SINGAPORE – At halftime, with the Lions trailing 0-2 against China, coach Tsutomu Ogura searched for a game-changing move. In a surprising twist, Ogura turned to newcomer Harhys Stewart, who, despite his youth at 22, delivered a standout performance on his Lions debut on March 21.
Harhys’ energetic display in midfield, supported by his brother Ryhan’s efforts, helped Singapore rally to a 2-2 draw against China, securing their first point in three Group C matches.
With the rematch in Tianjin looming on March 26, Ogura pins his hopes on the Stewart brothers to replicate their impact, especially with the absence of key players like Safuwan Baharudin and Lionel Tan due to suspension, and M. Anumanthan sidelined with injury.
Reflecting on Harhys’ debut, Ogura emphasized his confidence in the young player’s ability to contribute positively to the team. Harhys, formerly with the Young Lions and currently on loan at Chiangrai United, expressed his focus on aiding the team without getting caught up in the excitement of his debut, highlighting the significance of playing alongside his brother.
Ryhan, also playing in Thailand, shared his pride in witnessing his brother’s achievement, emphasizing the hard work Harhys has invested in his journey to this point.
As the Lions prepare for the rematch, Ogura stressed the need for fearlessness and stability, urging his players to bridge the gap with the opponent’s strikers. Meanwhile, China’s coach Branko Ivankovic is determined to secure victory, aiming to capitalize on Singapore’s need for adjustments.
For the Stewart brothers, a strong performance in Tianjin could open doors to opportunities in European leagues or prestigious Asian competitions like the K.League or J.League, marking the next step in their careers.
A venerable sports journalist boasting two decades of expertise. Renowned as a reliable authority in sports reporting, Khan’s meticulous approach shines through as he delves into the intricacies of NFL plays, dissects NHL strategies, unravels the finesse of soccer, and deciphers the tactics of basketball. With an unwavering commitment to storytelling, Khan invites you to join him in exploring the dynamic world of athletics, where his nuanced understanding of athletes, strategies, and narratives unfolds across the NFL, NHL, Football, Soccer, Basketball, and beyond.
