GOA, 15 OCTOBER 2025 – The Singapore Men’s National Team reignited their AFC Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifying campaign, coming from behind to clinch a 2-1 win over India in Goa’s Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday (15 October).
The Lions were clinical in front of goal, with Song Uiyoung scoring in either half to secure the win in what was a spirited comeback after Lallianzuala Chhangte’s stunning strike gave the home side the lead early on.
The result meant Singapore drew level on points with first-placed Hong Kong, China, after the group leaders were held to a 1-1 draw by Bangladesh in the evening’s earlier Group C fixture. The Lions remain in second place, having scored one goal less than Hong Kong, China.
“I’m very pleased with the boys because I knew how much we were hurting after the first game,” said Lee, who secured the first victory of his tenure.
“For us to bring home the three points after coming from behind, it shows all the hard work the players and the staff have put in, and I’m happy for them,” added Lee, who was delighted about the character his charges showed after a enduring a rollercoaster ride of emotions in the past week.
The Lions surrendered their lead in the dying moments of the game at the National Stadium last Thursday (9 Oct) to draw 1-1 against India in a result that saw their hopes of qualifying take a serious hit.
Both teams were well aware that a win in the reverse fixture in Goa would revive each of their qualifying campaigns, and the game got off to a frenetic start.
India’s early high press paid off in the 14th minute when forward Chhangte latched onto a loose ball and unleashed a long-range effort that arrowed into the top corner of Izwan Mahbud’s goal.
Unsatisfied with their one-goal advantage, India continued to push forward and nearly added another in the 28th minute, but Safuwan Baharudin’s heroic goal-line clearance denied Liston Colaco from doubling India’s lead.
Having battled their way through sustained periods of home pressure, the Lions conjured up a response of their own in the 44th minute. A dangerous ball from Shawal Anuar found its way to Glenn Kweh in the box. The BG Tampines Rovers man then showed great composure to lay it off to Song to sweep home the equaliser for the visitors.
“We spoke about some non-negotiables that we let ourselves down with and made a few tweaks at half-time,” said Lee.
“There were some good bits, but we allowed India to dominate us. But we also showed that we could play through and create chances, and it was just about taking that lead in the second half.”
One of those crucial tweaks Lee made was throwing on Ilhan Fandi at half-time for defender Amirul Adli. That added attacking intent soon paid off, with Song capping off a devastating counter-attack in the 57th minute with an emphatic strike off a Shawal assist to turn the game on its head.
“India did well to build up and play out in the first half, but their pressing was getting slower after 20 to 30 minutes, which allowed us to get into space,” said Song.
“We kept calm, stuck to the plan, and found the opportunities to penetrate and score goals.”
Lionel Tan and Jacob Mahler were introduced to see the game out for the Lions in the 71st minute, and the duo who turned in professional performances were given a scare in the 82nd minute when substitute Udanta Singh Kumam ghosted in at the back post to meet Chhangte’s cross with a header that trickled just wide of the goal.
Just three minutes later, Ilhan rose high to meet a Lionel cross from the right, only to see goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu turn his powerful header over the bar.
The visitors – ranked 158th in the world rankings – held firm thereafter to secure an away win over an India side sitting 24 spots above them on the FIFA international rankings.
Lee and his Lions, though, immediately shifted their attention to their next assignment – a crucial clash away at Hong Kong, China next month.
“We want to play for the three points in our next game, so nothing will change in terms of our approach,” said a stoic Lee.
“The players are all very aware of what’s at stake, and we definitely want to write our own history. But our focus remains on the work rather than our dreams, and hopefully that will take us to our goal.”
With little separating Hong Kong, China, and Singapore at the top of Group C, the Lions will travel to the Kai Tak Stadium on 18 November knowing that a victory will all but secure Singapore’s first-ever appearance at the Asian Cup Finals on merit.
