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Irfan Fandi

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Irfan Fandi
Irfan playing for Singapore 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 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)[2]
Position(s) Centre-back
Team information
Current team
Port
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)
2019–2024 BG Pathum United 97 (8)
2024– Port 7 (0)
International career
2015–2019 Singapore U22 7 (1)
2014–2019 Singapore U23 32 (8)
2016– Singapore 48 (2)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Singapore
Merlion Cup
Winner 2019 Singapore
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 14:06, 6 October 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22:33, 21 March 2024 (UTC)

Irfan bin Fandi Ahmad (born 13 August 1997), better known as Irfan Fandi or just as Irfan, is a Singaporean professional footballer who plays primarily as a centre-back for Thai League 1 club Port and the Singapore national team.[2]


Earlier in his career, he played as a striker and a winger before switching to the centre-back position. 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 top 40 best young talents in world football on The Guardian.[4][5]

Irfan began his footballing career by going through the youth system at the National Football Academy (NFA), with subsequent stints and trials at various clubs before debuting as a professional at the age of 18 at top tier Chilean Primera División side Universidad Católica in 2015.[6] Although Irfan was offered a two-year contract by the club, he rejected it to return to Singapore. For the next three years, Irfan played for local clubs the Young Lions and Home United.[A] Around this time, he went on trials with Dutch Eredivisie side Groningen and Portuguese Primeira Liga side Braga, rejecting a contract offer from the latter.

In 2018, Irfan signed for Thailand's BG Pathum United prior to the 2019 Thai League 2 season, where he was instrumental to the club's immediate promotion back to the Thai League 1 and soon after when the club become the Champions of Thailand during the 2021–22 Thai League 1 season – becoming the first Singaporean to win Thailand's top tier league trophy.[7] During their title winning season, Irfan led BG Pathum's defence with the club only losing a single game the entire season, while conceding just 11 goals in 24 matches and keeping 15 clean sheets.[8]

Irfan made his senior international debut for Singapore in 2016, with a single goal as a centre-back coming against Turkmenistan in 2017, and earning 38 caps as of 2022. He has represented his country at various international tournaments, including the 2018 and the 2020 AFF Championships.

Early life and family

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Irfan was born on 13 August 1997 in Singapore. Irfan is the eldest son of Singaporean footballing legend Fandi Ahmad and South African former model Wendy Jacobs. He has four siblings, younger brothers Ikhsan, who plays for BG Pathum United as well as Ilhan, who also plays for BG Pathum United and Iryan, who plays for Hougang United and the other being his sister Iman.[9] His grandfather, Ahmad Wartam, was an ex-national goalkeeper.[10] Hafiz Abu Sujad and the national team's physiotherapist Nurhafizah are the cousins of his father Fandi Ahmad.[11]

Club career

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Youth

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Irfan started his career by going through the youth system of the National Football Academy (NFA).

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.[12] He later joined Chilean side Barnechea, signing a two-year contract with the Chilean Primera División club.[13]

Universidad Católica

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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.[14] However, Irfan later rejected a two-year contract from the club in order to return to Singapore and fulfil his National Service obligations.[15]

Young Lions

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On 5 March 2015, it was announced that Irfan would join S.League side Young Lions for the 2015 S.League season on a six-month contract.[16][17][18] 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.[19]

Home United

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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.[20]

On 14 March 2017, Puma was revealed to have signed Irfan on a two-year sponsorship deal. Irfan's former Chilean club, Club Deportivo Universidad Católica was also reportedly interested in re-signing him following the completion of his national service.[15]

Irfan scored his first goal in 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 Myanmar side Yadanarbon in the 2017 AFC Cup which give his side a 3–0 lead in an eventual 4–1 win.[21] The win saw Home United become the first side to advance to the zonal semi-finals.[22] Irfan was later nominated for the S.League's 'Young Player of the Season' award.[23] His performances also drew the attention of Thailand's BG Pathum United, which he would eventually sign for, and was also offered a trial with English side Leeds United in December 2017.[24][25]

Return to Young Lions

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

Trials in Europe

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In February 2018, Irfan, together with his brother, Ikhsan, went on trials at Eredivisie club, Groningen in which his father, Fandi Ahmad who used to play for the club.[26] He also went on another trial with Portuguese top-tier side, 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 homesick during his brief stint with the club. He also added that the clause of having to fork out a hefty compensation of 15 million euros should he decide to leave the club during the contract was one of the other reasons that he did not accept it.[27] Irfan eventually rejoined the Young Lions and ended the season with 22 appearances with 3 goals.

BG Pathum United

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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.[28][29] On 7 April 2019, he scored his first goal for the club which ended up to be a brace during a league match against Samut Sakhon City in a 6–1 victory. In a reverse league fixtures against the same opponent on 10 August 2019, Irfan scored another brace in a 3–0 away win. In Irfan first season, he won the Thai League 2 title which helped the club to secure promotion back to the Thai League 1.[30]

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors interest

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In December 2021, South Korea's reigning champions Jeonbuk Hyundai is interested in Irfan in which BG Pathum and Jeonbuk met in the AFC Champions League in September 2021, with Irfan putting up a solid performance in the Thai side's defence. According to The Straits Times, a Jeonbuk agent had asked for Irfan's number a day after the match. Following Jeonbuk's interest, BG Pathum's chairman, Kawin Bhirombhakdi requested no less than 30 million baht (S$1.23 million) for Irfan's transfer fee but Irfan told Straits Times that he respected his club's decision, having been able to grow on and off the pitch at the club.[31][32]

Thai League 1

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On 15 February 2020, Irfan 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.[33]

The following season after winning the Thai League 2 title, Irfan became the first Singaporean to win the Thai League 1 title after his club swooped to the title having garnered an unassailable 19-point cushion over second-placed rivals Buriram United, with six games left.[8][34] Irfan was key to their triumph with the defence having only conceded just 11 goals in 24 matches, while keeping 15 clean sheets.[8]

Irfan won his fourth silverware in the form of the 2022 Thailand Champions Cup with BG Pathum in a 3–2 win over Buriram United.[35] He helped the team to finished as group leaders in the 2022 AFC Champions League which see the club qualified to the Round of 16 in which Irfan managed to keep a clean sheet in the entire game in a 4–0 win against Hong Kong club, Kitchee. The club than progressed to the quarter-finals for the first time in the history of the tournament in which they lost against eventual cup winners, Urawa Red Diamonds where Irfan played the full 90’ minute becoming the first Singaporean alongside his brother Ikhsan, to reach the AFC Champions League quarter-finals.

On 22 August 2023, Irfan played the entire 90' minute match in the 2023–24 AFC Champions League qualifying play-offs against Shanghai Port at the Pudong Football Stadium in which BG Pathum won the game 3–2 thus qualifying straight to the group stage. On 10 February 2024, Irfan returned to action after a 6 months injury that forced him out since late August 2023 where he scored the equaliser in the 83rd minute of the game in a 1–1 draw against PT Prachuap. On 16 June 2024, Irfan won his fifth trophy at the club which is the 2023–24 Thai League Cup.

Port

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After 5 seasons at BG Pathum United, Irfan signed with another Thailand club Port on 17 June 2024 joining Asnawi Mangkualam as the club second ASEAN import. He make his debut in a league match against Rayong on 10 August in a 3–1 away win. During the 2024–25 AFC Champions League Two away fixture against Indonesian club Persib Bandung, Irfan form a solid partnership with Isaac Honny which put the team to win a narrow 1–0 win against Persib Bandung.

International career

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Youth

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Irfan was part of the Singapore U16 side in the 25th edition of the 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.[36][37]

Senior

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In September 2016, Irfan was called up by national team coach V. Sundramoorthy for the friendlies against Malaysia and Hong Kong on 7 and 11 October respectively. He made his debut for the senior national team against Hong Kong at the Mongkok Stadium.[38] 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.[39][40]

Irfan was selected as part of the Singapore Selection squad for The Sultan of Selangor's Cup to be held on 6 May 2017.[41] He also made his AFF Championship debut in the 2018 iteration on 9 November, with a 1–0 win over Indonesia.

Irfan received a call up to the national team for a friendly against Afghanistan and the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification matches held in Riyadh against Palestine, Uzbekistan, and Saudi Arabia along with brothers, Ikhsan and Ilhan. This was the first time all three brothers of were called up.[42]

On 25 December 2021, in the second leg of the 2020 AFF Championship semi-final match against Indonesia, Irfan was controversially sent off in the 67th minute after tackling down Irfan Jaya for allegedly denying a goalscoring opportunity.[43]

On 26 March 2022, against Malaysia, Irfan played alongside his younger brothers Ikhsan and Ilhan. It was the first time that the three Fandi brothers played in the same match for the national team together. It was also the first time in Singapore's history to have three brothers playing for the national team.[44] The Singapore team won 2–1 thanks to a brace from his younger brother Ikhsan.[45]

On 27 December 2022 of matchday 3 in the 2022 AFF Championship group stage, he scored his 2nd goal for Singapore against Laos with a diving header.

Personal life

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Irfan attended the Singapore Sports School at Woodlands.[46]

Irfan, along with his brother Ikhsan, served their National Service (NS) obligations for the Singapore Police Force (SPF) while Ikhsan served in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) from 2016 to 2018. During their stint, they had continued to play and train professional football under the Sportsmen Scheme by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) that gives special dispensation for local athletes with flexible timetables for sports events – including representing Singapore at international competitions.[47][48]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of match played 6 October 2024.[49]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Asia Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Young Lions 2015 S.League 9 2 0 0 9 2
Home United 2016 S.League 8 2 0 0 8 2
2017 S.League 17 4 2 0 7[a] 1 26 5
Total 25 6 2 0 7 1 34 7
Young Lions 2018 Singapore Premier League 18 2 0 0 18 2
BG Pathum United 2019 Thai League 2 27 4 1 0 4 2 32 6
2020–21 Thai League 1 19 1 0 0 0 0 19 1
2021–22 Thai League 1 25 1 3 0 1 0 5[b] 0 34 1
2022–23 Thai League 1 12 1 3 0 4 1 2 0 21 2
2023–24 Thai League 1 14 1 1 0 2 0 2 0 19 1
Total 97 8 8 0 9 3 9 0 124 11
Port 2024–25 Thai League 1 7 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 8 0
Career total 153 18 10 0 9 3 17 1 174 22
  1. ^ Appearances in the AFC Cup
  2. ^ 1 appearance in the 2021 AFC Champions League and 4 appearances in the 2022 AFC Champions League

International

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As of match played 21 March 2024
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
2021 10 0
2022 9 1
2023 2 0
2024 1 0
Total 48 2

International goals

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Scores and results list Singapore's goal tally first.[50]
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
2 27 December 2022 New Laos National Stadium, Vientiane, Laos  Laos 1–0 2–0 2022 AFF Championship

International U23 goals

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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  Timor-Leste 2–0 U23 International Friendly
7 20 June 2018 National Stadium, Singapore  Myanmar 0–2 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

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Club

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BG Pathum United

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International

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Singapore U-22

Individual

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Notes

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  1. ^ Home United has been known as the Lion City Sailors since 2019.

References

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  1. ^ "IRFAN FANDI AHMAD". Singapore Sports Council. Archived from the original on 12 December 2019. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
  2. ^ a b c "Profile: Singapore Men's National Team for AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022". Football Association of Singapore.
  3. ^ a b "Goal's Top 20 Southeast Asian Rising Stars - 3. Irfan Fandi Ahmad - Singapore". Goal.com. 11 November 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  4. ^ Blight, Garry (14 October 2014). "Next Generation 2014: 40 of the best young talents in world football". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
  5. ^ Singh, Bryna. "Fandi's son, Irfan, named one of 40 best young talents in world football". The Straits Times. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  6. ^ Sari, Haiqal (15 March 2015). "Giving back: Irfan and Ikhsan Fandi turn mentor to young kids". The New Paper. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
  7. ^ Lee, David (6 March 2021). "Football: Irfan Fandi becomes first Singaporean to win Thai top tier, eyes move to bigger leagues". www.straitstimes.com. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
  8. ^ a b c Karnageran, Narendaren (5 March 2021). "Irfan Fandi is first Singaporean to win Thai League 1 title". The New Paper. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  9. ^ Toh, Ziyi (16 October 2021). "Fandi Ahmad's Wife Wendy Jacobs Laments How Fast Her 5 Gorgeous Kids Have Grown Up; Here's What They've Been Up To". 8 Days. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
  10. ^ "Fandi Ahmad's father, former national goalkeeper Ahmad Wartam, dies". The New Paper. 29 November 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  11. ^ "Nerves no longer freeze rising son". AsiaOne. 6 December 2013. Retrieved 2 March 2023.
  12. ^ "Irfan and Ikhsan wanted by Spain's Hercules | The New Paper". Tng.sg. 23 January 2013. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  13. ^ Guen, Dan (3 October 2013). "Fandi's sons to train in Chile for two years | TODAYonline". Tablet.todayonline.com. Archived from the original on 9 March 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  14. ^ Guen, Dan (17 October 2014). "Irfan on verge of becoming a pro". TODAYonline.com. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  15. ^ a b "Irfan, Ikhsan Fandi wanted in Chile". Todayonline. Retrieved 11 April 2017.
  16. ^ "Courts Young Lions Sign Irfan Fandi". S.League.com. 5 March 2015. Archived from the original on 9 May 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  17. ^ Siang, Chua. "Football: Irfan Fandi joins Courts Young Lions till June 30 - Football News & Top Stories". Straitstimes.com. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  18. ^ "IRFAN FANDI SIGNS FOR COURTS YOUNG LIONS | The Football Association of Singapore". Fas.org.sg. 5 March 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  19. ^ Kiat, Teng (6 March 2015). "Fandi Ahmad's eldest son Irfan makes S.League debut at 17 | Fit To Post Sports - Yahoo Sports Singapore". Sg.sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  20. ^ Sazali, Abdul Aziz (20 October 2016). "HOME'S AIDIL HAS A STRIKER DILEMMA". The New Paper. Retrieved 30 October 2016.
  21. ^ "S.League's 2017 Good and Bad: Surprises, surprises, surprises". FourFourTwo. 10 April 2017. Archived from the original on 20 October 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2017.
  22. ^ "Home United into AFC knockout stages after beating eight-man Yadanarbon". ESPNFC.com. Retrieved 18 April 2017.
  23. ^ "Home United coach Aidil unfazed despite losing star players". The New Paper. 18 December 2017. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  24. ^ "Irfan wants to try his luck in Europe as Bangkok Glass make offer". The New Paper. 28 November 2017. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  25. ^ Coombs, Dan. "Report: Leeds United offer trials to Irfan Fandi and Iskshan Fandi". Here Is The City. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  26. ^ Muhammad Sazali. "Football: Fandi Ahmad's sons Irfan and Ikhsan set for Holland stint next month". The Straits Times. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  27. ^ Ahmad, Khan. "'I just felt really alone': Irfan Fandi rejects contract offer from Portuguese side Braga". Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  28. ^ Lee, David. "Football: Irfan Fandi joins Bangkok Glass for next season but still keen on moving to Europe". The Straits Times. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  29. ^ "Singapore's Irfan Fandi confirms Bangkok Glass move to play in T2 | FOX Sports Asia". FOX Sports Asia. 11 November 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  30. ^ "Fandi's 3rd son scores on professional debut at 16 years & 331 days". Mothership.sg. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  31. ^ "South Korea's reigning champions Jeonbuk Hyundai interested in Irfan Fandi". mothership.sg. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  32. ^ Auto, Hermes (17 December 2021). "Football: Lions' Irfan Fandi approached by Korean giants Jeonbuk but $1.2m price tag may be obstacle | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  33. ^ "Bangkok Utd win as other giants falter". Bangkok Post. 16 February 2020. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  34. ^ hermes (7 March 2021). "Irfan eyes new step". The Straits Times. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  35. ^ "Can Fandi Ahmad's 3 sons make it in top Asian leagues?: Footballing Weekly". Yahoo News. 26 August 2022. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  36. ^ Sports, Red (16 February 2015). "Singapore U23 go down 1–8 to Japan U22 in international football friendly". Redsports.sg. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  37. ^ "Football: Singapore's U23 lose 2-1 to Syria U23 in friendly". Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  38. ^ 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.
  39. ^ "Irfan wants to make a name for himself in national team". The New Paper. 27 March 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  40. ^ paulam@st (29 March 2017). "Football: Disciplined Singapore earn a goalless away draw against Bahrain". The Straits Times. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  41. ^ "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.
  42. ^ Auto, Hermes (17 May 2021). "Football: Ilhan Fandi one of three uncapped players called up for June's World Cup qualifiers | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  43. ^ "Singapore eliminated from AFF Suzuki Cup after 3 red cards, penalty miss in extra-time loss to Indonesia in semis". TODAY. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  44. ^ "Football: Ikhsan Fandi brace gives Lions win over Malaysia in front of record crowd". The Straits Times. 26 March 2022. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  45. ^ "S'pore beats M'sia 2-1 in FAS Tri-Nations Series, Ikhsan Fandi scores both goals". Morhership. 26 March 2022. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  46. ^ "Major Games Representation". www.sportsschool.edu.sg. Singapore Sports School. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  47. ^ "Fandi's Sons Prove That National Service Is No Obstacle For Footballers". mustsharenews.com. MustShareNews. 3 August 2018. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  48. ^ Ong, Justin (9 March 2021). "National athletes and NS: Not 'game over' for all". www.straitstimes.com. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  49. ^ Irfan Fandi at Soccerway. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
  50. ^ "Fandi, Irfan". National Football Teams. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  51. ^ @thaileague (31 July 2023). "นี่คือรวมทีมเหล่าสตาร์อาเซี่ยนที่เข้ามาค้าแข้งใน รีโว่ ไทยลีก แฟนๆจดจำนักเตะคนไหนกันได้บ้างหรือมีใครที่อยากให้เข้ามาติดทีมนี้ แทนในตำแหน่งไหน พิมพ์บอกเราได้เลย !" [This is the list of ASEAN stars team that came to trade in Revo Thai League. Fans can recognize any player or is there anyone who would like to join this team instead of any position, type to tell us!]. Retrieved 21 November 2023 – via Instagram.
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