Irfan Fandi earns first Singapore call-up

The 19-year-old defender, who is the son of legendary Lions striker Fandi Ahmad, was included in V Sundramoorthy’s 25-strong squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Malaysia (Oct 7) and Hong Kong (Oct 11).

Irfan has not featured in the S.League for his club Home United since his enlistment for National Service in March, but proved himself during Singapore Under-21’s 0-1 defeat by Bahrain on Sept 4.

“Irfan was the best centreback for Singapore U-21 against Bahrain Under-21 so, based on his performance, it is only natural to give him a chance,” said national coach Sundram. “At 19, he is physically strong, has speed and is good in the air.

“He will learn a lot from understudying veterans like Baihakki (Khaizan), Mustafic (Fahrudin) and Daniel (Bennett). He is one for the future, and this experience will help him become a better player for next year’s SEA Games (in Kuala Lumpur).”

The squad will begin centralised training on Sunday (Oct 2) ahead of next Friday’s Causeway Challenge against Malaysia, before departing for Hong Kong on Oct 8.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Hassan Sunny, Izwan Mahbud, Syazwan Buhari
Defenders: Daniel Bennett, Baihakki Khaizan, Irfan Fandi, Juma’at Jantan, Madhu Mohana, Afiq Yunos, Faritz Hameed, Hafiz Abu Sujad, Shakir Hamzah, Mustafic Fahrudin