Singapore vs Tajikistan

Stadion im. Dolena Omurzakova plays host to an intriguing Asia Cup Qualification match-up between Singapore and Tajikistan.

Singapore have suffered a noticeable dip in form in the build-up to this clash, going from back-to-back victories to consecutive defeats, both of which saw them concede precisely twice. Singapore’s defensive frailties could hinder the nation’s bid to qualify for the upcoming final tournament. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in six of their last seven international outings, letting in precisely two goals in four of them. On the bright side, the ‘Lions’ are unbeaten in both previous competitive encounters against Tajikistan (W1, D1). Yet, it’s worth noting that their most recent H2H dates back to 2007. With this game set to take place on neutral soil, Singapore will hope to address their abysmal four-match winless streak on foreign turf (D1, L3).

On the other hand, Tajikistan’s lack of consistency has seen them alternate between winning (2) and not winning (D1, L1) across their last four internationals. Flying out of the traps could prove crucial to Tajikistan’s bid to claim their first-ever triumph over Singapore. Indeed, their last three international results (win/loss) have witnessed the winner on the day open the scoring and keep a clean sheet. That may be easier said than done, as the ‘Persian Lions’ head into proceedings having failed to win their last six matches away from home (D3, L3 – 90min only). Adding to this sentiment, Petar Segrt’s men netted under 1.5 goals in five of those six games, suggesting scoring could be a genuine issue in Bishkek.