PUBLISHED ONAugust 14, 2026 11:30 PMBYShafiq ApandiThe numbers are unkind to Lions, but Singapore head coach Gavin Lee seems unfazed as they take on regional powerhouse Thailand in the first leg of the Asean Championship semi-finals at a sold-out Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday (Aug 15).
World No 148 Singapore have lost their last 10 meetings against the War Elephants.
Also, the world No. 94 and record seven-time champions are on an unbeaten run having won all four matches at this year's tournament without conceding a goal.
But Lee, whose side also remain unbeaten after four matches, remains optimistic.
"All these numbers... it just gives you the context. It just informs you, but it doesn't own us," said Lee at a pre-match press conference on Friday.
"If we allow the numbers to own us, then shame on us."
Lee's focus is firmly on what his players can control rather than the weight of history.
"We respect them as our opposition, but we respect ourselves even more for the growth that we have," he said.
The Lions finished runners-up in Group A after victories over Cambodia and Timor-Leste and draws against defending champions Vietnam and Indonesia.
Their 1-1 draw against Indonesia on Aug 7 sealed their semi-final berth, with Ilhan Fandi scoring the 66th-minute equaliser.
Lee said the team's belief and unity had grown, while Ilhan said the players are hungry to achieve more.
Thailand coach Anthony Hudson insisted there would be "absolutely no complacency" despite his side's formidable record against Singapore.
"We have a great deal of respect for Singapore. I think they've improved a lot over the past Asian Cup campaign, and I think the coach has done a great job," he said.
"They are a team that gives everything."
Hudson's first match in charge of Thailand was a 3-2 friendly victory over Singapore last November, the most recent meeting between the sides.
But the Englishman believes the Lions have evolved under Lee since then, pointing to their organisation and tactical approach.
"We played them in November, we got an understanding then that this is a this is a different Singapore team now," he said.
Ilhan will also come up against a familiar figure in the opposite dugout, having previously played under Hudson at BG Pathum United.
"When we were in BG, I got back the joy of playing football. He understands me very well," said the 23-year-old.
Their relationship has continued, with Hudson revealing he had been messaging Ilhan and sending him jokes throughout Singapore's group-stage campaign.
Ilhan said his former coach had been following both his performances and Singapore's progress.
"He's been very annoying on Instagram, always texting me, but in a good way because he's seen how far the Singapore team has come," he said.
Hudson described Ilhan as a talented player but said their friendship would temporarily be put aside.
"But for 90 minutes tomorrow, I don't think we're going to be friends. I'll be friends with him after the final whistle."
Another capacity crowd will greet the Lions on Saturday, with home tickets snapped up within hours of going on sale.
"Our main focus is to give the fans another new memory tomorrow night," he said.
The Lions will have to negotiate the first leg without suspended midfielder Song Ui-young.
Singapore travel to Bangkok's Rajamangala Stadium for the return leg on Tuesday.
The winner will advance to the two-legged final on Aug 22 and 26, where either defending champions Vietnam or Malaysia await.
@asiaone Speaking to the media on Friday (Aug 14), coach Gavin Lee and player Ilhan Fandi said the sold-out game against Thailand has motivated them even more, with the team looking to put on a performance that’s worthy of such support. #sgnews #Singapore #Sports #Football #AseanHyundaiCup ♬ original sound - AsiaOne
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