Lions Aim for Asian Cup Spot in Must-Win Showdown Against Hong Kong

HONG KONG: The Singapore Lions are set to face Hong Kong in a crucial Asian Cup qualifier on November 18, 2023, at Kai Tak Stadium. For the Lions, this match presents a pivotal opportunity to secure their place in the Asian Cup for the first time since their sole appearance in 1984 as host nation.

Captain Hariss Harun carries the weight of past disappointments as he leads his team into this decisive match. At just 19 years old, he experienced the heartbreak of narrowly missing out on the 2010 Asian Cup qualification during a qualifier against Jordan. A draw would have sufficed to send Singapore through, but a 2-1 defeat dashed their hopes. Hariss recalls the “huge heartache” following that match, which has remained a “fresh memory” for him even now at 34.

Reflecting on that painful moment, Hariss expressed, “We were in the game, we had the result for part of the game. Then we conceded the set piece.” With ten of the starting eleven from that game now retired, Hariss stands as the last man from that fateful match, determined to rewrite history.

On the eve of this match, Hariss emphasized the significance of the upcoming game for both the team and the nation. “We have the chance to extinguish those regrets of yesteryears and breathe new life into our football,” he stated. With a victory, the Lions can not only advance in the tournament but also contribute to the overall progress of football in Singapore.

The Lions come into this match after an international friendly against Thailand on November 13, where they showcased their potential despite suffering a 3-2 loss. Hariss noted the team’s commendable performance, saying, “We really took the game to them, and we went toe to toe in terms of playing football.”

After arriving in Hong Kong on November 16, the team held their first training session the following evening. Hariss believes the friendly against Thailand served as a valuable preparation, highlighting the lessons learned from the match as they gear up for the significant clash against Hong Kong. “We know what we should have done better against Thailand,” he remarked, looking forward to making history for Singapore football.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong prepares for the match with confidence, having recently drawn 1-1 with Cambodia in their own warm-up game. Anticipation is building as the Lions will face a passionate home crowd, with tickets for Hong Kong fans reportedly sold out in under 80 minutes. Resale prices have soared, with some tickets listed at up to seventeen times their original cost. Despite this, around two thousand Singapore fans are expected to travel to support their team.

The path to this crucial qualifier has been filled with ups and downs for the Lions. After a stalemate against Hong Kong in their home match, a narrow 2-1 victory over Bangladesh in Dhaka provided a much-needed boost. Their subsequent draw against India at home, where they conceded a late equaliser, cast doubt on their qualifying hopes. However, a hard-fought win in India coupled with Hong Kong’s surprising draw against Bangladesh reignited their chances.

Currently, both Hong Kong and Singapore sit on eight points in the group standings, with Hong Kong leading on goal difference. The tournament rules stipulate that head-to-head results are the tiebreaker in case of equal points, adding further stakes to this encounter. Should the match end in a draw, both teams will have to rely on the results of their last matches to determine who qualifies for the Asian Cup.

As the captain, Hariss understands the expectations placed on the team due to their hard work throughout the qualifying campaign. “We want to make the most of it, and hopefully at the end of the game, it will take us to the Asian Cup,” he concluded, highlighting the collective ambition that drives the Lions forward. The upcoming match promises to be not just a battle for qualification but also a chance for redemption for Singapore football.