SINGAPORE -- As Singapore returned to the pitch, in front of their own fans, for the first time since last November's historic AFC Asian Cup qualification, Tuesday's game against Bangladesh at the National Stadium was always going to be a party.
Never mind that the Lions, even by coach Gavin Lee's admission, did not exactly play to the best of their abilities in a narrow 1-0 victory which ensured they finished the third and final round of the Asian Cup qualifiers with an impressive unbeaten record of four wins and a draw.
For the majority of the 30,105 gathered, although it must be acknowledged there was a sizeable 6,000 or so that had turned out for the visitors, they were simply there to rejoice in a feat that had never been achieved before -- with Singapore's sole previous Asian Cup appearance coming by virtue of being the hosts back in 1984.
Back as Singapore celebrated one landmark accomplishment, there was another milestone for one Lion in particular.
A first international goal for the fast-rising Harhys Stewart.
Following a save by Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma from Glenn Kweh's initial effort, Ikhsan Fandi's attempt to control a difficult rebound that had looped high into the air resulted in him inadvertently helping the ball onto Stewart.
While there was a touch of fortune in the way the ball reached him, his strike into the bottom corner was one of pure composure and conviction.
On his 15th cap, Stewart was now off the mark for his national team.
And although it will undoubtedly be a moment he will always remember, there was still a team-first mentality as Stewart agreed with Lee's sentiments that it had not been the best of displays overall.
"I think the most important thing obviously was the win," he told ESPN after the win. "It was really, really important to end the campaign on a high -- to try and build momentum leading into the Asian Cup.
"On a personal note, [it was] amazing to score my first Singapore senior goal in front of my family, and in front of that amazing atmosphere, so thank you to all the fans who turned out today.
"I think we're not satisfied with the performance.
"We really want to push on and build on this amazing qualifying campaign and hopefully put in a good showing for the next tournaments and leading up to the Asian Cup."
Stewart is a relatively fresh face in the squad, having only won his first senior cap for the Lions two years ago. But at the age of 25 -- and having grown from a gangly prospect into his now-powerful 1.85-metre frame -- he boasts enough experience to suggest he isn't a complete greenhorn either.
Having started his career, like most of his international colleagues, at Young Lions, Stewart has since gone on to ply his trade entirely abroad.
Most of it, as is the case with current club Uthai Thani, has been spent in Thai League 1, although he did earn a move to Europe at the start of this season when he signed for Kosovar top-flight outfit Ferizaj -- only for the stint to end abruptly after two months through mutual termination following a combination of issues on and off the field.
While he originally was viewed more of a defensive-minded player, even in his natural position of central midfield, Stewart's first international goal came while deployed in a more advanced role he seems to be thriving in while on Singapore duty.
Since he won his first cap coming on as a halftime substitute in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against China, Stewart has virtually started every game when he has been available.
In the six third-round qualifiers that the Lions played en route to Asian Cup qualification, he played 529 minutes of a possible 540 -- in a variety of roles from anchorman to No. 10.
Durable and versatile, Stewart is fast growing into a reliable contributor at the highest level.
"I think I'm never satisfied," he responded on the topic of how settled he now feels as a national team regular. "I'm always on my toes.
"I know there's a lot of players that want to start. Everyone in the team wants to start.
"I always just try to give my best in training to help the team, and also perform at my best level.
"And I'm just really happy I can help the team tonight, and in all the previous games."
Perhaps what made Tuesday's goal even more special was the fact that he opened his Singapore account before his brother Ryhan Stewart, a year older and with 16 more caps to his name -- albeit with the latter usually deployed in defence with lesser scoring opportunities.
"Of course, of course," the younger Stewart -- with a cheeky grin -- replied, when asked if there was going to be some friendly banter directed at his older sibling.
"I think there's obviously going to be some friendly rivalry there.
"Hopefully he can also get off the mark soon and we can both help the team win."