Jeremiah Ong

The Stags prevail 2-0 in the SPL opener despite Balestier enjoying spells of pressure, with Higashikawa sealing the points late on.

After last season’s 4-1 Community Shield humiliation, Sailors turned the tables on Tampines as Ilhan’s brace sealed a comfortable 2-0 victory.

Singapore’s spirited 2-1 win over Thailand was not enough to overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit, but the Lions bowed out of the ASEAN Championship with a renewed belief and a growing connection with their fans.

Despite trailing 3-1 from the opening leg, Singapore are confident they can overturn the deficit, with Lee urging his side to stay calm and fight until the final whistle.

Singapore were staring down the barrel of a heavy first-leg defeat before Ilhan’s late strike offered a lifeline, with the Lions now needing a comeback in Bangkok.

Lee’s side have grown in confidence and unity throughout the tournament, but face their biggest test yet against a Thailand side that has won all four group games without conceding.

The Malaysian champions twice led the Club World Cup winners and looked set for a famous victory before a late own goal denied them a memorable win over Alonso’s side.

Ilhan struck again after a pivotal VAR intervention as Singapore held Indonesia to a 1-1 draw, sending a packed Jalan Besar Stadium into delirium and the Lions into the last four.

Singapore need only a draw to reach the ASEAN Championship semi-finals, but face a wounded Indonesia side determined to bounce back from a heavy defeat and spoil the Lions’ home celebration.

Singapore’s national football team will debut adidas kits against Indonesia on Aug 7, as a landmark multi-year partnership between the sportswear giant and the Football Association of Singapore ushers in a new era for the Lions.