Singapore went down 2-1 to Hong Kong in a FIFA international friendly at the Mong Kok Stadium on Friday night despite a second-half comeback that saw the Lions dominate possession.
The two teams played out a goalless draw back in September at the Hougang Stadium in Singapore but this match was in total contrast compared to that game, with both teams intent on scoring from the get go.
Hong Kong drew first blood in the seventh minute when forward Xu Deshuai pounced on a defensive error by the visitors to put the ball past Izwan Mahbud in goal.
Stange's men did not let their heads drop and swiftly regained their composure and it almost paid off in the 11th minute when some good work by Shahdan Sulaiman and Sahil Suhaimi, put Shahfiq Ghani through only for the LionsXII striker to blast the ball over the bar.
Both teams continued trading blows but the Lions had Izwan in goal to thank when the stopper leaped through the air to keep out Andy Nagalein's 37th minute effort to give his side a fighting chance.
Wily tactician Stange made an attacking switch by bringing on Home United FC forward Fazrul Nawaz in place of right-back Al-Qaasimy Rahman in the second-half but as luck would have it, Hong Kong netted a second goal in the 52nd minute, with Xu turning provider for midfielder Yu Ying Zhi.
The 4,000 home fans almost saw their side make it three with 61 minutes on the clock before Singapore began to surge forward and substitute Khairul Amri had a perfect opportunity to pull one back in the 72nd minute but he glanced Fazrul's cross over the bar.
Despite their attacking mindset, it was not until the 93rd minute when Safuwan Baharudin was brought down in the box, with Shahril Ishak, stepping up to bag a consolation goal did the Lions manage to break down a stubborn Hong Kong defence.
It all proved a little too late and the home team sealed their third win on home soil against Singapore in the past three years.
Lions' coach Stange was positive despite the loss and was pleased with his side's ability to play the fluid passing game he has inculcated since taking charge in 2013.
The former Belarus coach said: "There are always two things to consider - the result and the performance. I think what we delivered today wasn't so bad because we dominated most of the game and played exciting football.
"But we allowed Hong Kong a big advantage through two crucial moments, and made it difficult for us to come back. But what we delivered later wasn't so bad, and that was why I am not so disappointed to."
"Hong Kong was strong, was good for counter attacks.. It was a good game for the fans. It was up and down, it was tough, there were battles and challenges and we are in a good way."
The Lions will continue to train in Hong Kong before departing for Macau on Oct. 14 to play against Macau on the same night as the reigning AFF Suzuki Cup champions continue their preparations for their title defence in November on home soil.
Singapore's Suzuki Cup Group B rivals Thailand suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of China in Wuhan with three second-half goals sending the Thais home empty handed.