PM Wong, David Neo congratulate S'pore football team for 'making history' after win over Hong Kong

Congratulations have poured in after the Singapore national football team qualified for the Asian Cup on merit for the first time, with a 2-1 comeback win over Hong Kong on Nov. 18.

Following the historic feat, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo both took to Facebook to express their appreciation for the team's efforts.

Congratulations are in order

"Tonight our Lions roared! Congratulations on the win and on making history by qualifying for the Asian Cup on merit," wrote PM Wong in a post.

"To the players, coaches and the whole team — thank you for your grit, heart and never-say-die spirit. You’ve made Singapore proud and we are with you all the way!" PM Wong added.

President Tharman congratulated the team for their great recovery by scoring two goals after Hong Kong initially took the lead in the first half.

"And thanks to all the Lions for skillful team play and guts in front of an overwhelming home crowd at Kai Tak Stadium," he wrote in a post.

"After years of heartbreak, the Lions have qualified for the Asian Cup for the first time on performance...Onward to Saudi Arabia in 2027."

In his post, Neo paid tribute to the team's efforts over the past five matches which have secured the Asian Cup qualification.

"Our Lions have made history", Neo wrote.

"Over the past five matches, our Lions were all heart. In Hong Kong, we came back from 1-0 down to win 1-2 , with goals by Shawal Anuar and Ilhan Fandi.

To Singapore fans everywhere, let's give our lions the fullest support in our road to Asian Cup! Well done, Lions!"

Neo's post was accompanied by a video of Neo cheering with the team in the dressing room following the match.

Background

On Nov. 18, the 155th-ranked Lions took on world no. 148 Hong Kong at the Kai Tak Stadium for the qualifiers of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Singapore, who was seeking a win to top the group and qualify for the Asian Cup, trailed to the home team after an opener from Hong Kong's Matt Orr in the 15th minute.

However, after half-time, Shawal Anuar and Ilhan Fandi each scored to earn Singapore a 2-1 comeback win.

The triumph came on the back of another 2-1 comeback win against India in October.

Ilhan Fandi, who assisted Shawal's equaliser and scored the match-winning goal, dedicated the victory to Singapore in a post-match interview with The Straits Times.

"I’m so proud of the boys and to everyone back home, this one’s for you. It’s been a long journey, and I think it’s something the whole country can be proud of. I’m just very proud to be Singaporean,” Fandi said, as quoted by ST.

Singapore's only previous appearance at the Asian Cup was as hosts of the 1984 edition.

Singapore, who are in Group C, along with Hong Kong, India and Bangladesh, will conclude their qualifying campaign against Bangladesh on Mar. 31, 2026.

The Asian Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2027.

Top image from FAS