THIS IS FOR ALL OF YOU AT HOME: ILHAN

Super-sub turns the game around to send Lions to a historic Asian Cup finals

- David Lee Senior Sports Correspondent

Substitute Ilhan Fandi after scoring Singapore's winner in the 2-1 victory over Hong Kong on Nov 18, as older brother Ikhsan joins the celebrations.

(PHOTO: FAS)

After all the years of underachievement, unrealistic dreams, heartbreaks and false dawns, the Lions celebrated their biggest accomplishment in Singapore history as they secured a maiden Asian Cup qualification with a comeback 2-1 away win over Hong Kong at the Kai Tak Stadium on Nov 18.

Substitute Ilhan Fandi, who turned the game around in four second-half minutes in his 28-minute cameo before hobbling off with an ankle injury, said: "Everyone who was involved gave their all. I'm just a player, I just try and do my job.

"Before I came in, I knew that I could change the game, and Alhamdulillah (Arabic for praise be to God), I did it. I'm so proud of the boys and to everyone back home, this one's for you.

"It's been a long journey, and I think it's something the whole country can be proud of. I'm just very proud to be Singaporean."

On the back of a remarkable perfect away record against Bangladesh, India and Hong Kong in five Group C games, the world No. 155 Lions have clinched top spot on 11 points with a game to spare.

They cannot be overtaken by the 148th-ranked Hong Kong, their nearest challengers with eight points but an inferior head-to-head record after this defeat and a 0-0 draw in Singapore in March.

The raucous atmosphere created by the scarf-waving home fans in the 47,762-strong crowd - with about 2,000 Singapore supporters - made for a nervy start with 41-year-old Hong Kong goalkeeper Wang Zhenpeng dropping a 10th-minute Song Ui-young free kick.

But, having grown into the game, the hosts took over proceedings and sent their fans into raptures by taking a 15th-minute lead after Singapore failed to clear their lines.