SINGAPORE – Singapore’s national team return to Jalan Besar Stadium on Monday for the next match of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, looking to build on their opening Group A victory against Cambodia, but head coach Gavin Lee has made it clear the Lions are chasing more than just another three points.

Despite defeating Cambodia in their tournament opener, Lee admitted the performance did not meet the standards his side expects. “We weren’t satisfied with our last performance. Looking back, we felt we had a chance to do even better and put in a performance we could be proud of.”

Following internal discussions, the message within the camp has been simple. “The boys are excited to go out there and play a better game.”

One area Singapore have focused on is making better use of transition opportunities after failing to capitalise on several promising counter-attacks in the opening match. “We were trying to exploit the spaces available, but unfortunately we didn’t capitalise. The positive is that we’re identifying those situations. Now it’s about executing better.”

Lee believes the signs are encouraging because the opportunities are already being created. “We were playing football; we just didn’t create enough. Sometimes it was the final pass, sometimes the pass before the final pass. I’ve seen these boys do it before, and I’m confident they’ll do better tomorrow.”

With only two days separating matches, recovery has become a major focus for both teams. “Recovery is the same challenge for both us and Timor-Leste. All we can do is help the players regain as much freshness as possible and be ready to give 100 per cent again tomorrow.”

Ilhan Fandi, who opened his tournament account against Cambodia and scored the decisive, tie-breaking final goal, shares his coach’s belief that Singapore still have another level to reach. “The boys reflected on the match and we know we’re capable of much better. We also know what we can improve.”

The striker said the squad remains fully focused despite the quick turnaround. “We only had two days to recover and tomorrow is already game day, so we want to put in a better performance. We’re aiming for another three points, but we have full respect for Timor-Leste.”

After once again delivering on the international stage, Ilhan insists expectation only motivates him. “I’ve always said that I like pressure. It pushes me to perform even better for my team and my country.”

However, neither player nor coach is taking Timor-Leste lightly despite their heavy defeat to defending champions Vietnam.

Lee believes the scoreline told only part of the story. “If you watched the Vietnam-Timor-Leste match, the scoreline flattered Vietnam. Timor-Leste had plenty of possession and caused Vietnam a lot of problems. They’re a well-coached team.”

He warned against judging opponents purely by results. “We can’t let the scoreline define how we view our opponents. That’s something we’ve made very clear within the team.”

Ultimately, Lee says only one thing matters. “It doesn’t matter how we win, as long as we win.”

For Timor-Leste, head coach José Pedro says the tournament is about steady progress as much as results. “There isn’t much we can do except travel, rest and get the team back on track. We came here to compete, to grow as a team through matches like these, and we’ll take it one game at a time.”

Pedro also highlighted the unique challenges his side faces compared to the rest of the competition. “We are the outsiders in this group. Of the 10 teams across both groups, we were the only team that had to come through the play-offs to qualify.”

He also pointed to the realities of football development in Timor-Leste. “We’re also the only team that doesn’t get to play at home. Our domestic league only lasts about two months each year, which makes development very difficult.”

Still, he insists those realities are not excuses. “I’m not saying this as an excuse. It’s simply the reality of our football. For us, being part of this tournament is already a significant achievement.”

Misfielder João Rangel echoed his coach’s determination after the defeat to Vietnam. “The defeat was a tough one to take, but the matches come thick and fast. Our priority has been recovering properly so we’re ready for Singapore.”

Representing Timor-Leste, he added, remains his greatest motivation. “Playing for Timor-Leste is a huge source of pride, and I’ll always give 100 per cent on the pitch.”

As Singapore chase consecutive Group A victories, the Lions know another win would strengthen their position before tougher tests later in the campaign. But as both Lee and Ilhan have stressed throughout the week, it will require a sharper performance against a Timor-Leste side determined to prove they are far more competitive than their opening result suggested.

Kick-off for Singapore vs Timor Leste is at 7:00pm, Monday 27th Jul 2026 at Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore. Tickets available here