"Football is cruel," said coach Gavin Lee after Singapore's Asean Cup journey came to an end.

Singapore coach Gavin Lee believed his team would force the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 semi-final against Thailand into extra time, as the "Lions" became the first side to net twice against Anthony Hudson's team, but in the end they were just a little short of progressing and had to bow out.

Lee's team lost 3-4 on aggregate over two legs, despite winning 2-1 against Thailand in Bangkok on the evening of August 18, securing their first victory over the "War Elephants" since a 3-1 win in the first leg of the 2012 ASEAN Championship final.

"Before the tournament, we said we wanted our performance to decide our destination," Lee said. "Honestly, I thought at least we would take the match into extra time. But, you know, football is cruel. I think after the two legs, maybe we were just a little short."

"I think tonight was great to see the spirit of the whole team, and there are many positives we can take from this tournament, and we will continue to build on that."

"I think we played really well, but it wasn't enough, and to be fair, Thailand played very well in both legs. I think next time we can do better."

"I think we really showed our spirit. Playing away in Thailand after being two goals down is very difficult, and I am extremely proud of everyone in the team. We gave 100% and were just a little short," coach Gavin Lee said in the post-match press conference.

Singapore had to play aggressively after losing 3-1 in the first leg, and Harhys Stewart gave the team hope by putting Singapore ahead in the return leg in the 45th minute.

But a penalty from Kakana Khamyok leveled the score, and although an own goal by Pansa Hemviboon restored Singapore's advantage with 25 minutes remaining, Thailand held firm to secure their place in their 12th final.

Despite the defeat, reaching the semi-finals was another positive sign for Singapore, a team that has been in impressive form since officially qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia next year.

"With every match and every training camp, we are just continuing to build evidence for the players to believe that we can play football, we can compete, and the question is whether we can do it even better against stronger opponents, and that's how we grow," Lee said.

"I think in this tournament, you saw that against Vietnam, Indonesia, and in both legs against Thailand, we played very well."

"Clearly, they are a strong team and they punished us in small details, but again, this is evidence for the players to take with them and continue to build on in the next training camp."