SINGAPORE – The equation is straightforward: The winners of the penultimate Asian Cup qualifier between Hong Kong and Singapore at Kai Tak Stadium on Nov 18 will advance to the continental showpiece, while the losers have to wait years for another chance.

A draw means qualification will depend on the final Group C matches as Singapore host Bangladesh and Hong Kong visit India on March 31, 2026.

Encouragingly, the Lions’ attackers are in scoring mood, with Glenn Kweh exemplifying the positivity with an assist in the 2-1 Asian Cup qualifying victory in India before his first two goals in the 3-2 friendly loss in Thailand. Previously, he had just one assist in his first 25 caps since his international debut in 2022.

Peaking at the right time as Singapore enter the winners-take-all match, the 25-year-old told The Straits Times there is no secret other than hard work.

Kweh, who usually plays on the right flank for BG Tampines Rovers but has started on the left for the Lions, said: “I treat every day the same – I try to prepare to the best of my abilities regardless of what game it is. It just so happened that I started scoring.

“Playing on left and right is a little different – I’m a left footer, so if I play on the left, you can expect a lot more crosses than when I’m on the right, where I’m able to dribble down the line or cut in and shoot. It all boils down to the tactics for the day.

“But being able to score and assist in such big games definitely gives me more confidence.”

National interim coach Gavin Lee said of Kweh: “With more time at a certain level, they adapt to the level. What we see of Glenn now is a consequence of repetitions in that kind of environment. Knowing him, he wants more.”

At club level, Kweh has also flourished with eight goals and 17 assists in 45 games in the 2024-25 season for Tampines, following up with four goals in eight games so far this season, including his first Asian Football Confederation Champions League Two goal in the 1-1 draw at Pohang S...