Aide resigns after Young Lions crash out
Singapore's SEA Games football coach Aide Iskandar resigned from his post after a disappointing 0-1 defeat by Indonesia on Thursday (June 11) sent his team crashing out of the tournament.
The former Singapore skipper announced his decision at the post-match press conference.
An emotional Aide said: "Starting two years ago, I tried to build a team for this SEA Games. I faced a lot of challenges as coach.
"Tonight, Irfan Fandi and Faris Ramli weren't fully fit so I could not start them. I'm very proud of my boys, they pushed for the equaliser even when we were one man down.
"I thank you all for your support. I want to go back to my family now. They have been waiting for me for a long time."
FAS to hold discussions
In a statement to the media, FAS president Zainudin Nordin said: "I can understand why Aide has made this decision at this point of time. Hopefully, after a few days’ rest, we can have a discussion with him and persuade him to change his mind.
"Regardless of how we have fared at the SEA Games, Aide is a good coach and has a long and bright future ahead of him."
It was a disappointing end to the campaign for a Young Lions squad who were banking on home support to spur them to their first SEA Games gold.
Aide's team needed to beat Indonesia in their final group game to qualify for the last four at their opponents' expense, but they instead fell behind to a 47th-minute Evan Dimas goal at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Their hopes of a comeback were dashed when Ho Wai Loon was dismissed in the 65th minute for a second bookable offence.
They exited the competition with two losses in four matches, with the other defeat coming against Myanmar (1-2) in their second group game.
Their two wins came against Philippines (1-0) and Cambodia (3-1).
Read the full report in our print edition on June 12.
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