Football: Singapore National Football Team Announces 26-Man Squad for September FIFA International Window

Lions set to face Malaysia and Myanmar in September friendlies as build-up to AFC Asian Cup qualifiers intensifies

SINGAPORE, 31 August 2025 – The Singapore men’s national football team has unveiled a 26-man squad for the September FIFA International Window, as the Lions gear up for crucial preparations ahead of October’s AFC Asian Cup qualifiers double-header against India.

Under Interim Head Coach Gavin Lee, Singapore will first clash with traditional rivals Malaysia in the highly anticipated Causeway Derby at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Thursday, 4 September 2025. The Lions will then return home to face Myanmar in a closed-door international match five days later.

Overseas-Based Stars Lead the Charge

This latest squad announcement sees seven overseas-based players, all plying their trade in Thailand, returning to bolster the team. Among them are:

• Jordan Emaviwe (BG Pathum United)

• Kyoga Nakamura (Bangkok United)

• Ryhan Stewart (Kanchanaburi Power)

• Harhys Stewart (Uthai Thani, recent move to Thai League 1)

• The Fandi brothers – Irfan (Port FC), Ikhsan (Ratchaburi FC), and Ilhan (Buriram United)

Their inclusion is expected to provide both experience and attacking firepower as Singapore ramps up preparations for its continental qualifiers.

Captain Hariss Harun to Miss Matches but Remains With Squad

Veteran midfielder and national captain Hariss Harun will miss the September fixtures due to injury. However, he will still travel with the squad in a non-playing role to provide leadership and support.

Key Recalls and Returns

The September call-up also sees the return of several familiar faces:

• Jared Gallagher (Albirex Niigata Singapore)

• Nazrul Nazari (Geylang International)

• Ryaan Sanizal (Hougang United)

• Joel Chew (BG Tampines Rovers)

• Shawal Anuar (Lion City Sailors), who returns after missing the June window

Coach Gavin Lee expressed optimism about the squad’s preparations, saying:

“Training sessions have been purposeful. With our overseas-based players back, alongside players who have been part of the squad at home, we have a good balance of experience and energy. These matches against Malaysia and Myanmar give us valuable time to align our intentions both on and off the pitch, as we build up towards October’s qualifiers. Competition for places is strong, and that will push the team to perform at its best.”

Ticketing Information for Causeway Derby

Fans keen to support the Lions in Kuala Lumpur can purchase tickets online at www.tickethotline.com.my

Away supporters will be seated in Block 126 and Block 127 of Bukit Jalil Stadium, accessible via Gate E, with entry facilitated through a QR scan system.

Full 26-Man Singapore Squad for September FIFA Window

Goalkeepers: Izwan Mahbud (Lion City Sailors), Rudy Khairullah (Geylang International), Syazwan Buhari (BG Tampines Rovers)

Defenders: Akram Azman, Amirul Adli, Irfan Najeeb (all BG Tampines Rovers), Jordan Emaviwe (BG Pathum United, THA), Nazrul Nazari (Geylang International), Irfan Fandi (Port FC, THA), Ryaan Sanizal (Hougang United), Safuwan Baharudin (Lion City Sailors), Ryhan Stewart (Kanchanaburi Power, THA), Lionel Tan (Lion City Sailors)

Midfielders: Joel Chew, Glenn Kweh, Shah Shahiran (all BG Tampines Rovers), Jared Gallagher (Albirex Niigata Singapore), Farhan Zulkifli (Hougang United), Hami Syahin, Song Uiyoung (both Lion City Sailors), Kyoga Nakamura (Bangkok United, THA), Harhys Stewart (Uthai Thani, THA)

Forwards: Abdul Rasaq Akeem, Shawal Anuar (both Lion City Sailors), Ikhsan Fandi (Ratchaburi FC, THA), Ilhan Fandi (Buriram United, THA) #SgFootball #UnleashTheRoar