Singapore, ranked 147th in FIFA rankings, suffered a 2-1 defeat against 94th-ranked China at Jalan Besar Stadium on June 5, 2026, in a warm-up match ahead of the Asian Cup [1, 2, 3, 4]. China's Serginho opened the scoring at 16 minutes, followed by a penalty from Zhang Yuning at the 41st minute after Singapore captain Hariss Harun was penalized for a handball [1, 2, 3, 4].
China’s captain Wei Shihao came close to scoring early, hitting the post with a header in the 14th minute [1, 2, 3, 4]. Singapore showed moments of promise, particularly from midfielder Song Ui-young in the first half, but overall struggled with pace and creativity to penetrate China’s defense [1, 2, 3, 4].
Goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud made an impressive long goal kick that nearly led to a scoring chance in the 32nd minute, and forward Ryhan Stewart created chances in the second half, forcing saves from China’s goalkeeper Li Hao at 58 minutes [1, 3, 4]. However, Singapore could only manage a consolation goal in the 76th minute when substitute Ilhan Fandi, making his 24th international appearance, scored his sixth goal for the national team [1, 3, 4].
Shah Shahiran left the field injured in the 75th minute and was replaced by Ilhan Fandi [1, 3, 4]. Singapore’s coach Gavin Lee said, “We never gave in, we never gave up, and in many phases we found good solutions. But the result shows that at this level, the smallest details can punish you. These are the lessons we take away with us, and we are definitely not satisfied because we didn’t get the outcome we wanted” [2].
This loss marks Singapore’s second defeat in their last 10 matches, both losses coming against teams ranked in the FIFA top 100 [1, 3, 4]. Earlier, Singapore qualified for the Asian Cup by beating Hong Kong 2-1 on November 18, 2025, and secured wins against Bangladesh and Mongolia in qualifying matches earlier this year [1, 3, 4]. Fan support for the Lions is growing, with a sell-out crowd at the match and community events such as the Boon Lay Festival helping build enthusiasm [2].
Singapore will continue their preparations with a training tour in Japan in July 2026 before competing in the ASEAN Football Championship scheduled from July 24 to August 26, 2026 [1, 3, 4].
