HONG KONG – Hong Kong and Singapore will walk into a sold-out Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday night knowing that 90 minutes could define their Asian footballing future. With both sides level on eight points at the top of Group C, the winner will take a decisive step toward qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup Finals 2027 and potentially secure their spot outright with a match to spare.

On the eve of the match, Hong Kong China head coach Ashley Westwood and centre-back Vas Nuñez spoke with confidence and unity as they prepared for one of the biggest nights in the city’s recent football history.

Nuñez, now one of the team’s most vocal leaders, said the squad is feeding off the anticipation. “This is a really important game and we’ve been preparing really, really well,”
he said. “It’s great to see the full stadium selling out and hopefully we get a great result.”

The mood, he added, has been exceptional. “Our lads are in good spirits. We’ve trained well and we’re feeling united. Everyone has been pushing in the same direction and giving us the best platform to get a result.”

Westwood echoed that sense of togetherness, praising the collaborative effort behind the scenes. “The Leisure and Cultural Services Department have helped us, Hong Kong Stadium have helped us, the Federation have helped us. It’s one of the first times I’ve felt everyone really united and pushing to give us the best platform to kick on.”

Westwood confirmed that the squad is largely healthy, though not without key absences. “Almost everybody is fit and available,” he said. “We’ve still got a couple of decisions to make with the starting lineup.”

He later confirmed that winger Alex Jojo will also miss out. “He tweaked his adductor and won’t feature tomorrow. It’s unfortunate, but that’s football. That’s why we have a squad.”

Recent heavy usage of Kai Tak Stadium has drawn questions about the condition of the playing surface, but Westwood dismissed any excuses. “Pitch is pitch. It’s the same for both sides. We’re not going to complain: our focus is on how we’re going to win this game.”

Nuñez shared the same mentality. “We’re confident. We don’t feel pressure. These are the big moments players want to play in. Whatever happens, we’re pushing and pulling in the same direction as a team.”

Looking back on the reverse fixture — a hard-fought 0–0 draw — Westwood offered a measured appraisal. “Singapore gave us problems. It was a tough, physical match, and 0–0 was fair. The team who performs with the highest level will win — that’s what football demands.”

At the same time, he cautioned against any sense of entitlement as Hong Kong continues its rise. “There shouldn’t be a sense of entitlement. Hong Kong were 159th in the world when I arrived. We should be proud of where we are, proud the stadium is full, and proud the players are in good spirits.”

Singapore enter Hong Kong knowing that a win would place them on the brink of history: their first-ever qualification for the AFC Asian Cup Finals. Away tickets for Lions fans have already been released, and a vocal travelling contingent is expected at Kai Tak Stadium.

Interim head coach Gavin Lee said the Thailand match was an important stepping stone in their preparations. “We had a very good game against Thailand. We weren’t satisfied with a few things, but that gives us a chance to reflect and know what we need to tweak and improve. After that, we were all very excited about tomorrow night’s game.”

Forward Ilhan Fandi spoke with equal conviction. “We’re very happy to be here in Hong Kong. We all know what’s the game tomorrow — it’s going to be a very big game for us,”
he said. “We’re here with one mission and one mission only: to get that three points. We’re raring to go.”

Lee stressed that while the stakes are high, their focus remains internal. “There’s a clear difference between the consequence and the game itself. The consequence is something we cannot control. As a group, we focus on what we can control — and that’s the game.”

He also dismissed talk of settling for a point. “We’re not entertaining that. Just like Hong Kong, we’re here to finish the job, deliver the performance, and hopefully bring the three points home.”

Lee also confirmed the Lions have a full squad available. “Everybody who travels is fit and healthy. We’ve got a full 26 players to call upon.”

For Ilhan, the objective is clear — and personal sentiment plays little role. “This is a team sport, not just between two brothers. We’re here to make the country proud,” he said, referring to his brother Irfan Fandi, also on the team. “We want to give hope back to Singaporeans back home. We’re very happy and we can’t wait to give it our all for 90 minutes. Inshallah, everything goes well.”

Pitch concerns? Not an issue. “It doesn’t matter what happens with the pitch. At the final whistle, we have to win. The team has the same goal: get the three points and go to the Asian Cup.”

Lee supported his forward’s stance: “You cannot control if the pitch is not desired. We go out there and play the best version of football we can, with clarity that we want to achieve the three points.”

With both teams level on points, playing positive football, and arriving with clarity of purpose, the matchup at Kai Tak Stadium promises to be the most significant fixture of Group C — and potentially a defining moment for both national teams. For Singapore, it is an opportunity to reach the Asian Cup Finals for the first time in history — an achievement generations of Lions have always dreamed of but never reached.

For both sets of players, coaches, and supporters, one thing is certain: Tuesday night will be unforgettable.

Singapore plays Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier on 18th November 2025 at Kai Tak Stadium.