In an unusual show of support, Chinese football fans have been pouring their love and money into a food stall run by Singapore’s national team goalkeeper, Hassan Sunny. This unexpected wave of support came after Sunny’s impressive performance in a World Cup qualifier match against Thailand.
What made Hassan Sunny a hero among Chinese fans?
Hassan Sunny, a 40-year-old goalkeeper, became an overnight sensation on Chinese social media following Singapore’s 3-1 loss to Thailand. Despite the loss, Sunny’s 11 saves during the match indirectly helped China advance to the third qualifying round for the World Cup in 2026. His performance was so impressive that it sparked an outpouring of gratitude from Chinese fans.
The fans’ support extended beyond social media praises. They started visiting Sunny’s food stall, Dapur Hassan, located in Tampines, Singapore. The stall, which sells Nasi Padang and other Malay dishes, saw a significant increase in customers, with Chinese nationals lining up as early as 7:30 AM. The stall sold out by 1:30 PM, with even the sambal running dry.
The fans didn’t stop at just patronizing the food stall. They also made online cash contributions as a token of appreciation. This act of generosity was facilitated by a QR code linked to the food stall.
The support from Chinese fans has been overwhelming for Sunny and his family. His wife, Aidah Rahim, who runs the daily operations of the food stall, expressed her surprise and gratitude. She mentioned that the first sign of something different came shortly after the match against Thailand when Sunny told her about the viral news.
IN PICTURES: Festivities, food galore and a full house at Dapur Hassan, a stall owned by Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny, after Chinese football fans thronged the Tampines spot in gratitude for his heroics against Thailand 🇸🇬🤝🇨🇳 https://t.co/9v9DidKY9I (Photos: CNA/Davina… pic.twitter.com/PBJjVK0UNd
— CNA (@ChannelNewsAsia) June 12, 2024
This incident shows how a remarkable performance on the field can transcend national boundaries and create a sense of shared joy and gratitude. For Sunny, the support from Chinese fans is not just a boost to his food business but also an affirmation of his skills as a goalkeeper.
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