Lions survive late onslaught to claim first win of Asian Cup third-round qualifiers

Ikhsan Fandi scored as Singapore defeated Bangladesh in an Asian Cup qualifier on June 10 in Dhaka. PHOTO: FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE

Deepanraj Ganesan

UPDATED Jun 11, 2025, 01:33 AM

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SINGAPORE – Several times this season, Lions forward Ikhsan Fandi found himself watching despondently from the sidelines as injuries put him out of action for both club and country.

Football brought little joy.

But, back in a Singapore kit after a year out, Ikhsan has reasons to smile again. On June 10, the forward flashed his widest grin yet after netting what turned out to be the winner in the Lions’ 2-1 victory over Bangladesh in an Asian Cup third-round qualifier before a sold-out 21,317 crowd at the National Stadium in Dhaka.

His crucial 58th-minute strike meant that he has netted three goals in two games for the Lions, following his brace in a 3-1 friendly win over the Maldives at the Bishan Stadium on June 5.

“Feels good, but honestly I’m not happy with my performance, wasn’t a good game from me,” the 26-year-old told The Straits Times, referring to his missed chances.

“It was a really tough game, a lot of external factors we couldn’t control, but I’m glad we managed to pull through.” 

But, at least, things are finally looking up for him, after overcoming a right knee issue and a quadriceps injury.

A fresh start in his club career also beckons, with confirmation that Thai club BG Pathum will allow him to spend the 2025-26 season on loan at Ratchaburi FC, who finished fourth in the 16-team Thai top flight, one rung below Pathum. Ratchaburi will also compete in the AFC Champions League Two.

“Now it’s time to take a break. I’m excited for my next season with Ratchaburi, I hope to bring this version of myself there,” he added. 

In Dhaka, he gave a glimpse of what he can offer as world No. 161 Singapore were bloodied and bruised after a physical battle with the 183rd-ranked hosts.

They weathered a storm of aggressive tackles from the Bengal Tigers, who bit hard into 50-50 contests and committed several fouls that went unpunished by Filipino referee Clifford Daypuyat.

In the early exchanges, a stray boot even left defender Jordan Emaviwe with a bloodied face.

But the Lions kept their cool, stuck to their tasks and did enough to secure the three points to top Group C on goals scored, ahead of Hong Kong, who clinched a last-gasp 1-0 win over India at the Kai Tak Stadium with a stoppage-time penalty by Fernando.

Singapore and Hong Kong have four points each after two matches, while Bangladesh (third) and India (fourth) have a point apiece.

Lions coach Tsutomu Ogura said it was a difficult game and he was proud of the Lions for coming through it.

“I really appreciate the players. For 100 minutes, they kept the concentration and fighting spirit,” he added.

“When someone was injured, they covered for each other. I am very proud of our players.”

After squandering several chances, the Lions opened the scoring at the stroke of half-time to silence the crowd.

Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma looked to claim a ball in the air, but flapped under pressure from Emaviwe.

The ball then fell to Harhys Stewart, who sent it back into the danger area for Song Ui-young to net, despite Bangladesh players’ efforts to clear off the line.

Ikhsan scored the second goal when he latched on to the ball and tucked it away under pressure, after Hami Syahin’s shot was parried into his path by the goalkeeper.

Bangladesh then set up a nervy finale when they halved the deficit in the 67th minute. Rakib Hossain’s shot squeezed under Izwan Mahbud after he was sent through on goal by Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury.

But, as Bangladesh stormed forward for an equaliser, the Lions held on for victory even as they had to survive an onslaught during the 11 minutes of stoppage time.

The Lions had kicked off their Asian Cup third-round qualifying campaign with a 0-0 home draw against Hong Kong on March 25.

Bangladesh, the lowest-ranked team in the group, had shown their mettle by holding top-ranked team India (127th) to a goal-less draw in their opening match in Shillong on the same day.

Only the group winners will advance to the Asian Cup in 2027. Singapore have never qualified for the Asian Cup on merit, with their only appearance coming as hosts in 1984.

There was a personal milestone as well to celebrate for the Lions as captain Hariss Harun equalled former defensive stalwart Daniel Bennett’s all-time record of 142 caps.

Next up for them in their Asian Cup qualifying campaign will be a double header against India on Oct 9 (home) and 14 (away).

Deepanraj Ganesan is a sports journalist at The Straits Times focusing on football, athletics and government sports announcements.

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