Singapore’s new football coach Tsutomu Ogura faces first test in World Cup qualifier against China

SINGAPORE: Singapore's new national football coach Tsutomu Ogura has promised to "give everything" when the country face China in the World Cup qualifier on Mar 21.

The match at the National Stadium will be his first competitive game in charge of the Lions.

Releasing ticketing details on Monday (Feb 19), the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) said fans will be able to buy tickets at 40 per cent off if they register on the Ticketek platform and get themselves on the pre-sale waitlist that opens on Feb 24 at 12pm.

The discounted tickets will cost S$15 (US$11) for adults and S$6 for students and seniors with valid concession cards. Tickets are normally priced at S$25 and S$10 respectively.

Ogura, 57, was unveiled as Singapore's new head coach on Feb 1, after Takayuki Nishigaya was sacked on the back of a string of dismal results.

The Mar 21 fixture is part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifier. Singapore will face China again on Mar 26 in the return fixture.

Singapore have so far lost both their Group C matches against Thailand and South Korea.

“These two matches against China are very important for us. They are not easy but with your support, especially in our home in our first match together, I am confident that you – Singaporeans and fans – will get behind us to make a difference,” said Ogura.

“Your encouragement and voice will give us additional energy on the pitch and we will give everything to make you proud. I look forward to seeing you at our home next month."

According to FAS, the last time Singapore beat China in a competitive match was at the 1983 Merlion Cup, with the Lions winning 1-0 in the semi-final, before losing 4-2 to Australia in the final. 

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