Two months after signing a short-term contract with Balestier Khalsa, Vietnamese goalkeeper Ho Tung Han made his official debut for the club in a Singapore Cup match against Pathum United (Thailand).
Facing a stronger opponent featuring several Southeast Asian stars, Tung Han was unable to keep a clean sheet. In the 14th minute, Thailand international Patrick Gustavsson beat him to open the scoring for Pathum United. In the 45th minute, Balestier Khalsa conceded a penalty. Tung Han made a brilliant save, diving to his right to block the shot. However, the ball rebounded in front of goal, and Suksum quickly followed up, slotting it into the net as Balestier’s defenders reacted too slowly.
Despite the setback, Tung Han played the full 90 minutes, as Balestier Khalsa ultimately fell 1-2 to Pathum United. After two matches in Group B, Balestier sits third with three points, while Pathum United, one of two invited teams, leads the group with seven points but has played one more match.
In Group A, DPMM FC from Brunei, the other invited team, is also leading the standings. According to the Singapore Cup regulations, the top two teams from each group will advance to the final.
After the match, Balestier Khalsa’s head coach Peter de Roo encouraged Tung Han following his club debut. Previously, the Vietnamese goalkeeper played in Singapore’s U21 league to maintain match fitness.
Balestier Khalsa has four goalkeepers: Mun, Chew, Ahmad, and Tung Han, requiring the coach to rotate his options throughout the season.
At 21 years old, Tung Han joined Balestier Khalsa on a four-month loan from Da Nang FC in search of playing opportunities and international experience. His primary goal is to earn a spot in Vietnam’s U22 squad for the 33rd SEA Games.
Recently, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) also reached out to Tung Han for information, signaling early preparations for Vietnam U22’s 2025 campaign.
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