Birthday boy Hariss delays retirement for Asian Cup

As he walked out to the Changi Airport Terminal 2 arrival hall on Nov 19, Lions skipper Hariss Harun made a beeline for his son and daughter, before he was serenaded with a birthday song by around 300 fans who were there to welcome the team back from Hong Kong.

- David Lee

He was wearing a big grin as he celebrated his 35th birthday, but it could have easily been a dismal occasion had the Lions not come from behind to beat hosts Hong Kong 2-1 in front of 47,762 fans at the Kai Tak Stadium the night before to secure a historic Asian Cup berth.

Hariss admitted: “I was thinking a lot, and this kind of game really plays with your mind.

“We went to Hong Kong three days before the game, and it felt like three months, and I just couldn’t wait to play the game.

“I was thinking what if we didn’t get through, and then the next day is the birthday.

“But all this is behind me now, and I’m just so happy. This is the best birthday present.”