Singapore coach V Sundramoorthy expressed concerns about the Lions' inability to find the back of the net ahead of 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup.
Sundram's side succumbed to another defeat against Syria in their pre-tournament friendly Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium, Seremban, on Wednesday. Goals from Amro Jeniat and Khaled Almoayed sealed a 2-0 win for the 96th-ranked team.
Singapore, who did not start with seasoned campaigners Khairul Amri Baihakki Khaizan, were struggling to create enough chances in the first half, which ended goalless. However, they were not able to convert their chances into goals in the second half but their back line was left reeling against the Syrian forwards.
Wednesday's loss meant Singapore have been winless in their last six outings, which includes five loses since Sundram's 1-0 win against Myanmar in June, which was also his first game as coach. The Lions have also been struggling to find the back of the net as their goalless run, which started during the 0-0 draw against arch-rivals Malaysia in October, has extended to three matches.
Sundram, who side had a disappointing result right after their five-day training camp in Qatar, stressed on the importance of finishing well. The Lions will take on Cambodia in their final preparatory match on Sunday before facing Philippines in their AFF Cup opener on 19 November.
"My biggest worry is that we are not making full use of our chances. But we are creating chances, this is something good. We must finish the chances, that is the main thing," Sundram was quoted as saying by The Straits Times.
Hariss Harun, who skippered the side on Wednesday, rued the defensive mistakes his side committed. The midfielder, who returned to the squad after being rested for the training camp in Doha, stressed on the need to garner some momentum before heading into the Asean tournament.
"We are so close to a major tournament and we have to cut out these mistakes. At this level, of course if you make mistakes, you are going to be punished," Hariss said.
"We need to get some momentum... that one win will go a long way in boosting our confidence. But the players have to believe that they can do it."
