SINGAPORE — With just about a month to go to the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup, national coach V Sundramoorthy says his team are moving in the right direction as they gear up for the biennial tournament.

While the Lions may not have enjoyed the best run of results over the past eight matches, picking up just two wins, there have been signs in their last two games — a 3-1 defeat to Bahrain and a goalless draw against Malaysia — that the Republic are gradually finding their groove.

In particular, Singapore’s dominating performance against their Causeway rivals last Friday, where only a combination of good goalkeeping and the woodwork prevented them from running riot, has given Sundram cause for optimism.

And the 51-year-old hopes his charges will continue on their upward trajectory when they take on Hong Kong — who are ranked 142nd in the world, 13 places higher than Singapore — in a friendly at the Mong Kok Stadium tonight.

“We were unlucky against Malaysia, because we created many opportunities,” Sundram told TODAY. “Being just four months into the job, I am satisfied with how we have progressed as a team. I think we are moving in the right direction and we’ll work hard to make sure we continue on this way.”

National vice-captain Hariss Harun added that everyone in the team had been giving extra in training recently as they seek to impress Sundram and earn a spot in his final Suzuki Cup squad.

“Training nowadays is definitely more intense. Everybody is trying to prove themselves but this competition is good for the team as it keeps everyone on their toes,” said Hariss, 25. “It won’t be easy to play against a physically strong Hong Kong side, but we are determined to go out and get a positive result.”

Singapore have been handed a tough group in the Suzuki Cup, having been drawn against co-hosts Philippines, Indonesia and defending champions Thailand. NOAH TAN