On the day it was announced that he would be joining BG Pathum United, Ikhsan Fandi showcased what he will be bringing to the Thai League 1 champions as his 70th-minute equaliser salvaged a 1-1 draw for Singapore in their AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 semifinal first leg against Indonesia.
It initially looked as though the Lions would be surrendering the aggregate lead, after a brilliant passing move by Indonesia down the right saw Asnawi Mangkualam set up Witan Sulaeman for a tidy finish into the bottom corner.
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But with 20 minutes remaining, the tournament hosts would go on to salvage the draw -- and keep themselves firmly in the contest ahead of Saturday -- when Ikhsan latched onto a clever slide-rule ball by Faris Ramli to clinically slot past opposition goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata.
It was Ikhsan's third goal of the campaign but his first since netting twice on the opening match day in a 3-0 win over Myanmar, and his return to the scoresheet -- on a significant day for himself -- was especially pleasing for Singapore coach Tatsuma Yoshida.
"Ikhsan Fandi is our No. 9. His ability as a striker is important for the other players," said the Japanese tactician.
"When he scores, it motivates the rest of the team and it makes up play with our heads higher. His goal today was more than just a goal."
Singapore's equaliser was certainly just rewards for a stirring second-half revival, having been the less-enterprising of the two sides in the opening 45.
"I told the players at halftime that they must perform on the pitch. There was nowhere to hide and it was important they showed no hesitation, but play to their full potential but individual and as a team," added Yoshida.
"As the hosts, there is a lot of pressure but they overcame almost everything, so I now have expectations of my boys for the next match.
"This result was the best but not bad for us but it's still only the first half of the tie is done. With just two days in between games, we now have to recover fast and try to get the best result in the second leg."