Ilhan carries on his father's legacy, determined to steer Singapore into the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinals.

Forward Ilhan Fandi is emerging as a key figure for Singapore in the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup, having netted crucial goals that have edged the "Lions" toward the knockout stage.

Ilhan Fandi has never had to search far for a sports role model.

Raised in Singapore's most famous football family, his inspiration came not from a poster or TV screen but from inside his own home: his father, Fandi Ahmad, one of the most feared strikers in Singapore and the region during the 1980s and 1990s.

Now, at 23, Ilhan is following his father's path, scoring important and often spectacular goals to help Singapore move closer to the knockout phase of the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup™.

Singapore will host Indonesia in a pivotal Group A match at Jalan Besar Stadium on Friday, needing only a draw to secure a semifinal berth.

"I know how much this tournament means to the people of Singapore and the national team, because we have done very well in past editions," Ilhan said, referencing the team's four titles, second only to Thailand's seven.

With his brothers Ikhsan, Iryan, and Irfan also professional footballers—Irfan is a national team member—Ilhan said his father never pressured his children to pursue football.

Instead, Fandi taught his children, including a daughter, four key qualities.

"Honestly, at home my father doesn't talk much about football because he just wants us to enjoy the sport," Ilhan shared.

"But we always have a great example in our father and try to take in every piece of advice he gives. It's been a truly wonderful journey growing up in that environment, with never any pressure.

My father always lives by four important values: discipline, dedication, determination, and sacrifice. My brothers, my sister, and I carry those values with us every day.

These are not only important in football but also in life. Those principles have shaped me into the person and player I am today. They teach me never to give up and always to strive to make my family proud."

In fact, Ilhan and the Singapore team have given fans fresh optimism after a successful AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign, where for the first time in history the team earned a spot in the tournament through the qualifiers.

Coming off the bench in the match against Hong Kong (China) last November, Ilhan set up Shawal Anuar for the equalizer before scoring the decisive winner himself in the final minutes.

His reputation for clutch moments continued at the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup, where he became the hero in the opening win over Cambodia with a stunning bicycle kick that secured the winner late in the match.

In the next match, he opened the scoring with a well-timed finish, helping Singapore beat a resilient Timor-Leste 2-0 at home.

"I tried to lose my marker. When the ball came, I knew I couldn't shoot on the first touch, so I flicked it up and acted on instinct," he said of his goal against Cambodia.

"I think it was a great goal. Of course, I couldn't have done it without my teammates," said Ilhan, who recently signed with Singapore champions Lion City Sailors FC.

Ilhan's brilliant performances naturally draw comparisons to his father's legendary career.

Fandi, the all-time leading scorer for Singapore with 55 international goals, was one of Southeast Asia's pioneers to play abroad for career growth, wearing the jersey of Dutch club Groningen. His biggest mark in Europe came with a goal in Groningen's famous 2-0 win over Inter Milan in the 1983 UEFA Cup.

"I think everyone has seen his goal against Inter Milan. It was a fantastic goal, and what he has done for Singapore football, for our family, and for everyone is truly extraordinary," Ilhan said.

"He is a great role model to follow. He is a legend of Singapore and one of the most beloved football figures in the country."

Despite the high stakes of the match against Indonesia, Ilhan stays calm thanks to his love for football, which is what drew him to the sport in the first place—simply enjoying every time he puts on his boots.

"For me, I just want to go out, enjoy myself, and enjoy playing in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup. The most important thing is to always remember why I started playing football in the first place—because I love the sport," he said.

"I also want to make my family proud. Football brings me so much joy and is also where I've made my closest friends. I want to help the team go as far as possible and contribute in any way I can."