Asian Cup qualification secured, but Gavin Lee's Lions aim to give Singapore more to celebrate

SINGAPORE: It has been four months since the Lions made history in Hong Kong, but as they close out their Asian Cup qualification campaign later this month against Bangladesh, Gavin Lee's men hope to give Singaporeans more reasons to cheer.

"In Hong Kong, we played in front of a stadium of red. Hopefully we do the same on the 31st, but this time, in our stadium of red," Lee told CNA at the Lions' media day on Wednesday (Mar 18). 

"That night was so special, and we just hope that we get to experience it on our home ground with everyone."

At Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium in November,the Lions qualified for the Asian Cup on merit for the first time by defeating Hong Kong. 

Singapore overturned a one-goal deficit in the first half with two goals in quick succession after the break – securing a 2-1 victory that sent the team to Saudi Arabia in 2027 for the continental football showpiece.

The Lions play Bangladesh at the National Stadium on Mar 31.

Lee, who was appointed interim head coach after Tsutumo Ogura's departure last June, was subsequently named as permanent head coach in late November.

"The duties and the task are the same, the only difference is the job title. But nothing else has changed," he said.

"Collectively, we are still very laser focused of our intentions and the things we want to help the players to achieve and help people to enjoy when they watch the national team."

To celebrate the Lions' qualification, the Football Association of Singapore has plans to pull out all stops and woo more fans to the stands on Mar 31.

This includes pre-match fan zones around the National Stadium, pre-match and half-time performances, and a pyrotechnic display after the 90 minutes of play.

"I know that (the team) will go out there and