Singapore and Papua New Guinea play out a 2-2 stalemate in Coach Nishigaya’s first home match

Irfan Najeeb (jersey number 3) in action against Papua New Guinea.

SINGAPORE, 16 JUNE 2023 – The Singapore National Football team endured a night of disappointment on their return to the National Stadium as they were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw against Papua New Guinea in the first of two international ‘A’ friendly matches lined up in the June international break.

In a rematch of the tie that Singapore won by two goals to one back in September 2014, the hosts were looking to mark National Team Head Coach Takayuki Nishigaya’s first home match with a convincing victory against the 159th ranked Papua New Guinea. With the team from Oceania only arriving in Singapore less than 24 hours before the match and having limited preparation time, the home side sought to capitalize by seeking an early advantage over the visitors straight from the kick-off.

Lions forward Shawal Anuar was found wanting when he missed a couple of guilt-edged chances in the first 15 minutes after he was put through on goal but

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