Young Lions head coach Firdaus apologises to fans, praises team's effort after Timor-Leste SEA Games loss

BANGKOK: Young Lions head coach Firdaus Kassim apologised to Singapore football fans after a 1-3 loss to Timor-Leste at the SEA Games on Saturday (Dec 6), which leaves them on the brink of elimination.

He praised his team's effort at the same time, saying they will look ahead to the next game.

Speaking at a post-match press conference at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Firdaus said the loss is "part of a journey of building for future campaigns".

“First and foremost, we have to apologise to the fans for the results. Of course, it’s not what the fans expect ... We really urge them to understand that this is a process, this is part of a journey of building for future campaigns," said the Singapore U-22 men's football team head coach.

As young players are given more exposure with game time, the outcome will be "a lot better" in future editions of the Games, he added.

"Nobody likes to lose, myself included, but I think this is (one of) the obstacles we have to go through in order to see success in the near future.”

Firdaus' men led through Amir Syafiz, but were eventually sunk by a first-half double by Vabio Canavaro plus an Anizo Correia strike. 

After the blast of the full-time whistle, some of the Young Lions collapsed to the ground, while others were in tears.

"We started with a goal and we didn't build on it," said Firdaus,who pointed out that his side conceded three "very easy goals".

"It became very difficult for us in the second half, we had to take more risks. We had some very good chances which we should have converted, we didn't take it. Butall in all, I'm very happy with the effort of the players. It's all about (recuperating) for the next game."

The next game for the Young Lions would be a tough one. On Dec 11,