Ikhsan Fandi in action during the match against Yemen. Photo: Cheah Kin Wai/ SportSG

The Lions kicked off the first match of their FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign yesterday (Sept 5) evening, ending with a score of 2-2 against Yemen at the National Stadium.

In front of over 7,000 supporters, Singapore impressed in the first 30 minutes with their speedy footwork and strong forward line led by Ikhsan Fandi, who bagged the first goal for the team.

However, they couldn’t seem to keep up the performance as the Lions subsequently lost steam and by halftime, Yemen caught up with them with a score of 2-1.

Yemen's goalkeeper, Salem Awadh Saeed, was in fine form, keeping the Lions at bay numerous time during the match. Photo: Cheah Cheng Poh/ SportSG

National football coach Tatsuma Yoshida described Singapore’s performance during the opening match in their FIFA World Cup Qualifier campaign against Yemen as: “almost perfect”, which may as well have been enough to summarise his disappointment of watching the boys dominate their opponent only to draw with them, after being so close to finishing.

The result leaves the Singapore team with one point as they continue their qualifying campaign, where they will soon take on other teams in Group D which features Palestine, Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia.

Singapore will take on Palestine next Tuesday (Sept 10) at the Jalan Besar Stadium. To watch the Lions live in action, click here to get your tickets.