Singapore may have fallen 2-1 to China PR at Jalan Besar Stadium on Friday evening, but there were plenty of encouraging signs for Head Coach Gavin Lee as the Lions continued their preparations for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 and next year’s ASEAN Championship Hyundai Cup.

Facing a Chinese side ranked inside FIFA’s top 100, Singapore were tested from the outset and found themselves under pressure early on. China threatened down the flanks, with their attacks causing problems for the Lions, before eventually taking a two-goal lead into the halftime break.

The second goal came from the penalty spot in the 39th minute after Hariss Harun was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area, allowing China to make it 2-0.

Despite the setback, Singapore remained committed to their approach and continued trying to play their football against a physically strong and organised opponent.

After a largely even spell between the 17th and 28th minutes in humid conditions, the Lions gradually grew into the contest and produced a much brighter display after the restart.

Singapore emerged for the second half with greater intensity and purpose, prompting questions about why that level of aggression had not been evident from the opening whistle. Lee’s substitutions also helped shift the momentum, with the Lions increasingly taking the game to their visitors.

The hosts created several promising opportunities as they pushed forward in search of a way back into the match. One of the key moments came when Ilhan Fandi pounced on a loose ball and was pulled back by a Chinese defender, earning Singapore a dangerous free kick in a threatening position.

The Lions’ persistence was eventually rewarded as they pulled a goal back and set up a tense finish.

There was further drama late on when Safuwan Baharudin appeared to suffer an injury and briefly left the field, leaving Singapore down to 10 men. However, the veteran defender courageously returned to help his teammates through the closing stages, embodying the resilience and fighting spirit that characterised the Lions’ second-half performance.

Although Singapore could not find an equaliser, they finished strongly and pushed China all the way before eventually falling 2-1.

China Head Coach Shao Jiayi praised Singapore’s display after the match and acknowledged the progress made by the Lions under Lee.

“Singapore were an excellent team at home,” said Shao. “From the process and the organisation of this team, we can see they are a very good side. Mr Lee has brought a very big change to this team.”

He also described the contest as “a wonderful game for the fans” and noted that Singapore created several dangerous moments despite the defeat.

Gavin Lee was similarly encouraged by what he saw from his players, particularly their response after going two goals behind. “I thought throughout the game it was quite clear what we wanted to achieve as a group and in terms of our identity,” said Lee. “We never gave in, we never gave up. We created some good solutions, but it just shows that at this level the smallest errors can punish you.”

The Singapore coach highlighted how his side adapted after a difficult opening spell against China’s high tempo and physicality. “I think the first 15 minutes we struggled with the tempo a bit, but that’s normal,” he explained. “After that, once we got over the ball and realised they couldn’t really press us, we slowly worked our way into the game.”

Asked about Singapore’s strong finish and ability to find another gear in the closing stages, Lee credited the mentality of his squad. “It was a squad performance and it wouldn’t have been possible if we gave up after going 2-0 down,” he said. “Credit to the group. There are mixed feelings because we can be proud of certain things we did, but ultimately we want to win the game and we didn’t.”

Captain Rhyan Stewart, who was named Player of the Match, echoed his coach’s sentiments and pointed to a growing belief within the squad. “One of the main things is the mentality,” said Stewart. “We’re trying to shift our mentality from just trying to survive in games to trying to dominate and win games.”

He added that the team is learning how to handle difficult moments against stronger opponents. “When things get tough, it’s about not rolling over and trying to overcome the hard times and win games.”

Lee also welcomed the increasing competition for places within the squad, describing it as “not a headache, but a privilege”. “Football is 90, 95, sometimes 100 minutes,” he said. “We have to utilise everyone. If you’re not starting, your role is to change the game and be the best teammate you can be for the group.”

While the result ultimately went China’s way, Singapore gave a strong account of themselves against quality opposition and demonstrated the progress being made under Lee. With several players still waiting in the wings and more international fixtures on the horizon, the Lions can take confidence from a performance that showed both resilience and growing belief.

Singapore plays China on 5th June 2026 at Jalan Besar Stadium. Tickets available from Ticketek