Tan Kiat How cheers on Lions as Singapore trail Thailand 2-0 at half-time
Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How rallied Singapore’s national football team after the Lions fell behind at half-time.
The Lions ultimately fell short, as Thailand ran out 3-1 winners in the first leg of the ASEAN football championship semi-finals on Saturday (15 Aug).
Mr Tan also shared a video of himself sitting behind President Tharman Shanmugaratnam as the pair caught the action live from the stands.
Tan Kiat How supports Lions with President
In an Instagram post on 15 Aug, Mr Tan showed the President closely watching the replay as Singapore faced a two-goal deficit at the break.
“Half-time and we’re 0–2 down, but there’s still football to be played,” Mr Tan wrote in the caption.
The post showed the two watching the match from the stands as the Lions sought to mount a comeback.
Source: Tan Kiat How on Instagram
Mr Tan also highlighted the President’s attention to detail when watching a football match.
“Sitting behind the President and even he’s keeping a close eye on every replay,” he said.
Despite the result at the break, Mr Tan also urged the national team not to give up.
“Come on Lions, don’t lose heart. Keep fighting, keep believing. We’re right behind you,” he said.
Netizens amused by President watching replay
Iman Fandi, daughter of Singapore football legend, Fandi Ahmad, was clearly amused by the post.
Source: Instagram
She wasn’t the only one either, as a fellow netizen joked that this “is one VAR that no one wants to mess around with”.
Source: Instagram
An Instagram user also quipped that Mr Tan was seated in the VIP area.
Source: Instagram
Another netizen noticed this as well, saying those are “good seats”.
Source: Instagram
President told Lions to “never give up”
President Tharman also shared a post on his Facebook at the end of the match, which the Lions lost 3-1.
“The Lions went down against Thailand tonight, but earned the hearts of the crowd with their fighting spirit,” he shared.
President Tharman said the Lions faced an uphill challenge against ASEAN’s top-ranked football nation.
His assessment of the game was that the Lions matched Thailand and had “equal command of the game”.
However, Thailand’s superior finishing is what gave them a two-goal advantage going into the second leg, which will take place at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on 18 Aug.
“Wish them the best in the second leg of the ASEAN Championship semi-finals in Bangkok next Tuesday. Never give up!” he said.
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Featured image adapted from Tan Kiat How on Instagram & Football Association of Singapore.
