Lions forced to settle for a draw against Hong Kong, China – Football Association of Singapore
Izwan Mahbud in action against Hong Kong, China, 25 March 2025.
SINGAPORE, 26 MARCH 2025 – The Singapore Men’s National Team were held to a goalless draw by Hong Kong, China in their opening Group C game of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifiers on Tuesday, 25 March.
Reeling from a 1-0 friendly defeat to Nepal the previous Friday, the home side were determined to raise their performance against Hong Kong, but despite a spirited showing at the National Stadium the Lions just could not find the breakthrough.
Lions Head Coach Tsutomu Ogura credited his side for their improved performance, but he admitted that it should have been better.
“Our performance, compared to the last game (1-0 loss to Nepal), was much better. But we dropped two points. Today, we should have scored, and we should have won,” said Ogura.
“Before reaching the penalty box, we showed our brand of football, but we must improve. Be sharper in the penalty box. We must improve and score more goals.”
It could have been very different had the Lions got that dream start in the second minute of the match.
The 8,064 fans in attendance were in full voice when it appeared as though Lionel Tan had given Singapore the lead, but the goal was chalked off for a foul on goalkeeper Yapp Hung Fai.
Singapore carved out another chance just 12 minutes later. Quick combination play down the left flank released Glenn Kweh, and the winger tried to play it on into the path of Shawal Anuar. But the forward’s effort was blocked by a resolute Hong Kong backline.
The 25-year-old Glenn continued to be a thorn in Hong Kong’s side. In the 24th minute, a Harhys Stewart cross from the right found the winger, but Glenn’s first attempt was straight at the keeper and the follow up was stopped right on the goal-line.
Shawal Anuar in action against Hong Kong, China, 25 March 2025.
It was not just one –way traffic, the visitors also fashioned opportunities of their own. Just five minutes after the break, Everton Camargo drove right into the heart of the Singaporean defence to play in Matt Orr. But the striker was unable to test Izwan Mahbud in the Singapore goal.
Kyoga Nakamura was brought on in the second half to inject creativity into the Lions’ attack and it nearly paid off on the hour mark.
Nakamura showed composure to create a better opening for a shot on goal. The right-footed effort went just wide of the post.
A little over 10 minutes later, it was Hong Kong’s turn to be frustrated. Camargo caused problems for the Lions defence and the ensuing chaos afforded Jesse Yu with time to pick a shot. Yu tried to force the issue, but Lion City Sailors’ defender Lionel was on hand to block the effort before it was gathered safely by Izwan.
On 77 minutes, Singapore experienced another moment of short-lived joy. Nakamura threaded a through ball into Shawal Anuar’s path. The forward got in past the defence and placed the ball into the back of the net.
However, the linesman already had his flag raised for what was a tight offside call.
Hariss Harun earned his 140th cap in the match against Hong Kong, China, 25 March 2025.
In the other Group C encounter, India and Bangladesh also played out a 0-0 draw, in a wide-open group with all four teams on one point no goals scored.
Only the group winner will secure a ticket to the Asian Cup Finals in 2027.
The match saw Singapore captain Hariss Harun hit a career landmark. The midfielder earned his 140th cap for the nation, just two shy of matching the mark of the most-capped Lion – Daniel Bennett.
But Hariss was more focused on taking lessons from the March international window.
“We didn’t perform very well in this international window. We didn’t get the result in the friendly against Nepal. Today we put up a better performance, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to get us the three points,” said Hariss.
“It is something we need to work on. We have to look at it as two points dropped rather than one point gained. We have to take the lessons from this window and look forward to the next one.”
The Lions are scheduled to travel to face Bangladesh on 10 June 2025 in their next Asian Cup qualifier.
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
