Overview
- Singapore beat Hong Kong 2-1 at Kai Tak Stadium with second‑half goals from Shawal Anuar and Ilhan Fandi after Matt Orr opened the scoring.
- This is the Lions’ first Asian Cup qualification on merit, with their only previous appearance coming as 1984 hosts; the 2027 finals will be in Saudi Arabia.
- Interim coach Gavin Lee, 35, stepped up in June after Tsutomu Ogura’s departure and is under consideration for the permanent role, according to FAS deputy president Desmond Ong.
- Ong noted a groundswell to retain Lee but said the decision will hinge on strategic alignment and the coach’s own plans, adding that preparations will follow the appointed coach’s approach.
- Players and officials urged restraint and hard work, vowing to compete rather than just participate, while analysis credited Lee’s 58th‑minute introduction of Ilhan Fandi as a decisive tactical move.