Soccer: Singapore face uphill task against in-form China

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The Lions travel to Tianjin to square off against a Dragons team looking to build on their recent run of impressive results.

Singapore’s clash against China tomorrow might be billed only as a friendly, but the tie holds significant importance for both teams.

China is preparing for their AFC 2015 Asian Cup qualifier against Indonesia next month, while Singapore is seeking an encouraging performance to allay questions against Stange’s methods and cast further doubts on his managerial ability.

Stange’s new regime has yet to convince the doubters in Singapore, especially after the team’s progress was questioned in the 2-0 defeat against Oman. In retaliation, the 65-year-old has called for patience, saying the rebuilding process would take time, effort and good planning.

The East German is optimistic about the improving standard of Singapore football and is looking to build on the team's performance against Oman, but admitted that it would take some time before the Lions can play at the "next level".

However, Stange acknowledged that this won't be the "best national team" that will be taking on China, as players like Gabriel Quak and Zulfahmi Arifin have been left out to focus on the U23 Merdeka Tournament.

Captain Shahril Ishak and Home United defender Ismail Yunos have pulled out of the squad with hip and hamstring injuries respectively, while young starlet Adam Swandi will remain in France with FC Metz as he has just commenced his academic semester.

There have been no replacements for Ismail and Adam, but Shahdan Sulaiman has been recalled to the squad to replace Shahril after a series of impressive performances for Tampines Rovers.