Holding Vietnam to a draw, Singapore captain ready to 'take on' Indonesia

The goalless draw at My Dinh Stadium has boosted Singapore's chances in the race for the 2026 ASEAN Cup semifinals. Captain Hariss Harun is now targeting a win against Indonesia in the final match.

Singapore's captain confident after holding Vietnam, ready to 'fight' Indonesia

After three matches, Singapore temporarily leads Group A with 7 points. Previously, "The Lions" defeated Cambodia 2-1 and Timor-Leste 2-0, before holding the defending champions Vietnam to a draw in Hanoi. Meanwhile, Indonesia is second with 6 points but has only played two matches, while Vietnam has 4 points and is now in a chasing position.

Therefore, the clash between Singapore and Indonesia at Jalan Besar Stadium on August 7 will likely decide the group winner and the direct ticket to the semifinals.

The key contributor to Singapore's draw against Vietnam was captain Hariss Harun. The 35-year-old center-back, currently playing for Lions City Sailors, delivered an outstanding performance and was named man of the match.

Hariss Harun was a crucial anchor in Singapore's well-organized defense. With his vast experience, he and his teammates neutralized most of Vietnam's dangerous attacks, from Quang Hải's orchestrated plays, Hoàng Hên and Xuân Son's penetrations, to the chances created by naturalized newcomer Geovane in the second half.

Not only were they solid defensively, but Singapore also maintained discipline in their tactical approach, making it difficult for the hosts to create clear-cut chances.

Speaking after the match, Hariss Harun said the team had executed their plan perfectly. "We maintained pressure and caused many difficulties for the opponent, which is very positive. We came here with the aim of getting a favorable result. The whole team carried out the tactics with discipline and success," Hariss Harun said.

However, the Singapore captain also emphasized that one point against Vietnam does not guarantee qualification. According to him, the team needs to quickly recover physically and focus fully on the clash with Indonesia. "We haven't secured a spot in the semifinals yet. So the team will go back, recover, stay focused, and prepare for the match against Indonesia."

Hariss Harun's remarks show that Singapore has no intention of being satisfied with their current position. Though leading Group A, the island nation understands that just one unfavorable result against Indonesia could cost them their advantage, especially given the unpredictable nature of the group standings.

Compared to Indonesia, Singapore also has a certain advantage in the schedule. Coach Gavin Lee's team will have more rest days to recover, while Indonesia must face a tough match against Vietnam before traveling to Singapore.

Buoyed by the draw against the defending champions on their home turf and the home advantage in the final match, Singapore is aiming to defeat Indonesia to secure their own ticket to the 2026 ASEAN Cup semifinals, while also putting additional pressure on Vietnam in the race to advance.