Singapore National Team may have fallen to a 2-1 defeat against China PR on Friday night at Jalan Besar Stadium, Kallang.
Fresh from their emphatic 4-0 victory over Mongolia just days earlier, Singapore entered the contest full of confidence. However, the visitors immediately demonstrated their quality and attacking intent.
China PR came close to opening the scoring in the 13th minute when captain Wei Shihao met a cross from the right wing, only to see his header crash against the post.
The warning went unheeded. Four minutes later, winger Xie Wenneng delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, where Sai Erjiniao rose above the Singapore defence to power home a header and hand China a deserved 1-0 advantage.
Rather than retreating, Singapore gradually found their rhythm and began to challenge the visitors.
The breakthrough nearly arrived in dramatic fashion midway through the first half.
Veteran goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud launched a long ball forward, and the tireless Shawal Anuar chased it down aggressively. His pressure forced uncertainty inside the Chinese backline, with the ball trickling dangerously toward an empty goal before goalkeeper Hao Li recovered just in time to prevent an embarrassing own goal.
The opportunity lifted the home crowd and signaled Singapore’s growing confidence against their more fancied opponents.
Unfortunately for the Lions, their positive spell was interrupted moments before the interval.
Veteran skipper Hariss Harun, who recently became Singapore’s most-capped player with 148 international appearances, was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the penalty area.
China striker Zhang Yuning stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, doubling the visitors’ lead and giving China a commanding 2-0 advantage heading into half-time.
The goal was a harsh setback for Singapore after an increasingly competitive first-half display.
Singapore emerged from the dressing room with renewed energy and a determination to take the game to their opponents.
One of the standout moments came in the 58th minute when brothers Ryhan Stewart and Harhys Stewart combined brilliantly in a flowing attacking move.
Harhys’ intelligent movement created space for Ryhan to burst into the penalty area before unleashing a powerful effort that forced Hao Li into an excellent save.
The move epitomised Singapore’s improved confidence and willingness to play progressive football against stronger opposition.
Although the Lions eventually fell short on the scoreboard, their second-half display drew praise from Gavin Lee, who highlighted the team’s composure and courage in possession.
While the result officially goes down as a defeat, Singapore can take valuable lessons from a performance that showcased increasing tactical maturity and attacking ambition.
Against a team ranked significantly higher and boasting greater international experience, the Lions refused to be overwhelmed after conceding early and instead produced extended periods of competitive football.
The performances of Hariss Harun, Izwan Mahbud, Shawal Anuar, and the Stewart brothers offered further evidence that the squad possesses a strong foundation as it prepares for future regional and continental challenges.
Credit Photo : FAS
