4 hours Ago By The Straits Times
Shahdan Sulaiman is hoping to add to his 88 caps with the Lions. SINGAPORE –With one swerve of his right foot, Shahdan Sulaiman sent a free-kick to the top left corner of Indonesia’s net, whipping the 9,000-strong crowd at the National Stadium and many more at home into a frenzy. That moment of brilliance in December 2021, which gave nine-man Singapore a shock 2-1 lead in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Championship semi-final, second leg, was one of few moments that have unleashed the roar among Lions’ fans in recent years.
While the Lions ultimately lost in extra time, that “surreal moment that will stay with me always” showcased Shahdan’s nerves of steel and exceptional set-piece ability. But bright sparks like those have been few and far between as the midfielder has been plagued by injuries. With the 36-year-old having overcome those issues to become a key player for Hougang United in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) this season with one goal and three assists from 14 appearances, he is hoping for one last hurrah in national colours at the Dec 8-Jan 5 AFF Championship.
Ahead of an SPL match against his former side Lion City Sailors at the Bishan Stadium on Oct 19, Shahdan said: “Physically, I feel good and I feel I am still able to compete with the younger players. “I think I can still definitely contribute to the national team. I am very motivated (to make the AFF squad) but at the end of the day, it is up to the coach.
.. I feel we have the qualities to compete well in this year’s tournament and I want to be part of that.
” The soft-spoken yet combative midfielder, a member of the 2012 AFF Championship-winning side, hopes to let his feet do the talking to show coach Tsutomu Ogura that he is deserving of a call-up to add to his 88 caps. His last international appearance came in a 3-1 loss to Thailand in a World Cup qualifier last November – then head coach Takayuki Nishigaya’s final match – when he hobbled off in the 20th minute following a knock on his left ankle. Shahdan grimaces at the mere mention of the word “ankle”, a cause of real lows in his career.
In 2014, he suffered a fractured fibula and dislocation of his right ankle and was out of action for an extended period. In the 2023 pre-season with Hougang, he suffered the same two injuries – on his left. It meant that he missed most of the campaign.
But grit and determination is something Shahdan had displayed throughout his career, and he has returned to showing his poise and class in the middle of the park. Shahdan Sulaiman training with his Hougang United FC teammates at Jalan Besar Stadium on Oct 16. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Getting consistent game time this season has also made him feel “close to full fitness” and he is hopeful of steering the seventh-placed club higher up the nine-team table.
Shahdan said: “Individually, and collectively we can be better. We have the quality and hopefully we can show that more consistently.” Hougang coach Marko Kraljevic knows first-hand the impact Shahdan has on a team.
He said: “The way he scans the pitch is incredible. He brings calmness and organisation. He is always able to find solutions from the middle of the pitch and is able to help a team keep possession.
Not many young players have this.” Hougang, who have drawn their last three matches, will also be hoping to take points off the Sailors, after losing 7-1 and 4-1 in earlier encounters this season. Kraljevic said: “We need to show that we are better than what those results displayed.
” Sailors coach Aleksandar Rankovic, meanwhile, will be expecting a victory to maintain a three-point lead over BG Tampines Rovers at the top of the table. He said: “Hougang are a good side with quality players and pace in their attack. It’ll be a tough challenge for us, but I’m confident that our players know their roles and what exactly they need to do to get the result.
” BG Tampines Rovers v Albirex Niigata (Oct 19, 6pm, Jalan Besar Stadium) Winless in their last five league matches, the Stags will be desperate to return to winning ways to stay within reach of league leaders Sailors. Albirex meanwhile are looking to clinch their fourth win in five matches and their third on the trot. Balestier Khalsa v Geylang International (Oct 20, 6pm, Bishan Stadium) The free-scoring Eagles have netted 14 goals in their last three matches and will face a Balestier side that has conceded at least two goals in each of their last four matches.
The Tigers are also looking to avoid a third straight loss. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now.
