Singapore’s new football coach Tsutomu Ogura faces first test in World Cup qualifier against China
Ticketing details have been released for the Singapore-China match at the National Stadium, with a 40 per cent discount for fans who register on the pre-sale waitlist.
Tsutomu Ogura speaks at a press conference on Feb 1, 2024, after he was unveiled as the new coach of Singapore's men's national team. (File Photo: Facebook/Football Association of Singapore)
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SINGAPORE: Singapore's new national football coach Tsutomu Ogura has promised to "give everything" when the country face China in the World Cup qualifier on Mar 21.
The match at the National Stadium will be his first competitive game in charge of the Lions.
Releasing ticketing details on Monday (Feb 19), the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) said fans will be able to buy tickets at 40 per cent off if they register on the Ticketek platform and get themselves on the pre-sale waitlist that opens on Feb 24 at 12pm.
The discounted tickets will cost S$15 (US$11) for adults and S$6 for students and seniors with valid concession cards. Tickets are normally priced at S$25 and S$10 respectively.
Ogura, 57, was unveiled as Singapore's new head coach on Feb 1, after Takayuki Nishigaya was sacked on the back of a string of dismal results.
The Mar 21 fixture is part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifier. Singapore will face China again on Mar 26 in the return fixture.
Singapore have so far lost both their Group C matches against Thailand and South Korea.
“These two matches against China are very important for us. They are not easy but with your support, especially in our home in our first match together, I am confident that you – Singaporeans and fans – will get behind us to make a difference,” said Ogura.
“Your encouragement and voice will give us additional energy on the pitch and we will give everything to make you proud. I look forward to seeing you at our home next month."
According to FAS, the last time Singapore beat China in a competitive match was at the 1983 Merlion Cup, with the Lions winning 1-0 in the semi-final, before losing 4-2 to Australia in the final.
TICKET SALE
A total of 20,000 National Stadium seats will be made available in the first phase of ticket sales, said FAS, adding that more seats will be progressively opened as required in the later stages.
Fans can register for a spot on the pre-sale waitlist on the Ticketek platform from Feb 19. The waitlist registration ends on Feb 23, 11.59pm.
An individualised link will be sent to fans on the waitlist to access the platform for the pre-sale period that runs from 12pm on Feb 24 to 11.59pm on Feb 25, said FAS.
There will be a further discount if fans purchase a family bundle which consists of two adults and two concession tickets priced at S$38.
Fans can also buy match tickets onsite at the Singapore Sports Hub on matchday from 3pm to 9.45pm, but this is strictly subject to availability, said FAS.
It also advised fans to purchase their tickets early through the online sales channel to avoid queues "and possible disappointment on match day".
