Stange targets twin victories

Posted Thursday, October 08, 2015 by Foxsports.com

Singapore national coach Bernd Stange is confident that his side can win their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Afghanistan and Cambodia.

Singapore national coach Bernd Stange is confident that his side can win their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Afghanistan and Cambodia.

The Lions face Afghanistan at the National Stadium on Thursday, before taking on Cambodia at the same venue five days later.

"Tomorrow we have to win the match. There is no option... We need points now," Stange said at the pre-match press conference at Amara Hotel on Wednesday.

"We are confident but it's a very difficult task. We are not in a position to underestimate Afghanistan."

Singapore are currently third in Group E with four points from three matches, some way behind leaders Syria, who won all three their matches so far in the group.

Japan are in second place with seven, while Aghanistan is in fourth with three points.

"It's important for us to get all six points... to have a good chance to qualify (for the next round)," Singapore captain Shahril Ishak said.

Singapore will be without midfielders Safuwan Baharudin and Hariss Harun for the match against Afghanistan, who are serving one-match bans for picking up two yellow cards.

Afghanistan coach Slaven Skeledzic, however, is aware of the strengths the Lions possess.

"We will be playing against a well-organised team. Their defence is very good as a block. They play quickly forward. We know everything about Singapore, and we know what we should do to win the game," Skeledzic said.