Singapore’s Lions Celebrate Historic Asian Cup Qualification

SINGAPORE made history on November 18, 2023, by qualifying for the Asian Cup for the first time on merit, following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Hong Kong at Kai Tak Stadium. This milestone marks a significant achievement for Singapore, as their only previous appearance in the tournament was in 1984 when they qualified automatically as hosts.

Ilhan Fandi Shines Despite Injury

Despite limping through the mixed zone on crutches, Ilhan Fandi wore a broad smile, reflecting the joy of his team’s accomplishment. The 23-year-old forward, who played less than 30 minutes as a second-half substitute, made an immediate impact. He provided a crucial assist for Shawal Anuar to score Singapore’s equaliser and then netted the winning goal himself.

“I’m just so happy that Singapore can qualify for the Asian Cup. Everyone that was involved gave their all,” Ilhan expressed to reporters. “To everyone back home, this one is for you. It’s been a long journey, and it’s something the whole country can be proud of.”

Coach Gavin Lee’s Leadership

After an early goal from Hong Kong’s Matt Orr put Singapore in a challenging position, interim head coach Gavin Lee kept the team focused. “We went 1-0 down, and he said to stick to the game plan … don’t lose focus,” Ilhan recounted of Lee’s halftime motivation. “He believed in us, and we believed in him.”

Lee emphasized the importance of resilience in football, stating, “Football is not perfect, like life. If things go wrong, it’s our job to react and deal with it. As long as we stay in the game, we always knew we had quality players to finish.”

Ilhan, who is currently on loan at Buriram United in Thailand, expressed his determination to contribute, saying, “I’ve always said, whether I give 15 minutes or 20 minutes, I just try to give it my all.” Despite sustaining an injury that forced him to leave the match, he remained optimistic, stating, “For me, it’s no problem. Anything for the country.”

A Journey to Remember

Singapore’s path to the Asian Cup has been filled with highs and lows. The team began their campaign with a draw against Hong Kong, followed by a narrow 2-1 win over Bangladesh in Dhaka. An impressive performance against India at home saw them dominate for much of the match, only to concede a last-minute equaliser, which seemed to jeopardize their chances of qualifying. However, a resilient 2-1 victory in India, combined with Hong Kong’s slip against Bangladesh, set the stage for this historic win.

Lee, who is currently in an interim position following the resignation of former head coach Tsutomu Ogura, acknowledged that this achievement belongs to more than just the players. “This milestone that we’ve achieved is for everyone; it’s for Singapore. It’s not just for me or the national team,” he stated.

As Singapore celebrates this significant milestone, the future of the national team remains uncertain, with Lee’s position yet to be formalized. He noted, “The organization will make a decision that’s best for the team and the country … The national team is bigger than any individual.”

The Lions’ qualification for the Asian Cup promises to bring a new wave of enthusiasm and pride to Singaporean football, creating an opportunity for the nation to showcase its talent on an international stage.