Singapore’s national football team has qualified for the Asian Cup on merit for the first time, and will play in the tournament after more than 40 years of hurt.
The historic feat came after the Lions defeated Hong Kong 2-1 in a thrilling come-from-behind victory.
Source: Football Association of Singapore on Facebook
Playing as the away team at the Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday (18 Nov) night, Singapore were down by one goal at the break due to a 15th-minute strike from Hong Kong’s Everton Camargo.
Source: Football Association of Singapore on Facebook
However, instead of wilting, Singapore responded with resilience.
Coming off the bench in the 57th minute, Ilhan Fandi took just 7 minutes to impose himself on proceedings by sending an ingenious pass to Shawal Anuar, who scored the equaliser in the 64th minute.
Just four minutes later, Ilhan himself scored with a powerful shot over the Hong Kong goalkeeper and into the net to cap a stunning comeback.
Source: Football Association of Singapore on Facebook
He then left the field in the 85th minute after picking up an injury.
But his job was done — Singapore’s win means they top Group C of the Asian Cup qualifiers with 11 points.
While Hong Kong are three points behind in second, they cannot overtake Singapore even if they win the final qualifier and Singapore loses.
Source: Asian Football Confederation
That’s because Singapore now has a superior head-to-head record than their East Asian rivals.
Source: Football Association of Singapore via Lawrence Wong on Facebook
As all group winners in this final round of qualifiers will make it to the 2027 tournament in Saudi Arabia, this is the first time that Singapore has qualified on merit.
The only time Singapore played at the Asian Cup since it was founded in 1956 was when we hosted it in 1984.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday night, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam thanked the Lions for making history.
Praising their “skilful team play and guts” in front of a noisy Hong Kong home crowd, he noted the team’s “great recovery”, with two goals in quick succession after Hong Kong took the lead.
Source: Football Association of Singapore on Facebook
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong congratulated the Lions on the win and for making history, saying:
To the players, coaches and the whole team — thank you for your grit, heart and never-say-die spirit. You’ve made Singapore proud and we are with you all the way!
Acting Minister for Community, Culture and Youth David Neo said the Lions were “all heart” over the past five matches and urged Singapore fans to give them the fullest support on the road to the Asian Cup.
Source: David Neo on Facebook
He also wished team captain Hariss Harun, who was born on 19 Nov 1990, a happy birthday.
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Featured image adapted from Sean Kok/Grandstand Singapore via Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Facebook and Football Association of Singapore via Lawrence Wong on Facebook.