With two more matches left to play, Singapore’s 2027 Asian Cup hopes are still very much alive.
For that, the Lions will need to have interim coach Gavin Lee to thank.
As the headmaster, he has been responsible for ensuring that the team remains in contention, despite one setback on 9 October at the National Stadium.
And in round four against India at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, when most thought that it was all aver when the Lions conceded with only 20 minutes on the clock, he orchestrated a response.
The victory over India was not a fluke.
It was straight out of the team meeting sessions and analysis, and work on the training ground.
And he used the cards he had on the deck to spring about the royal flush with the final result, which allowed the Lions to remain on par with Hong Kong but second in the table on goals scored compared to Hong Kong.
The Lions play Hong Kong next in the city state in November before finishing off the qualifiers with a home match against Bangladesh in March 2026.
For many, it is certain that the round five clash against Hong Kong will decide whether Singapore makes the cut.
A draw may also work but the Lions will then have to go for goals in the final clash against Bangladesh and hope India do whatever they can to restrict Hong Kong in their final match-up.
While there is still chatter about the identity of the next national coach, a name President Forrest Li is keen to have everyone talk about, it may well be worth a shot to allow Lee to finish off the final two matches and allow him the benefit of either helping Singapore qualify or taking responsibility if the opposite happens.
It is not known what will be Lee’s next move after his role as interim coach ends, or if the Football Association of Singapore finally decides on a candidate for the role.
What is needed is recognition what Lee has brought to the table, how the players have responded to his style and tactics, and what potential he holds in trying to bring Singapore to the Asian Cup.
With so much at stake, a wrong move at this stage of the competition will upset the apple cart in more ways than one.
Sometimes, the big name being sought, the one which sparks chatter in every coffee shop around Singapore, could well be a Lee and not a Garcia or a Sanchez.
MAIN PHOTO: TMSG