SINGAPORE: The dreams of the Singapore national football team in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup may have crumbled in the semi-finals against Vietnam, but head coach Tsutomu Ogura and captain Hariss Harun are determined to transform this heartache into motivation for future battles.

Following the gut-wrenching defeat, Ogura delivered an impassioned address to his players in the dressing room, emphasizing their resilience and fighting spirit. “Today’s feelings are painful; everyone is sad, and I feel the same. But let this emotion fuel your quest for revenge as you return to your clubs. This is part of our recovery,” he urged, calling for a united front moving forward.

Ogura's sentiments were reinforced by captain Hariss, who took to social media to share his pride in the team's spirit and growth throughout the tournament. “Ending the tournament this way is bittersweet, yet I am immensely proud of how well we fought,” he expressed to his followers, reminding everyone that each defeat is a lesson learned.

In a closely contested Group A, Singapore secured second place with seven points—five behind leaders Thailand—to progress to the semi-finals for the first time since 2021. They kicked off their 2024 campaign on a high note, clinching victories against Cambodia (2-1) and East Timor (3-0), although they faced a tough 4-2 defeat against Thailand. A critical goalless draw against Malaysia paved their way into the knockout stages.

Unfortunately, their semi-final outing against Vietnam saw their initial hopes dashed as a pair of late goals in the first leg at Jalan Besar Stadium left them at a disadvantage. Despite Singapore’s courageous effort in the second leg, where they aimed for an inspiring comeback, Vietnam proved too much, winning 3-1 on the night and dominating the aggregate scoreline at 5-1.

Celebrating their triumph, Vietnam went on to capture their third ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup title, defeating Thailand with a nail-biting 5-3 aggregate score across the two-legged final (2-1 and 3-2 victories).

However, refusing to be disheartened, Coach Ogura shifted the narrative towards growth and development. “We must improve,” he stated emphatically. “There’s a whole nation behind us supporting our football. Embrace the Singapore soul and believe in our game. Remember, a match lasts 90 minutes plus injury time. We fight until the final whistle!” he rallied, his emotional call stirring a fighting spirit within his players.

Amid speculation regarding his retirement, Hariss—who has been an iconic figure for the national team since debuting at age 16—is unwavering in his commitment. “I cherish every moment of this journey. Regardless of retirement talks, I am my toughest critic, and I will always strive to be at my best,” the 34-year-old assured fans.

As the Lions regroup and learn from this experience, they are poised to come back stronger and more determined. The end of this chapter might sting, but it is undeniably the beginning of a renewed quest in Singapore football's storied journey—stay tuned for what’s next!