Ikhsan Fandi
Ikhsan Fandi Ahmad (born 9 April 1999) is a Singaporean professional footballer who plays as a forward for Norwegian First Division club Raufoss IL.
 Ikhsan playing for Raufoss IL | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ikhsan Fandi Ahmad[1] | ||
| Date of birth | 9 April 1999 | ||
| Place of birth | Singapore | ||
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||
| Playing position(s) | Striker | ||
| Club information | |||
Current team | Raufoss IL | ||
| Number | 18 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2012–2013 | National Football Academy | ||
| 2013 | Hércules CF | ||
| 2014 | A.C. Barnechea | ||
| 2014–2015 | Universidad Católica | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2016 | Home United | 4 | (0) |
| 2017–2018 | Young Lions | 30 | (8) |
| 2019– | Raufoss IL | 28 | (6) |
| National team‡ | |||
| 2017– | Singapore U22 | 10 | (6) |
| 2017– | Singapore U23 | 6 | (3) |
| 2017– | Singapore | 18 | (8) |
|
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 5 October 2019 ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 27 November 2019 | |||
Club career
Youth
In March 2013, Ikhsan and older brother Irfan Fandi had an opportunity to secure their first overseas trial, with Hércules, a professional club playing in the Spanish second division. However, the pair ultimately failed to secure contracts with the club due to issues relating with visas. Irfan and Ikhsan left the club after contracts could not be secured.[2]
Later in 2013, the pair managed to sign for Chilean side A.C. Barnechea, having secured two-year contracts with the Chilean Primera División club.[3]
Ikhsan and Irfan then joined Chilean Primera División club Universidad Católica.[4]
Home United
Ikhsan returned to Singapore and signed for Home United together with his brother Irfan ahead of the 2016 S.League season. He made his debut in a 2–2 draw against Warriors FC, coming on as a substitute for Khairul Nizam in the 85th minute. However, he was away for National Service together with Irfan so he only managed to end the season with 4 appearances and 0 goals.
Young Lions
In 2017, it was announced that Ikhsan would sign for the under-23 football team, Young Lions FC ahead of the 2017 S.League season.[5] It was revealed on 17 March 2017 that, although Ikhsan has yet to make an appearance for his new club, his former club, Club Deportivo Universidad Católica, is interested in re-signing Ikhsan and his brother Irfan after they finish their national service obligations.[6] 5 games into the season and with the club still pointless, Ikhsan has still to make an appearance.[7] On 23 April 2017, Ikhsan made his debut for the Young Lions against Tampines Rovers. In total, Ikhsan played 10 league games for the Young Lions while serving his national service as an infantry trooper.[8] Following the conclusion of the season, it was reported that Ikhsan, along with brother Irfan, is set for a trial with English Championship side Leeds United in March, after the end of his national service.[9]
Ikhsan scored his professional goal in game week 7 against Hougang United. He also assisted with another goal.[10] He stayed on with the Young Lions for the 2018 Singapore Premier League season and has scored 7 goals as of September 2018.[11]
Raufoss IL
In 2019, Ikhsan travelled to Norway for trials for the clubs there. After impressing in his stint there, Ikhsan was offered a 2-year contract with the newly promoted Norwegian First Division club Raufoss IL, making him the first Singaporean to play in Europe in 30 years. Ikhsan played his first match for the club in a friendly against Mjondalen IF on 12 January. He came on as a substitute in the 64th minute in the 3–1 loss.[12] He scored his first goal for the club in a friendly match on 25 January 2019 in a 6-1 demolition of Elverum FC; smashing in a rebound off a save from the goalkeeper to score Raufoss’ third goal.[13]
Ikhsan made his league debut on 8 April 2019, against Sandefjord Fotball, replacing Anton Henningsson. Ikhsan ended his first season with Raufoss with 6 goals and 1 assist in 28 matches.[14]
IK Start trial
On March 1, 2020, Eliteserien club IK Start invited Ikhsan for a three-day trial followed by a training camp from March 5 to 13 in Marbella, Spain, where they were scheduled to play three friendlies. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Start played only one match - a 2–0 win over fellow Norwegian side Grorud IL - and Ikhsan scored during his 75-minute outing against the newly promoted second-tier outfit. Start coach Jóhannes Harðarson was impressed with his performance and cited a possible transfer. However, with the league being delayed, The Norwegian Football Federation imposing a training ban on clubs until the end of the month and the transfer window closing on April 1, the move to the top flight club was held up.[15][16]
International career
Youth
Ikhsan was part of the Singapore U16 which won third placed in the 26th edition of the Lion City Cup in 2015. He scored a brace against Liverpool U15. The Singapore side were 3-0 down at half time but Ikhsan came on and scored a hat trick which resulted the game to end 3-3. Both teams went on to penalties and Singapore lost to the English team by 5–3 on penalties to clinch third.
He was called up to the Singapore under-22 team ahead of the 2017 SEA Games and broke his duck by converting a penalty against India before hitting two scorchers from distance in a 4-1 thumping of Brunei in the AFC Under-23 Championship qualifiers in July.[8] He played all 4 of the team's games at the 2017 SEA Games, scoring one goal.[17]
Senior
Ikhsan was called up to the national team for the friendly against Hong Kong and the 2019 Asian Cup Qualifiers against Turkmenistan on 31 August and 5 September respectively.[18] He made his debut against Hong Kong after coming on for Khairul Amri in the 71st minute.[19] He scored his first international goal while winning his 5th cap on 7 September 2018 in an international friendly against Mauritius.[20] He scored his second goal in the following game, helping Singapore to a 2–0 win over Fiji in a friendly match.[21] He notched his third goal in his 8th cap against Cambodia.[22]
Ikhsan made his AFF Championship debut in the 2018 campaign on 9 November, with a 1–0 win over Indonesia. He scored his first competitive goals for Singapore in a 6-1 demolition of Timor-Leste in the 2018 AFF Championship, getting on the score sheet twice.[23] He notched his eighth goal for Singapore in only his eighteenth cap when he scored in a 2–1 win over Yemen in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match.[24]
Personal life
Ikhsan is the second eldest son of Singaporean footballing legend Fandi Ahmad and South African model Wendy Jacobs. He has four siblings, one older brother, Irfan Fandi who plays for BG Pathum United and two younger brothers, Ilhan, who plays for Young Lions and Iryan, and the other being his sister Iman.
Career statistics
Club
- As of match played 11 Aug 2020. Caps and goals may not be correct.
| Club | Season | Division | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Continent | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
| Home United | 2016 | S.League | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 4 | 0 | |
| Total | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||
| Young Lions | 2017 | S.League | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 10 | 0 | |
| 2018 | Singapore Premier League | 20 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 20 | 8 | ||
| Total | 30 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 8 | ||
| Raufoss | 2019 | 1. divisjon | 26 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 28 | 6 | |
| 2020 | 1. divisjon | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 26 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 6 | ||
| Career total | 60 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 62 | 14 | ||
International caps
International goals
- Scores and results list Singapore's goal tally first.[25]
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 7 September 2018 | Bishan Stadium, Bishan, Singapore |  | 1–1 | 1–1 | Friendly |
| 2. | 11 September 2018 | Bishan Stadium, Bishan, Singapore |  | 2–0 | 2–0 | Friendly |
| 3. | 16 October 2018 | Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh, Cambodia |  | 2–1 | 2–1 | Friendly |
| 4. | 21 November 2018 | National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore |  | 3–1 | 6–1 | 2018 AFF Championship |
| 5. | 4–1 | |||||
| 6. | 5 September 2019 | National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore |  | 1–0 | 2–2 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 7. | 15 October 2019 | National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore |  | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 8. | 19 November 2019 | Shaikh Ali Bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa Stadium, Muharraq, Bahrain | | 1–0 | 2–1 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qaulification |
As of match played 8 September 2019. Appearances and goals by national team and year
| Singapore National Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Apps | Goals |
| 2017 | 4 | 0 |
| 2018 | 8 | 5 |
| 2019 | 6 | 3 |
| Total | 18 | 8 |
U22/23 International caps
U23 International goals
- As of match played 8 June 2019.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 February 2017 | Choa Chu Kang Stadium, Choa Chu Kang, Singapore |  | 1–0 | 1–0 | Friendly |
| 2 | 18 August 2017 | Shah Alam Stadium, Selangor, Malaysia |  | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2017 Southeast Asian Games |
| 3 | 24 March 2019 | MFF Football Centre, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia |  | 1–0 | 1–1 | 2020 AFC U-23 Championship qualification |
| 4 | 7 June 2019 | Jalan Besar Stadium, Jalan Besar, Singapore |  | 2–0 | 3–0 | Merlion Cup |
| 5 | 9 June 2019 | Jalan Besar Stadium, Jalan Besar, Singapore |  | 1–0 | 1–0 | Merlion Cup |
| 6 | 5 December 2019 | Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila, Philippines |  | 2–0 | 7–0 | 2019 Southeast Asian Games |
| 7 | 5 December 2019 | Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila, Philippines | | 6–0 | 7–0 | 2019 Southeast Asian Games |
| 8 | 5 December 2019 | Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila, Philippines | | 7–0 | 7–0 | 2019 Southeast Asian Games |
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References
- "IKHSAN FANDI AHMAD". Singapore Sports Council. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
- "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.
- 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.
- Guen, Dan (17 October 2014). "Irfan on verge of becoming a pro". TODAYonline.com. Archived from the original on 7 January 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
- "Transfer to Young Lions". Archived from the original on 18 March 2017. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
- "Irfan, Ikhsan Fandi wanted in Chile". TODAYonline. Archived from the original on 11 April 2017. Retrieved 19 April 2017.
- "Khairuls, Fandis and the Quah sextet: A look at Singapore's footballing siblings". FourFourTwo. 19 April 2017. Archived from the original on 20 April 2017. Retrieved 19 April 2017.
- "SEA Games: 'Call me Ikhsan, not Fandi's son'". FourFourTwo. 9 August 2017. Archived from the original on 18 February 2018. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
- "Leeds United transfer news: Whites offer Singapore Fandi brothers trial". Football Insider. 15 December 2017. Archived from the original on 20 February 2018. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
- "Singapore Premier League Team of The Week 7: Two Irfans, Zainol dazzle | FOX Sports Asia". FOX Sports Asia. 21 May 2018. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
- "Singapore striker Ikhsan Fandi: Irfan and I are no longer in our dad's shadow". FourFourTwo. 12 September 2018. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
- Matthew, Mohan (13 January 2019). "Football: Singapore striker Ikhsan Fandi signs contract with Norwegian side". Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- "Watch: Singapore striker Ikhsan Fandi scores first goal for Raufoss in Norway". FOX Sports Asia. 26 January 2019. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
- "ASEAN Best 11 of 2019: Top Southeast Asian footballers of the year". FOX Sports Asia. 20 December 2019. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
- "Virus holds up Ikhsan's potential move to top-tier club in Norway". The New Paper. 19 March 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- "Football: Ikhsan impresses in trial with Norwegian top-tier side IK Start but move on hold due to coronavirus situation". The Straits Times. 18 March 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- "10 U23 players to look out for in the 2018 S.League". FourFourTwo. 11 December 2017. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
- "LIONS SQUAD FOR HONG KONG FRIENDLY AND ASIAN CUP QUALIFIER AGAINST TURKMENISTAN CONFIRMED". FAS. 30 August 2017. Archived from the original on 31 August 2017. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
- hermesauto (1 September 2017). "Football: High praise for Ikhsan Fandi, as well as advice for young striker to develop overseas". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
- "Ikhsan nets first Singapore goal, Shahril stars in comeback draw against Mauritius - Football Association of Singapore". Archived from the original on 7 September 2018. Retrieved 7 September 2018.
- "Singapore put two past Fiji to record first win under Fandi Ahmad". FourFourTwo. 11 September 2018. Archived from the original on 11 September 2018. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
- "Singapore Ratings vs Cambodia: Ikhsan, Safuwan shine in Phnom Penh victory". FourFourTwo. 17 October 2018. Archived from the original on 18 October 2018. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
- "AFF Suzuki Cup 2018: Safuwan, Ikhsan on fire as Lions stay in the hunt". FourFourTwo. 21 November 2018. Archived from the original on 21 November 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
- Ganesan, Deepanraj (20 November 2019). "Lions end winless streak with 2-1 victory over Yemen". The New Paper. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
- "Ikhsan Fandi". National Football Teams. Archived from the original on 7 September 2018. Retrieved 7 September 2018.
- "Squad vs OZ u20".
External links
- Ikhsan Fandi at Soccerway
