The Singapore Lions produced a gritty, disciplined performance to hold reigning champions Vietnam to a goalless draw at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on 31 July 2026. The result in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 keeps Gavin Lee’s side at the summit of Group A — unbeaten after three matches and firmly on course for the knockout stages.
Singapore Lions ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026: Resolute in Hanoi
Vietnam, who had demolished Timor-Leste 7-0 in their tournament opener, arrived at this encounter as clear favourites. Kim Sang-sik’s side were rampant from the first whistle, with Nguyen Dinh Bac fashioning the first genuine opportunity in the third minute, shooting wide from a tight angle. The hosts set up wave after wave of attack in the opening quarter — Truong Tien Anh threatening in the 18th minute before goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud produced a brilliant reflex save from a deflected 20-yard strike.
Vietnam hit the crossbar twice before the break. Hoang Duc’s long-range effort crashed against the bar in the 35th minute, a moment that crystallised Vietnam’s dominance without reward. Nguyen Tai Loc found the woodwork again shortly before half-time. At the interval, against all expectation, it remained goalless — and the Lions dressing room could allow itself to believe.
Izwan Mahbud and Hariss Harun: Singapore’s Twin Pillars
The story of the evening was undeniably goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud. The Singapore number one produced a display of outstanding composure and reflexes, denying Vietnam on multiple occasions and commanding his penalty area with authority. His performance earned widespread praise and sealed his status as one of the standout players of the group stage.
Marshalling the back line with customary calm was captain Hariss Harun, whose reading of the game and organisational leadership were central to keeping a disciplined shape under sustained pressure. It was no surprise when he was named Hyundai Player of the Match at the final whistle.
Singapore were not entirely without threat going forward. Song Ui-young came agonisingly close to scoring against the run of play, his strike flashing narrowly wide. With 15 minutes remaining, the Lions conjured their clearest chance of the evening: Kyoga Nakamura’s delivery from a free kick found Jacob Mahler, whose shot was well parried by Patrik Le Giang — but Ilhan Fandi’s follow-up could not find the net, the ball skimming over the bar in the dying moments.
Group A Standings: Singapore Top, Indonesia Loom
The Lions’ campaign in this tournament has been an impressive progression through the group stage, having beaten Cambodia 2-1 in Phnom Penh on 24 July before dispatching Timor-Leste 2-0 at Jalan Besar Stadium. The goalless draw against Vietnam — the defending champions — leaves Singapore on seven points: one ahead of Indonesia, who beat Timor-Leste 3-0 on the same evening, and three clear of Vietnam with two group matches still to play.
The Lions’ defining group stage fixture arrives on 7 August at Jalan Besar Stadium — a home encounter with Indonesia. As was anticipated before this tournament, the clash with Indonesia represents the clearest measure of Singapore’s ability to progress deep into the knockout rounds. John Herdman’s side have been in scintillating form and will arrive in Singapore with a point to prove.
For Gavin Lee’s men, a win or draw would almost certainly confirm their passage to the knockout stages. Singapore’s campaign — built on defensive grit, Izwan’s heroics between the posts, and Hariss Harun’s leadership at the back — has captured the imagination of football fans back home. This Lions pride will not lie down quietly.
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