Lions warranted a homecoming celebration for the Asian Cup, despite the fireworks occurring only after the match concluded.

SINGAPORE — Prior to Tuesday, it had been over four complete months since Singapore last took to the field.

Coincidentally, their most recent match occurred on that significant night in Kowloon last November, when the Lions achieved a now-renowned victory over Hong Kong, securing AFC Asian Cup qualification on merit for the first time, having only previously participated as hosts in 1986.

Following that accomplishment, Singapore returned to a hero’s welcome at Changi Airport, but it was only on Tuesday that they made their long-awaited on-pitch homecoming at the National Stadium.

There remained the task of a match to play, even though it was a dead rubber since it had already been confirmed that Singapore would be the sole team advancing from Group C.

They ultimately concluded their campaign on a high note, securing a 1-0 victory over Bangladesh, finishing the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers with an impressive unbeaten record of four wins and two draws.

However, in all honesty, and as acknowledged by Lions coach Gavin Lee, it was not a performance that provided the 30,105 fans much to celebrate.

“I think, first and foremost, we achieved a good result but not a good performance,” Lee stated in his post-match press conference. “I believe all the players are aware of that.”

“Even though we maintained a clean sheet and ended the campaign unbeaten, we are certainly not content with the performance.”

Nonetheless, the evening was never solely about a victory or defeat against Bangladesh, particularly for the Singapore supporters.

They had experienced the ups and downs that Singaporean football often presents. Tuesday, regardless of the outcome, was their well-deserved chance to celebrate after remaining loyal to the team through various challenges.

Moreover, it was perhaps expected, given the significance of the achievement, that the Football Association of Singapore made extensive efforts to enhance the celebratory atmosphere.

The players began their warmup earlier than usual to accommodate a full schedule of pre-match events.

Throughout the evening, there were fireworks and laser displays.

A dramatic video montage showcasing the best moments from Singapore’s previous five qualifiers was followed by a short film commissioned by FAS, depicting Lee in his youth at the onset of his footballing aspirations, before transitioning to a reenactment of him as an adult delivering an inspiring pep talk in the bowels of Kai Tak Sports Park that motivated the victory over Hong Kong.

Building on the nationalistic spirit that characterized the night, a hush fell over Kallang as local singer Shazza performed “Home” — the theme song for Singapore’s National Day in 1998 that has since become a beloved anthem associated with the nation.

There was a halftime performance by another local artist, Iman Fandi, who is part of footballing royalty as the only daughter of the Lions’ favorite son, Fandi Ahmad. Three of her brothers — Irfan, Ikhsan, and Ilhan — all played against Bangladesh.

It almost felt less like a football match and more like a spectacle, but perhaps that was indeed the case. Clearly, it is not every day that Singapore qualifies for the Asian Cup.

Nevertheless, there was at least one moment of excitement on the night purely sparked by the football.

A brilliant defensive play by Irfan saw him intercept the ball and surge forward before delivering a visionary pass to Glenn Kweh, who then raced down the wing and into the box before unleashing a low shot.

The attempt was blocked by opposition goalkeeper Mitul Marma, but as the ball looped into the air, Ikhsan’s attempt to control the rebound inadvertently set it up for Harhys Stewart, who made no mistake in finding the bottom corner for the only goal of the match, marking his first for the Lions.

This moment served as a rare reminder of what Singapore can look like when they are at their best. To Lee’s credit, he did not shy away from acknowledging that they did not display much of that against Bangladesh.

However, perhaps that time will eventually arrive. The ASEAN Championship is on the horizon, followed by the Asian Cup next January.

The Lions will need to elevate their performance in those tournaments, and Lee will concentrate on that starting Wednesday.

On Tuesday, it was Singapore’s long-awaited homecoming as an Asian Cup team. They, along with the fans, deserved a grand celebration — and they received it.

Even if the fireworks only occurred after the final whistle.