Why does Asian Cup spot matter for S'pore?

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- David Lee Senior Sports Correspondent

For all of Singapore football's failures, which have seen a 13-year trophy drought at senior level, the 158th-ranked Lions are now just a win away from one of their biggest achievements after beating world No. 134 India away on Oct 14.

The task is daunting. Taking on 146th-ranked Hong Kong at Kai Tak Sports Park on Nov 18, only the winners will progress to the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. Draw, and it goes to their final Group C qualifier on March 31, when Singapore host Bangladesh and Hong Kong travel to India, with the Lions needing to better Hong Kong’s result.

After several near-misses for the 1996, 2011 and 2023 editions - the Lions competed in the 1984 edition as hosts - why is it so important for Singapore football to secure a historic Asian Cup berth?

BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING

In the 1980s, Japan were still losing to the likes of Malaysia and Thailand and had not played at the World Cup or Asian Cup. But after qualifying for their first Asian Cup in 1988, they have improved by leaps and bounds, winning the continental showpiece a record four times.

Similarly, after their first World Cup in 1998, the Samurai Blue have made the last 16 four times. They have appeared at every World Cup and Asian Cup since, and in recent years, they have proven to be an international force with wins over former world champions Spain, Germany and Brazil.

Despite being Asean champions four times, Singapore have never qualified for a major tournament. Qualifying for the Asian Cup will inject belief into the players and fraternity that it is possible to earn a spot among the continent’s best teams, just like how their first regional trophy at the 1998 Tiger Cup led to three more Asean titles.