(Left to right) Singapore Interim Head Coach Gavin Lee and Singapore captain Hariss Harun at the pre-match Press Conference, 8 October 2025.
SINGAPORE, 8 OCTOBER 2025 – Gavin Lee has called for a hearts-on-sleeves performance from the Lions on Thursday, 9 October, as Singapore look for a result that will fuel their drive for history – to qualify for the Finals of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time.
The Lions are gearing up for a double-header against India in Group C – first at the National Stadium, on Thursday, then in Goa for the return fixture five days later – in crucial matches that will determine the road ahead on their qualifying campaign.
And Lee, the Lions’ Interim Head Coach, is optimistic.
“For us as a team, tomorrow is like every other game we play in this campaign, it’s all about the three points. We are all very focused and we know what we have to do on the pitch and now it’s about us delivering it tomorrow night.”
Singapore currently sit at the top of Group C with four points, after a 2-1 away win over Bangladesh and a 0-0 draw with Hong Kong, China. India, on the other hand are bottom of the group with a solitary point after playing out a 0-0 draw with Bangladesh in their opening Group C encounter, then falling 1-0 to Hong Kong, China in an away fixture.
Returning to the squad is Hariss Harun, who missed the last window due to injury. The Lions captain is certain that there will be no hint of complacency when he leads his team out under the iconic dome at Kallang’s Singapore Sports Hub on Thursday.
“We are in a good position now but that doesn’t mean anything. We want to be in the best position possible (at the end of the campaign) in March. This window is really crucial with the two games that we will play.”
“India have a distinct style of play and they have experience playing in the Asian Cup. We cannot take anything for granted. Playing at home first will give the boys a boost. Hopefully, we can match that with a result tomorrow.”
Lions captain Hariss Harun at the pre-match Press Conference, 8 October 2025.
Hariss’ leadership and experience will be a timely boost for the squad, which has been augmented by the fearlessness of youth.
Hariss and Lions’ stalwarts Safuwan Baharudin and Izwan Mahbud are joined by 22-year-old Ong Yu En and 19-year-old Jonan Tan who earn their first call-ups to the senior national team.
“We’re very fortunate to have experienced players like Hariss, Safuwan and Izwan who are there not to just guide the young players on the pitch but also off the pitch. That should help with their development.”
“When the young players are in our environment, they’re not here just to participate, they are there to contribute. That means what they do on and off the pitch, must help bring us closer to what we want to achieve.”
Lions Interim Head Coach Gavin Lee at the pre-match Press Conference, 8 October 2025.
As the Lions prepare to take the field at the National Stadium, Lee has a simple message for his players: leave everything out on the pitch.
“We realise the opportunity that we have in front of us but ultimately, we also recognise that it’s been a while since we’ve had that joy and pride that we’ve experienced before. One of our guiding principles within us is to give the people a National Team that they can be proud of. If we can do that on the pitch, the results will follow.”
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