Singapore will walk into a cauldron of nearly 50,000 spectators on Tuesday night, knowing that only a win will send them directly into the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. The Lions enter the decisive clash level on points with Hong Kong, but trail their hosts on goal difference — turning tonight’s match into a straight shootout for qualification.
The pressure, however, did little to shake the two men who faced the media on Monday: Interim Head Coach Gavin Lee and forward Ilhan Fandi, the son of Singapore football icon Fandi Ahmad.
“Business as Usual” Despite Historic Stakes: Gavin Lee
Lee insisted that the team must treat the match as no different from any other, even with history at their fingertips.
“In terms of preparation, we had a very good game against Thailand,” he said at the pre-match press conference. “There were areas we weren’t satisfied with, but that gives us a chance to reflect. Our goal is to deliver a good performance to finish the job tomorrow.”
He acknowledged Hong Kong’s strength, calling them “a very organised side”, but stressed that Singapore had learned from the 0–0 draw in March. “It will be a close game this time,” he added.
Ilhan Fandi: “This Is Do or Die”
Ilhan, now with Thai club Buriram United, spoke with steely conviction.
“All of us know tomorrow is a big game,” he said. “We came here with one mission only — to get the three points. This is a do-or-die game. When the final whistle is blown, we have to win.”
The 22-year-old forward said the team feels the weight of the moment, but also the support of Singaporeans back home and in the stands. “We’re here to make the country proud and give hope to Singaporeans,” he said.
A Packed Kai Tak Stadium Awaits
Tonight’s game is expected to be played in front of a raucous near-capacity home crowd — a surge attributed to Hong Kong football’s recent revival. A news feature highlighted how the Hong Kong team has been pulling crowds nearing 50,000, a rare sight in regional football.
Singapore, by contrast, will be a minority in the stands — but not without a loud travelling contingent, and fans from home cheering on in support.
Singapore Fans: “We Bought Our Tickets Before We Even Knew They Might Qualify”
At Kai Tak, Singapore supporters told FAS media crews what the journey means to them.
One fan said:
“I’ve supported the team since I was young… this is my country, my team. We had to be here.”
Another spoke about the emotional pull of witnessing history:
“We booked our tickets before knowing they had a chance to qualify. You grow up knowing what Singapore football has gone through… I couldn’t pass up the chance to be here now.”
A third added that despite being outnumbered in the stadium, motivation remains high:
“There’ll be 50,000 fans against us, but as long as the boys give their best, we’ll cheer them all the way. I can guarantee one thing — they’ll leave nothing on the pitch.”
Hariss Harun and Safuwan Baharudin: Qualification Would ‘Mean a Lot’
In a separate video interview with Zia-ul Raushan, national captain Hariss Harun and veteran defender Safuwan Baharudin reflected on what qualification would mean.
“What would securing a historic Asian Cup qualification mean to you? It means a lot,” Safuwan said. “I think I can get emotional talking about it… We’ve gone through so much, not as individuals but as a team.”
He also paid tribute to fans who made the costly journey.
“I checked the ticket price — it’s not cheap, and the hotels here are not cheap. And people are still having that hope to eventually see us from Hong Kong to Saudi Arabia.”
Hariss echoed the significance for Singapore football:
“It will jump right to the top… not so much because of what I’ve achieved, but because of the impact it will have on our football and our country.”
Million-Dollar Incentives Raise the Stakes
Beyond the sporting significance, both teams are also eyeing major financial rewards. AsiaOne reports that the Football Association of Singapore has set aside close to $1 million in bonuses, including $6,000 match-win rewards and up to $40,000 per player should the Lions secure Asian Cup qualification. FAS deputy president Desmond Ong said these incentives were established early so “the boys, coaches, and admin team” knew exactly what was on the line.
Hong Kong players have similar motivation. According to reports, the Hong Kong Football Association will award HK$1 million (S$168,000) to the squad and staff involved in the match if they secure qualification.
Singapore captain Hariss Harun emphasised, “These are incentives and nothing more… it’s so much more than that when you are playing for the national team.”
Fans at Home Can Join the Roar
For those not in Hong Kong, screenings will take place at the Multi-Purpose Hall in Bishan Community Club and Festive Plaza at Our Tampines Hub.
The match will also be streamed live on mewatch from 8:00pm.
A Night That Could Rewrite Singapore Football
The Lions are yet to qualify for the Asian Cup on merit. Tonight offers not just a chance to rewrite history — but to reconnect a nation with its footballing dreams.
Lee put it simply: “Hopefully, we bring those three points home.”
And as Ilhan echoed: “This is do-or-die.”
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