Singapore beat Bangladesh, end Asian Cup qualifying campaign unbeaten
The Lions end their Asian Cup qualification campaign atop their group with four wins and two draws.
Singapore players celebrate Harhys Stewart's goal. (Photo: CNA/Matthew Mohan)
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SINGAPORE: There were pyrotechnics, pitch-side performances and most importantly, all three points on Tuesday (Mar 31) at the National Stadium as the Lions beat Bangladesh 1-0 to close out their Asian Cup qualifying campaign unbeaten.
A first-half goal from Harhys Stewart meant Gavin Lee’s men topped their qualification group with 14 points from four wins and two draws.
Prior to the game, Singapore booked their progression to the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia after defeating Hong Kong 2-1 away in November.
Speaking at a post-match press conference, head coach Lee described the match as a "good result but not a good performance".
"Despite us having a clean sheet and we finished the campaign unbeaten, we're definitely not satisfied with the performance," he said.
"We're happy with the win but there's lots to be desired with the performance," added Harhys, who was named man of the match.
"It's good that we have time and a good run up till the Asian Cup to improve and prepare for big games."
In front of a crowd of about 30,000, both sides struggled to keep sustained possession early on, with clear-cut chances proving difficult to come by.
The Lions looked to rely on the flanks to provide service for striker Ikhsan Fandi and Ryhan Stewart did just that with 20 minutes played, but his cross was pushed clear by Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma.
And just as it looked as if the Lions were starting to look ponderous, they got their goal.
A raking cross-field switch from Irfan Fandi found Glenn Kweh and while his shot was pushed clear, the onrushing Harhys slammed home for his first international goal.
But the physical away side was not without threat as loose play from Singapore saw possession lost in a dangerous area.
A superb block from Safuwan Baharudin saw the first attempt saved, but there were strong calls for a penalty after he appeared to have caught a Bangladesh attacker charging onto the rebound.
Referee Benjamin Abraham however, was unmoved.
Gavin Lee was forced into an early change just before the half as a studs-up tackle on Kweh resulted in him being stretchered off, with Ilhan Fandi coming on in his stead.
Bangladesh continue to look a side in the ascendancy and Izwan Mahbud was forced into a good stop in the 51st minute.
IMPORTANCE OF STAYING CALM
Lee described the atmosphere as "amazing" but noted that his side could have done better in coping with it.
"We weren't used to it and that affected our thinking, and we could see from the actions that we were making on the pitch that it was quite unlike us," he added.
"This is something that is important because when you go to the Asian Cup ... our ability to manage that external factor will be very important to help us to maintain our performance or maintain our game plan."
Lee also stressed the importance of his team staying calm in future.
"In order to play in the manner in which we want to play, we've got to stay calm no matter what. And its not easy in football," he said.
Ilhan then had the ball in the back of the net midway through the second half after a sublime through ball from Shah but was ruled offside.
Bangladesh’s best chance of the night came in the 79th minute as a Hamza Choudhury cross found Mirajul Islam but his shot cannoned off the post with Izwan beaten.
"Bangladesh had some momentum towards the end but the boys ... rose to the occasion. They did not back down," said Lee.
"It was a collective effort and that's the kind of spirit that we are proud of. That's something we want to maintain and that's our starting point."
