Kyoga Nakamura encouraging our Lions, 29 December 2024.
PHU THO, 30 DECEMBER 2024 – Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Singapore knew it would take something special to overcome Vietnam in the second leg of their 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup semi-final tie at the Viet Tri Stadium.
That improbable comeback initially looked to be within reach as the Lions put up a spirited performance, but a 3-1 Vietnam win eventually consigned the Lions to a harsh 5-1 aggregate defeat on Sunday, 29 December.
Despite bowing out of the tournament, Lions Head Coach Tsutomu Ogura was full of praise for how his charges took the game to a much-fancied Vietnam side.
“Today, my players were able to show our football. They are improving game by game, and I am very proud of them,” said the 58-year-old.
“Even if we lost the game, I am still satisfied as we were able to show something to our fans in Singapore. Vietnam is a good team, but we kept fighting.”
Lions Head Coach Tsutomu Ogura on the sidelines, 29 December 2024.
Knowing the uphill task he had on his hands, the Japanese tactician turned to his seasoned campaigners, calling on the likes of Hariss Harun, Nazrul Nazari, and Faris Ramli.
Their experience proved vital as the Lions – undaunted by the 15,284-strong home crowd in Phu Tho -dominated early proceedings through an effective high press.
That early pressure nearly paid off when Faris pounced on a chaotic scramble in the Vietnamese box to head home from close range in the 10th minute. However, the goal was ruled out as the winger was adjudged to have strayed marginally offside by VAR officials – much to the disbelief of the Lions.
Faris Ramli sees his goal ruled out, 29 December 2024.
Luck would continue to swing the home side’s way as the half drew to a close. VAR officials alerted the referee to a pull on Ngyuen Xuan Son’s jersey by Lionel Tan after a Vietnam free kick grazed Izwan Mahbud’s crossbar – resulting in a penalty being awarded to the home side.
Further confusion would ensue as the referee initially brandished a red card to Lionel but eventually rescinded it upon consulting his match officials.
The chaotic long wait did not put off Xuan Son, who calmly converted the penalty to leave the Lions with a mountain to climb in the second half.
The Brazilian-born striker had been a thorn in the Lions’ side throughout the two legs and he showed his prowess once again in the 62nd minute – tapping home a cross after a mazy run from Nguyen Hoang Duc to double his side’s lead.
Even with the four-goal deficit, the Lions still refused to cave in. Their fighting spirit once again came to the fore when Kyoga Nakamura – who was suspended in the first leg – curled a shot into the bottom corner in the 73rd minute to give the away side renewed hope.
Kyoga Nakamura celebrates his goal against Vietnam, 29 December 2024.
However, a stoppage-time penalty from Nguyen Tien Linh restored Vietnam’s foothold on the game, sealing the Lions’ fate.
Reflecting on the tournament as a whole, Singapore captain Hariss Harun pointed to how his team have come a long way since the beginning of the tournament.
“We did not really perform that well in the first couple of games, but we still kept improving and everyone saw how we put our hearts into the game especially against Thailand and Malaysia,” said the 34-year-old.
“It’s really pleasing to see the boys grow as a team and we can take heart from that. I hope we can use this as a launchpad to better things, because it does not stop here – we have to keep building,” said Hariss, who also thanked the fans for their unwavering support.
“The fans have been wonderful, and their support means a lot to us. We may not be perfect, but I think they can see the fighting spirit of the boys. It’s really nice to see them backing us and I hope this will continue,” he added.
Our Lions will now shift their focus to the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. The road to Saudi Arabia begins on 25 March 2025 as Singapore host Hong Kong.
Our Lions at Viet Tri Stadium, 29 December 2024.
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
