Let’s get one thing straight: a 0-0 draw against Hong Kong isn’t a disaster for Singapore.
Given that India and Bangladesh also played out a goalless draw, the Lions aren’t falling behind in Group C just yet.
This is the fourth time in five matches that Singapore have failed to find the net though, and that is troubling.
Yet, they did put the ball past Hong Kong’s Yapp Hung Fai twice, only for the referee to rule out both.
Lionel Tan thought he had given his side an early lead, only to be penalised for a foul on the goalkeeper.
Shawal Anuar’s well-taken effort in the 78th minute was also deemed marginally offside.
Fine margins, but in international football, those are the margins that make the difference between qualification and heartbreak.
After the frustrating stalemate at the National Stadium, coach Tsutomu Ogura tried to stay upbeat.
“Compared to our last game, we were much better, but we missed two points,” he told the Straits Times.
“We showed we have improved with our football before we reach the penalty box, but we must improve more inside the box and score.”
Captain Hariss Harun echoed his coach’s sentiment, calling it a “mixed feeling” result.
“It was a better performance but it’s not enough because only the top team go through to the Asian Cup, so every point counts. We didn’t convert our chances so it’s something we have to improve on,” he said.
The Lions certainly looked more competent than they did during their friendly match to Nepal.
They kept possession better, pressed with intensity, and created more chances.
But the Lions remained toothless where it matters most.
With Bangladesh up next in Dhaka on 10 June, they must find a way to score, or risk making another group-stage exit feel inevitable.
For now, the draw keeps Singapore in the race.
But unless they start putting the ball in the net, it won’t mean much in the end.
MAIN PHOTO: AFC