Late Stunner by Ilhan Fandi Secures Dramatic 2-1 Win for Singapore Over Cambodia in AFF ASEAN Championship Opener

Stoppage-Time Masterclass From Ilhan Fandi Rescues the Lions in Phnom Penh Opener

Shawal Anuar opens the scoring for the Lions. PHOTO: FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE

25 JULY 2026, PHNOM PENH – The Singapore Lions kicked off their AFF ASEAN Championship campaign in dramatic fashion on Friday (July 24), edging past Cambodia 2-1 courtesy of a stoppage-time wonder goal by supersub Ilhan Fandi at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh.

Under the guidance of head coach Gavin Lee, Singapore secured a hard-fought three points in their Group A opener, though the performance served up plenty of nervy moments for the travelling fans and a steep learning curve for the squad.

Shawal Breaks the Deadlock

Singapore started brightly in the Cambodian capital. After an early warning shot where Shawal Anuar narrowly missed a cross from Glenn Kweh, the Lions found the breakthrough in the 22nd minute.

Defender Lionel Tan initiated the move from deep within his own half, unleashing a pinpoint through ball that caught the Cambodian defence flat-footed. Shawal capitalised with blistering pace, sneaking the ball past goalkeeper Hul Kimhuy at the near post to put the visitors ahead.

Despite controlling spells of possession, the hosts struggled to test veteran Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud in the first 45 minutes, allowing the Lions to take a slender lead into the break.

Hami Syahin takes charge in the centre of the park against Cambodia. PHOTO: ASEAN UNITED FC

Cambodia Strike Back After the Interval

The second half saw a completely different Cambodian outfit emerge from the dressing room. Energised by a series of tactical changes and spurred on by a vocal crowd of 27,790 fans, the hosts began to exploit gaps in the Singapore midfield.

Just ten minutes after the restart, Cambodia punished the Lions for failing to clear their lines. Right-back Ouk Sovann was left completely unmarked on the right flank, capitalising on the space to rifle home a stunning long-range strike for his maiden international goal, leveling the score at 1-1.

The hosts continued to pile on the pressure and nearly turned the game completely around in the 66th minute. Substitute Sa Ty danced past the Singapore defence, only to be denied a certain goal by a crucial stop from Izwan.

Ilhan Fandi celebrates his acrobatic winner in Phnom Penh. PHOTO: FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE

Late VAR Drama and Ilhan’s Masterclass

As the match wore on, both sides traded opportunities. Singapore substitutes Farhan Zulkifli and Song Ui-young combined well down the stretch, while the Lions weathered several tense spells as momentum shifted towards the hosts.

Late drama unfolded in the 89th minute when Ilhan thought he had won it from a free-kick, only for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to chalk the goal off for an offside infringement following a lengthy review.

However, with virtually the final kick of the match deep into added time, the 23-year-old Lion City Sailors forward delivered a moment of individual brilliance. Latching onto a pass from Song, Ilhan expertly flicked the ball up before unleashing an unstoppable, acrobatic strike past the Cambodian defence to snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory.

Post-Match Reactions

Reflecting on the tense encounter, Singapore coach Gavin Lee admitted his side fell short of pre-match tactical expectations.

“We go into every game with certain agreements, but unfortunately, we didn’t stick to them today,” Lee noted. “There were many uncomfortable moments today and we allowed that to own us, so that’s a learning lesson.”

Nonetheless, the tactician praised the squad's mental fortitude during the chaotic final stages. “We are very fortunate to have players like Ilhan to pull off that goal. It was a show of our resilience. As long as there’s a second left on the clock, we keep going.”

Hero of the hour Ilhan added: “VAR checks are part of football... Coach Gavin told me to stop complaining and carry on playing, and that’s what I did. I just felt we were going to get that goal, and Alhamdulillah, we got it.”

Ilhan Fandi leads the celebrations of his winner deep into stoppage time. PHOTO: ASEAN UNITED FC

What’s Next for the Lions?

The win provides a crucial morale boost as Singapore faces a congested fixture schedule at the start of the tournament. The Lions return home to face Timor-Leste at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Monday (July 27), with upcoming group matches against regional heavyweights Indonesia and Vietnam on the horizon. #SgFootball #AFFASEANChampionship