Warriors to face Lions in Suzuki Cup warmer
SINGAPORE will host Cambodia at the Bishan Stadium next Sunday in an international friendly that serves as the final preparatory game for both sides as they head to the Suzuki Cup, being jointly staged by the Philippines and Myanmar from November 19 to December 17.
Singapore open their Group A campaign against co-hosts the Philippines in Bulacan, while Cambodia play Malaysia in the Group B opener in Yangon.
Following their return home from a training stint in Qatar, the Lions will play Syria at the Negeri Sembilan on Wednesday before taking on Cambodia, with that first loss at senior level since 1972 to the Kingdom in Phnom Penh in July still rankling.
Having qualified for the Cup for the first time since 2008, Cambodia are determined to make their presence felt in the regional showpiece, and coach Lee Tae Hoon has wasted no time since the qualification process ended two weeks ago.
The South Korean has lined up two games against local sides in the next few days before the Warriors leave for the important Singapore Cup warmup. The national team will then fly from Singapore straight to Myanmar.
On Monday, the Suzuki Cup-bound squad will face 2015 League champs Phnom Penh Crown at the RSN Stadium, while three days later another friendly will feature a team yet to be determined.
“Our best chance to do well is to prepare as hard as we can. We will be up against some of the best teams in the region and it is a huge challenge for our players,” Lee Tae Hoon said when pressed for comment about Cambodia’s Cup prospects.