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Irfan Fandi

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In this Malay name, there is no surname or family name. The name Fandi Ahmad is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by their given name, Irfan.
Irfan Fandi
Irfan in 2018
Personal information
Full name Irfan bin Fandi Ahmad[1]
Date of birth (1997-08-13) 13 August 1997 (age 27)
Place of birth Singapore
Height 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)[2]
Position(s) Centre-back
Team information
Current team
 BG Pathum United
Number 17
Youth career
2012–2013 National Football Academy
2013 Hércules
2014 Barnechea
2014–2015 Universidad Católica
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2015 Universidad Católica 1 (0)
2015 Young Lions 9 (2)
2016–2017 Home United 25 (6)
2018 Young Lions 18 (2)
2019– BG Pathum United 30 (5)
International career‡
2015–2019 Singapore U22 7 (1)
2014–2019 Singapore U23 32 (8)
2016– Singapore 26 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 14:06, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 14:06, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

Irfan bin Fandi Ahmad (born August 13, 1997) is a Singaporean professional footballer[2] who plays as a defender for Thai League 1 club BG Pathum United and the Singapore national team. Irfan has also been occasionally deployed as a striker.

Club career

Youth

Irfan started his career at the National Football Academy (Singapore). In 2013, he was listed as one of Goal.com's Top 20 Southeast Asian Rising Stars.[3] In 2014, Irfan was also named as one of The Guardian's 40 best young talents in world football.[4][5]

In March 2013, Irfan had an opportunity to secure his first overseas stint, which was supposed to be with Hércules, a second-tier Spanish professional club. However, he failed to secure a contract with the club due to visa issues.[6] He later joined Chilean side A.C. Barnechea, signing a two-year contract with the Chilean Primera División club.[7]

Universidad Católica

Irfan then joined Chilean Primera División club Universidad Católica in 2014 and made his first team debut the following year, appearing from the bench for the club's senior team in the 81st minute, when Universidad Católica were leading 4-0 against San Luis de Quillota.[8] However, Irfan later rejected a two-year contract from the club in order to return to Singapore and fulfil his National Service obligations.[9]

Young Lions

On 5 June 2015, it was announced that Irfan would join S.League side Young Lions for the 2015 S.League season on a six-month contract.[10][11][12] On the same day, he was immediately named in the starting line-up to face Tampines Rovers, due to an injury suffered by Shakir Hamzah.[13]

Home United

In January 2016, it was announced that Irfan signed a two-year contract for Home United for the upcoming 2016 S.League season along with his brother, Ikhsan. He scored a brace against Balestier Khalsa in only his second start of the season after being away for most of the season due to National Service commitments.[14]

On 14 March 2017, Puma was revealed to have signed Irfan on a two-year sponsorship deal. Irfan's former club Club Deportivo Universidad Católica was also reportedly interested in re-signing him following the completion of his national service.[9]

Irfan scored his first goal for the 2017 S.League season in a 0-2 victory over Hougang United, later following up with his first at the continental level, scoring in the 24th minute against Yadanarbon F.C. to give his side a 3-0 lead in an eventual 4-1 win.[15] The win saw Home United become the first side to advance to the zonal semi-finals.[16] Irfan was later nominated for the S.League's Young player of the Season award.[17] His performances also drew the attention of Thai League side Bangkok Glass and was offered a trial with English Championship side Leeds United in March 2018.[18][19]

Return to Young Lions

Irfan returned to join the Young Lions after his national service for the 2018 Singapore Premier League season.

In February 2018, Irfan, together with his brother, Ikhsan, went on trials at Eredivisie club, Groningen.[20] He also went on another trial with Portuguese top-tier side, S.C. Braga, and was later offered a two-year deal, with the club retaining the option to extend the contract by two additional years. Irfan rejected the offer, citing that he felt lonely and was bored during his brief stint with the club. He would also have to compensate 15 million dollars should he decide to leave the club after the first two years of the contract.[21] Irfan eventually rejoined the Young Lions and ended the season with 22 appearances with 3 goals.

BG Pathum United

On 11 November 2018, it was confirmed that Irfan would join BG Pathum United to fill up the club's ASEAN slot for the 2019 Thai League 2 season. Irfan agreed to join the Thai side despite their relegation as they had been interested in signing him for two years.[22][23] In his first season, he helped BG Pathum secure promotion back to the Thai League 1.[24] However, he was sent off in the first half of his first top-flight game in Thailand, when BG Pathum trailed Muangthong United 1-0. The club eventually won the game 2-1.[25]

International career

Youth

Irfan was part of the Singapore U16 side in the 25th edition of the Canon Lion City Cup held in 2013, impressing against Arsenal U15 and Eintracht Frankfurt U15.[2][3] He made his Singapore U23 debut on 14 February 2015, scoring against the Japan U22s, and was selected by coach Aide Iskandar for the 2015 Southeast Asian Games.[26][27]

Senior

In September 2016, Irfan was called up by national team coach V. Sundramoorthy for the friendlies against Malaysia and Hong Kong on 7 October and 11 October respectively. He made his debut for the senior national team against Hong Kong at the Mongkok Stadium, starting the game in a 2-0 loss for Singapore.[28] He earned his second cap in a friendly against Afghanistan before securing his first start against Bahrain in Singapore's first third-round match of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification, helping the Lions earn a 0-0 away draw.[29][30]

Irfan was selected as part of the Singapore Selection squad for The Sultan of Selangor's Cup to be held on 6 May 2017.[31] He also made his AFF Championship debut in the 2018 iteration on 9 November, with a 1-0 win over Indonesia.

Personal life

Irfan is the eldest son of Singaporean footballing legend Fandi Ahmad and South African model, Wendy Jacobs. He has four siblings, including younger brothers Ikhsan who plays for Raufoss IL and Ilhan who represents the Young Lions.

Career statistics

Club

As of 21 March 2020
Club Season League Singapore Cup League Cup AFC Cup Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Young Lions 2015 S.League 9 2 0 0 0 0 — 9 2
Total 9 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 2
Home United 2016 S.League 8 2 0 0 0 0 — 8 2
2017 S.League 17 4 2 0 0 0 7 1 26 5
Total 25 6 2 0 0 0 7 1 34 7
Young Lions 2018 Singapore Premier League 18 2 0 0 0 0 — 18 2
Total 18 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 2
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup AFC Cup Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
BG Pathum United 2019 Thai League 2 27 4 1 0 4 2 0 0 32 6
2020 Thai League 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1
Total 29 5 1 0 4 2 0 0 34 7
Career total 81 15 3 0 4 2 7 1 95 18

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year

National team Year Apps Goals
Singapore 2016 1 0
2017 10 1
2018 10 0
2019 5 0
Total 26 1

Appearances in chronological order

No Date Venue Opponent Result Competition
1 11 October 2016 Mong Kok Stadium, Mong Kok, Hong Kong  Hong Kong 2-0 (lost) Friendly
2 23 March 2017 Doha, Qatar  Afghanistan 2-1 (lost) Friendly
3 28 March 2017 Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa, Bahrain  Bahrain 0-0 (draw) 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification
4 10 June 2017 Jalan Besar Stadium, Kallang, Singapore  Chinese Taipei 1-2 (lost) 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification
5 13 June 2017 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore  Argentina 0-6 (lost) Friendly
6 31 August 2017 Jalan Besar Stadium, Kallang, Singapore  Hong Kong 1-1 (draw) Friendly
7 5 September 2017 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore  Turkmenistan 1-1 (draw) 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification
8 5 October 2017 Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Doha, Qatar  Qatar 3-1 (lost) Friendly
9 10 October 2017 Ashgabat Stadium, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan  Turkmenistan 2-1 (lost) 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification
10 9 November 2017 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore  Lebanon 0-1 (lost) Friendly
11 14 November 2017 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore  Bahrain 0-3 (lost) 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification
12 23 March 2018 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore  Maldives 3-2 (won) Friendly
13 27 March 2018 National Stadium (Kaohsiung), Kaohsiung, Taiwan  Chinese Taipei 1-0 (lost) 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification
14 7 September 2018 Bishan Stadium, Bishan, Singapore  Mauritius 1-1 (draw) Friendly
15 11 September 2018 Bishan Stadium, Bishan, Singapore  Fiji 2-0 (won) Friendly
16 12 October 2018 Bishan Stadium, Bishan, Singapore  Mongolia 2-0 (won) Friendly
17 16 October 2018 Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh, Cambodia  Cambodia 1-2 (won) Friendly
18 9 November 2018 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore  Indonesia 1-0 (won) 2018 AFF Championship
19 13 November 2018 Panaad Stadium, Bacolod, Philippines  Philippines 0-1 (lost) 2018 AFF Championship
20 21 November 2018 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore  East Timor 6-1 (won) 2018 AFF Championship
21 25 November 2018 Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand  Thailand 0-3 (lost) 2018 AFF Championship
22 23 March 2019 Jalan Besar Stadium, Kallang, Singapore  Palestine 2-1 (won) 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC Second Round
23 5 October 2019 Amman International Stadium, Amman, Jordan  Jordan 0-0 (draw) Friendly
24 10 October 2019 King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia  Saudi Arabia 0-3 (lost) 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC Second Round
25 15 October 2019 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore  Uzbekistan 1-3 (lost) 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC Second Round
26 19 November 2019 Al Muharraq Stadium, Muharraq, Bahrain  Yemen 1-2 (won) 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC Second Round

International goals

Scores and results list Singapore's goal tally first.[32]
No Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 10 October 2017 Köpetdag Stadium, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan  Turkmenistan 1–1 1–2 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification

International U23 goals

No Date Venue Opponent Result Competition
1 21 February 2015 Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore  Syria 1–2 U23 International Friendly
2 14 February 2015 Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore  Japan 1–8 U23 International Friendly
3 31 March 2015 New Laos National Stadium, Laos  Mongolia 2–2 2016 AFC U-23 Championship qualification
4 31 March 2015 New Laos National Stadium, Laos  Mongolia 2–2 2016 AFC U-23 Championship qualification
5 23 May 2015 Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore  Laos 5–1 U23 International Friendly
6 29 May 2015 Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore  East Timor 2–0 U23 International Friendly
7 20 June 2018 National Stadium, Singapore  Myanmar 0–2 (lost) Friendly
8 26 March 2019 MFF Football Centre, Mongolia  Mongolia 3–1 2020 AFC U-23 Championship qualification
9 5 December 2019 Rizal Memorial Stadium, Philippines  Brunei 7-0 2019 Southeast Asian Games

Honours

Club

BG Pathum United

References

  1. ^ "IRFAN FANDI AHMAD". Singapore Sports Council. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
  2. ^ a b c "Football: Five things to know about Fandi Ahmad's eldest son Irfan". The Straits Times.
  3. ^ a b "Goal's Top 20 Southeast Asian Rising Stars - 3. Irfan Fandi Ahmad - Singapore". Goal.com. 2013-11-11. Retrieved 2015-06-05.
  4. ^ "Next Generation 2014: 40 of the best young talents in world football | Football". Theguardian.com. Retrieved 2015-06-05.
  5. ^ Singh, Bryna. "Fandi's son, Irfan, named one of 40 best young talents in world football - Football News & Top Stories". Straitstimes.com. Retrieved 2015-06-05.
  6. ^ "Irfan and Ikhsan wanted by Spain's Hercules | The New Paper". Tng.sg. 2013-01-23. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2015-06-05.
  7. ^ Guen, Dan (2013-10-03). "Fandi's sons to train in Chile for two years | TODAYonline". Tablet.todayonline.com. Archived from the original on 2015-03-09. Retrieved 2015-06-05.
  8. ^ Guen, Dan (2014-10-17). "Irfan on verge of becoming a pro". TODAYonline.com. Retrieved 2015-06-05.
  9. ^ a b "Irfan, Ikhsan Fandi wanted in Chile". Todayonline. Retrieved 2017-04-11.
  10. ^ "Courts Young Lions Sign Irfan Fandi". S.League.com. 2015-03-05. Retrieved 2015-06-05.
  11. ^ Siang, Chua. "Football: Irfan Fandi joins Courts Young Lions till June 30 - Football News & Top Stories". Straitstimes.com. Retrieved 2015-06-05.
  12. ^ "IRFAN FANDI SIGNS FOR COURTS YOUNG LIONS | The Football Association of Singapore". Fas.org.sg. 2015-03-05. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2015-06-05.
  13. ^ Kiat, Teng (2015-03-06). "Fandi Ahmad's eldest son Irfan makes S.League debut at 17 | Fit To Post Sports - Yahoo Sports Singapore". Sg.sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2015-06-05.
  14. ^ Sazali, Abdul Aziz (2016-10-20). "HOME'S AIDIL HAS A STRIKER DILEMMA". The New Paper. Retrieved 2016-10-30.
  15. ^ "S.League's 2017 Good and Bad: Surprises, surprises, surprises". FourFourTwo. 2017-04-10. Archived from the original on 2018-10-20. Retrieved 2017-04-11.
  16. ^ "Home United into AFC knockout stages after beating eight-man Yadanarbon". ESPNFC.com. Retrieved 2017-04-18.
  17. ^ "Home United coach Aidil unfazed despite losing star players". The New Paper. 2017-12-18. Retrieved 2017-12-18.
  18. ^ "Irfan wants to try his luck in Europe as Bangkok Glass make offer". The New Paper. 2017-11-28. Retrieved 2017-12-18.
  19. ^ Coombs, Dan. "Report: Leeds United offer trials to Irfan Fandi and Iskshan Fandi". Here Is The City. Retrieved 2017-12-18.
  20. ^ Muhammad Sazali. "Football: Fandi Ahmad's sons Irfan and Ikhsan set for Holland stint next month". The Straits Times. Retrieved 2018-11-12.
  21. ^ Ahmad, Khan. "'I just felt really alone': Irfan Fandi rejects contract offer from Portuguese side Braga". Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved 2018-11-12.
  22. ^ Lee, David. "Football: Irfan Fandi joins Bangkok Glass for next season but still keen on moving to Europe". The Straits Times. Retrieved 2018-11-12.
  23. ^ "Singapore's Irfan Fandi confirms Bangkok Glass move to play in T2 | FOX Sports Asia". FOX Sports Asia. 2018-11-11. Retrieved 2018-11-12.
  24. ^ "Fandi's 3rd son scores on professional debut at 16 years & 331 days". Mothership.sg. Retrieved 2019-09-17.
  25. ^ Limited, Bangkok Post Public Company. "Bangkok Utd win as other giants falter". www.bangkokpost.com. Retrieved 2020-02-16.
  26. ^ Sports, Red (2015-02-16). "Singapore U23 go down 1–8 to Japan U22 in international football friendly". Redsports.sg. Retrieved 2015-06-05.
  27. ^ "Football: Singapore's U23 lose 2-1 to Syria U23 in friendly". Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
  28. ^ Jonathan Wong (11 October 2016). "Irfan Fandi makes debut for S'pore in 2-0 loss away at Hong Kong". The Straits Times. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
  29. ^ "Irfan wants to make a name for himself in national team". The New Paper. 2017-03-27. Retrieved 2017-04-07.
  30. ^ paulam@st (2017-03-29). "Football: Disciplined Singapore earn a goalless away draw against Bahrain". The Straits Times. Retrieved 2017-04-07.
  31. ^ "SINGAPORE SELECTION SQUAD FOR THE SULTAN OF SELANGOR'S CUP REVEALED - The Football Association of Singapore". www.fas.org.sg. Archived from the original on 28 June 2017. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  32. ^ "Fandi, Irfan". National Football Teams. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
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