Singapore football finally found its moment of destiny on a chilly Nov 18 night in Hong Kong, as the Lions produced a heroic 2-1 comeback win over Hong Kong at the Kai Tak Stadium to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup – their first-ever Asian Cup berth achieved on merit.
Roared on by nearly 2,000 Singaporean fans amid a partisan 47,762-strong Hong Kong crowd, the Lions overturned a first-half deficit with two goals in four breathtaking minutes from Shawal Anuar and super-sub Ilhan Fandi.
The result guarantees Singapore top spot in Group C with 11 points from five matches, ahead of Hong Kong’s eight, reported The Straits Times.
With head-to-head results taking precedence, the Lions are now mathematically assured of a place in Saudi Arabia regardless of results on the final matchday next March.
Their only previous Asian Cup appearance came in 1984 as hosts. To qualify outright now – after decades of disappointment, stumbles, and false dawns – marks a watershed moment in Singapore football.
A Night for the Ages
Singapore began the match brightly, with Shawal threading a clever pass to club teammate Song Ui-yong within three minutes, though the effort was blocked. The Lions’ set pieces troubled Hong Kong but failed to produce clear rewards, and the pendulum swung sharply the other way.
Hong Kong’s Brazil-born winger Everton Camargo was a tormentor all night. His dangerous 15th-minute cross found Matt Orr, who escaped his markers to head home past Izwan Mahbud for the opener. The hosts pressed relentlessly, targeting Singapore’s makeshift left-back Shah Shahiran and nearly doubling their lead on several counters.
Singapore hung on. Izwan produced crucial saves, while Hariss Harun and Safuwan Baharudin flung themselves into interventions to keep the deficit to one.
The second half brought renewed intent, with Ikhsan Fandi and Song threatening from distance. But the breakthrough arrived only after interim head coach Gavin Lee introduced Ilhan in the 57th minute – a decision that transformed the game.
Four Minutes That Changed Singapore Football
In the 64th minute, Ilhan slipped a sublime through ball to Shawal, who lifted the ball over the onrushing Wang Zhenpeng for 1-1. Just four minutes later, Singapore struck again.
Izwan launched a counterattack, the ball fell to Ilhan, and the striker smashed a left-footed finish into the bottom corner. The partisan home crowd fell silent as Ilhan wheeled away, cupping his ears at the stunned stadium – a moment destined to be replayed for generations.
Singapore survived a late scare when a Hong Kong free kick rattled the crossbar, but the Lions held on with grit and discipline to complete a perfect away run against Bangladesh, India, and Hong Kong.
“This one’s for you, Singapore” – Ilhan Fandi
Ilhan, who played only 28 minutes before leaving with an ankle injury, said he knew he could change the game.
“Everyone gave their all. Before I came in, I knew I could make a difference. Alhamdulillah, I did it,” he said.
“I’m so proud of the boys, and to everyone back home – this one’s for you. It’s been a long journey, and this is something the whole country can be proud of.”
A Campaign of Resilience
Singapore’s qualification pathway was far from smooth. A goalless draw at home against Hong Kong and a narrow away win in Bangladesh gave way to a frustrating 1-1 draw with India in October, where the Lions conceded at the death.
But a crucial 2-1 victory away in India revived the campaign. When Hong Kong unexpectedly dropped points against Bangladesh, the door reopened – and Singapore charged through it with Tuesday’s win.
Lee’s Steady Hand
Stepping in after Tsutomu Ogura’s sudden departure in June, 35-year-old Gavin Lee has been a calming presence, impressing with clarity and conviction despite his interim status.
“We’ve been speaking about how football is not perfect, just like life. If things go wrong, it’s our job to respond,” he said.
“As long as we stay in the game, we always know we have the quality to finish.”
Lee admitted that the senior players’ emotions brought him to tears.
“The senior boys – Izwan, Safuwan, Hariss – they made me cry. What we achieved tonight is a consequence of everybody pulling together. This milestone is for Singapore.”
Heroes Across Generations
Singapore’s veteran spine – Izwan, Hariss, Safuwan, Shawal and Song – combined seamlessly with a younger generation of fighters, including Ilhan, Ikhsan, Kyoga Nakamura and Glenn Kweh.
Safuwan, immense in defence, said“ We are over the moon. Their early goal caught us off guard, but we stayed calm and came back strong. We have all come a long way. This is something we have to build on.”
Kyoga added: “We suffered. We went through obstacles and sacrificed a lot, but today we created history.”
Scenes Across Singapore
More than 2,600km away, the watch party at Our Tampines Hub exploded in joy, reported The Straits Times. Around 500 fans – families, youths and long-time supporters – roared with every tackle and chance.
“Seeing everyone stand and sing the national anthem together reminded me what it means to be Singaporean,” said fan Callum Pereira, 26.
For 25-year-old Basil Lee, the victory restored belief:
“Growing up, the Lions were heroes. Somewhere along the way we lost our mojo. But this qualification will inspire a whole new generation.”
Nationwide Tributes
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam thanked the Lions “for skilful team play and guts in front of an overwhelming home crowd”.
Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo added: “Over these five matches, our Lions were all heart. Let’s give them our fullest support on the road to the Asian Cup.”
Even former coaches Tsutomu Ogura and Radojko Avramovic sent their congratulations from abroad.
A Dream Finally Realised
For decades, Singapore flirted with qualification – falling short in 1996, 2011 and across countless campaigns. This generation has now broken that barrier.
The Lions will receive a million-dollar bonus, but the greater prize is symbolic: a nation rediscovering pride in its team, and players inspiring belief in what Singapore football can become.
On Tuesday night in Hong Kong, the Lions were not just playing to qualify.
They were playing for history – and they made it.
RELATED STORIES
13 Nov 2025 15:27
