Football: Singapore Fall 3–2 to Thailand in Spirited Friendly as Lions Shift Focus to Crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier

Glenn Kweh’s Brace Sparks Singapore Fightback, as Lions Deliver Spirited Performance in final tune-up for the national side before their must-win clash against Hong Kong

PHOTO: FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE

PATHUM THANI, 14 November 2025 — Singapore suffered a narrow 3–2 defeat to Thailand in an international friendly at Thammasat Stadium on Thursday (13 November), but the performance offered encouraging signs ahead of the Lions’ pivotal AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ qualifier against Hong Kong next Tuesday, 18 November.

The match served as the final tune-up for the national side before their must-win clash, and despite the result, the Lions showcased resilience, attacking intent, and a growing tactical cohesion under Interim Head Coach Gavin Lee.

PHOTO: FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE

Bright Response After Early Setback

Thailand opened the scoring in the 15th minute through a thunderous strike from Sarach Yooyen, who found space outside the box and rifled home a powerful effort to put the hosts ahead.

But Singapore’s reaction was immediate.

Recalled left-back Akram Azman delivered a beautifully arcing cross to the far post, where Ryhan Stewart timed his run perfectly. Instead of going for goal, Stewart displayed unselfish awareness by squaring the ball across the face of goal for Glenn Kweh, who tapped in for his first international goal, bringing the Lions level and silencing the home crowd.

Quickfire Goals Swing Momentum Thailand’s Way

After a disciplined first half from Singapore, Thailand struck twice shortly after the restart. Veteran Theerathon Bunmathan unleashed a driven effort to restore the hosts’ advantage, before Seksan Ratree capitalised on a defensive lapse to make it 3–1 in a damaging seven-minute spell for the Lions.

Kweh’s Brace Sparks Singapore Fightback

Despite the setback, Singapore refused to fade.

In the 62nd minute, substitute Ikhsan Fandi flicked on a teasing cross from Harhys Stewart, forcing Thai goalkeeper Pattiwat Khammai into a save. Pattiwat’s parry fell kindly for Kweh, who clinically slotted home his second of the night, reigniting Singapore’s hopes and completing an impressive brace.

The Lions pushed for an equaliser but were denied by structured Thai defending and some near misses in the dying stages.

PHOTO: FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE

Izwan’s Penalty Heroics Keep Score Respectable

Deep into stoppage time, Thailand earned a penalty, but Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud produced a superb save to deny Jude Soonsup-Bell, preventing the hosts from stretching their lead and keeping the final score at 3–2.

Coach Gavin Lee: “Valuable Lessons Before Hong Kong”

Interim Head Coach Gavin Lee expressed measured optimism after the match, highlighting the team’s character and the tactical insights gained ahead of next week’s crucial qualifier.

“It’s not the result we wanted, but it’s a valuable lesson in our preparation for the Hong Kong match,” said Lee.

“We were able to test out a few things in a difficult matchup and we’ll work on them immediately. There’s character in the team – we didn’t give up, and we continued to play our football – and that is important for us.”

Lee added that the performance showed the Lions’ ability to execute their game plan, stressing the need for consistency:

“We showed that we have the ability to play our football. Now, it’s about fine-tuning that to be able to sustain it for the whole 90 minutes.”

PHOTO: FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE

Eyes on Hong Kong: A Must-Win Encounter

With the Thailand friendly now behind them, Singapore turn their full attention to next Tuesday’s AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong — a decisive fixture that will shape the Lions’ 2027 tournament ambitions.

Despite the defeat, the spirited showing in Pathum Thani will offer confidence to a Singapore side eager to prove themselves on the continental stage. #SgFootball