Singapore secure 4-0 victory over Mongolia in friendly football match

Singapore marked a memorable night at Jalan Besar Stadium on May 31 with a dominant 4-0 victory over Mongolia in an international friendly, giving captain Hariss Harun a fitting celebration on the occasion of his record-breaking 148th cap. The win moved Hariss past Daniel Bennett to become Singapore’s most-capped footballer, and the 35-year-old received a standing ovation from the 4,234 fans in attendance when he was substituted in the 76th minute.

The Lions controlled the match against a Mongolia side ranked 187th in the world and returning to international action after nearly two years without a game. Mongolia coach Marco Ragini, who took charge on May 14, said he was frustrated less by the result than by the way his team conceded goals, pointing to limited preparation time and late withdrawals before the trip to Singapore.

Singapore coach Gavin Lee, meanwhile, praised his players for maintaining their intensity throughout the full 90 minutes. Lee also highlighted the performance of Hougang United winger Farhan Zulkifli, who started on the left flank and made a strong impression with his pace, movement and creativity. Lee said he was particularly pleased that the team did not let up after halftime and finished the match with discipline and consistency.

Singapore created the first chance in the second minute when Song Ui-young set up Hami Syahin, whose shot sailed high. Mongolia then survived another scare in the 20th minute after goalkeeper Saikhanchuluun Amarbayasgalan spilled Shah Shahiran’s effort, but the defence cleared the danger.

The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Song was fouled inside the box by Mongolia captain Tsend-Ayush Khurelbaatar. Safuwan Baharudin stepped up and coolly converted the penalty into the top right corner to put Singapore ahead. The Lions thought they had doubled their lead in the 36th minute, but Shawal Anuar’s effort was ruled offside.

Two minutes later, however, Singapore did make it 2-0. Farhan delivered a precise pass to Song, who finished sharply at the near post. The Lions kept pressing after the break, and substitute Kyoga Nakamura helped create the third goal in the 58th minute with a free kick that found Shawal, who rose highest to head home.

Singapore continued to dominate and added a fourth in the 88th minute when Ikhsan Fandi came off the bench to nod in Irfan Najeeb’s cross. The goal completed a convincing display from the world No. 147 side and capped a special evening for Hariss, whose milestone appearance was matched by a strong team performance.

The Lions now turn their attention to a tougher test, with world No. 94 China scheduled to visit Jalan Besar Stadium on June 5.