The broadcaster announced yesterday that the Under-23s' crucial match, their first appearance in the last four since 1999, will be shown delayed on Channel 5 at 11.30pm.
The match in Korat is scheduled to kick off at 8.45pm, Singapore time.
Channel 5 programming director Michelle Chang explained that the live match would clash with News 5 Tonight at 9:30pm.
She said: 'We need to consult with the Media Development Authority because News 5 Tonight is affected.
'Hence, Channel 5 is awaiting approval from the authorities to delay News 5 Tonight until after the match.'
Until that happens, Toh Meng Kit will be one frustrated soccer fan.
'This show that the broadcasters are not interested in Singapore football,' he fumed. 'I feel sad and disgusted by the decision.
'If there is an important programme on Channel 5, why can't they move the football telecast to another channel like Central or Channel NewsAsia?'
For die-hard fan Sunny Lee, the announcement also came as a let-down.
'It's disappointing,' he said. 'This is the game we've been waiting for. The supporters have waited so long for Singapore to progress to the semi-finals.
'I don't like to watch a game having already known the result. It takes the thrill away. It's like watching second-hand football.'
However, Tan Yongshun was more accommodating.
'It's still better than nothing,' he said. 'We will miss out on the excitement but, to hardcore fans, it is still something to watch.'
The delayed telecast is also good news to advertising executive Huang Zixiang.
'I usually finish work late, so the delayed telecast is a blessing in disguise,' he said.
WANG MENG MENG