for Singapore football — both on the pitch and in the belief that local coaches can again lead the national team to regional success. Full November 2025 - 26-man Squad for Singapore Nationall Football Team

S/N	Name	Position	Caps	Goals	Date of Birth	Club
1	Izwan Mahbud	GK	69	0	14-Jul-1990	Lion City Sailors
2	Rudy Khairullah	GK	0	0	19-Jul-1994	Geylang International
3	Syazwan Buhari	GK	3	0	22-Sep-1992	BG Tampines Rovers
4	Akram Azman	DF	2	0	21-Nov-2000	Lion City Sailors
5	Amirul Adli	DF	40	1	13-Jan-1996	BG Tampines Rovers
6	Irfan Najeeb	DF	15	1	31-Jul-1999	BG Tampines Rovers
7	Joshua Pereira	DF	6	0	10-Oct-1997	Geylang International
8	Safuwan Baharudin	DF	128	13	22-Sep-1991	Lion City Sailors
9	Ryhan Stewart	DF	29	0	15-Feb-2000	Kanchanaburi Power (THA)
10	Lionel Tan	DF	25	3	5-Jun-1997	Lion City Sailors
11	Joel Chew	MF	8	0	9-Feb-2000	BG Tampines Rovers
12	Farhan Zulkifli	MF	7	1	10-Nov-2002	Hougang United
13	Jared Gallagher	MF	0	0	18-Jan-2002	Albirex Niigata (S)
14	Hami Syahin	MF	38	0	16-Dec-1998	Lion City Sailors
15	Hariss Harun	MF	144	11	19-Nov-1990	Lion City Sailors
16	Glenn Kweh	MF	26	0	26-Mar-2000	BG Tampines Rovers
17	Jacob Mahler	MF	13	3	10-Apr-2000	BG Tampines Rovers
18	Kyoga Nakamura	MF	15	2	25-Apr-1996	Bangkok United (THA)
19	Shah Shahiran	MF	36	1	14-Nov-1999	BG Tampines Rovers
20	Song Uiyoung	MF	30	7	8-Nov-1993	Lion City Sailors
21	Harhys Stewart	MF	12	0	20-Mar-2001	Uthai Thani (THA)
22	Jordan Emaviwe	FW	9	0	20-Mar-2001	BG Pathum United (THA)
23	Faris Ramli	FW	92	15	24-Aug-1992	BG Tampines Rovers
24	Ikhsan Fandi	FW	44	22	9-Apr-1999	Ratchaburi FC (THA)
25	Ilhan Fandi	FW	21	4	8-Nov-2002	Buriram United (THA)
26	Shawal Anuar	FW	48	17	29-Apr-1991	Lion City Sailors

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