Month: March 2025
The Lion City Sailors made history once again as they overcame Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the quarter-finals of the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two, holding the three-time J1 League champions to a 1-1 draw at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday (12 March) to secure a 4-1 aggregate win and book their place in the semi-finals.
Having been awarded a 3-0 win in the first leg courtesy of an AFC ruling — after Sanfrecce were deemed to have fielded an ineligible player — the Sailors took full advantage of the unexpected opportunity in front of a 4,193-strong home crowd.
An early goal from Lennart Thy was cancelled out by a Yotaro Nakajima free-kick in the first half, but the Sailors held firm to become the first Singaporean club to reach the semi-finals of an Asian club competition since 2004, when both Home United — the previous iteration of the Sailors — and Geylang United, now known as Geylang International, achieved the feat.
Given the circumstances that played a crucial role in their progression, it was a bittersweet triumph for Sailors’ head coach Aleksandar Ranković. Speaking at his post-match press conference, he said: “It’s a mixed feeling, but if you look at this game specifically, I am very proud of my boys and the way we played — especially against such a strong opponent — given how we were quite unlucky with some of the chances we had.
“We didn’t want to win the first game the way we did, but nevertheless, those are the rules, and we had no say in that. On one hand, I feel sorry for their coach, but on the other, I’m proud of our historic achievement.”
The Sailors’ victory, however, was slightly marred by the sight of key man Maxime Lestienne being stretchered off the pitch in the early stages of the game with an elbow injury.
The severity of Maxime’s injury drew concerned looks from both the crowd and the Sailors’ bench, but Ranko remained confident in his squad’s depth. He said: “I saw that he hurt his elbow, but we don’t have any details yet—we’ll only know more after the hospital checks. That said, we have a strong group of players who are always ready to step up, so I’m confident we can cope with his absence.”
Despite the loss of Maxime, the Sailors created the first opportunity of the game in the 16th minute when Lennart’s header sailed just over the Sanfrecce crossbar.
Just four minutes later, the Sailors found the breakthrough when Maxime’s replacement, Shawal Anuar, delicately controlled a loose ball before threading it into the path of an onrushing Lennart, who emphatically fired into the bottom corner for his second goal of the campaign, putting the Sailors 4-0 up on aggregate.
It took Sanfrecce 27 minutes to register their first effort on goal, but Izwan was equal to Shuto Nakano’s shot at the near post. However, the Sailors’ shot-stopper was left helpless in the 33rd minute when Yotaro Nakajima’s acute free-kick left him rooted to the spot and handed Sanfrecce a lifeline in the tie.
With the Sailors still in the driving seat at half-time, Sanfrecce pushed forward in search of the goals they desperately needed. However, their uphill task became even steeper in the 50th minute when striker Ryo Germain — who scored a brace in the first leg — was sent off for seemingly elbowing Bailey Wright.
Sanfrecce immediately responded by turning to their bench as they made a flurry of changes in an attempt to regain a foothold in the tie. However, they were met with a resolute Sailors’ defence that stood firm against wave after wave of attacks. Even on the rare occasions when Sanfrecce managed to break through, they struggled to create clear-cut chances to truly test Izwan.
The full-time whistle sparked a mix of jubilation and relief for the Sailors, capping off a game plan executed to perfection by the home side — who have repeatedly proven they can compete with some of the strongest teams on the continent.
“I think my boys executed the game plan brilliantly today,” said a delighted Ranko. “Although we were a little lucky with the red card, we still defended really well. I wasn’t too worried about their crossing ability because I knew (defending) that was one of our strengths.
“Beyond that, I had to consider several other factors, especially with many of my players fasting — particularly Shawal, who came on early and was exhausted towards the end. I had to carefully time their introductions, ensuring we managed every little detail — and it worked for us.”
The Sailors will learn their semi-final opponents on Thursday (13 March) when Sydney FC host Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the second leg of the remaining quarter-final tie. Meanwhile, they will return to action on Sunday (16 March) when they take on Balestier Khalsa in the Singapore Cup.
The Lion City Sailors have destiny in their hands as they host J1 League powerhouse Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the second leg of their Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two Quarter-Final tie at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday (12 March) night.
An unexpected turn of events
Despite suffering a 6-1 defeat at the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima a week ago, a ruling by the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee deemed that Sanfrecce had fielded an ineligible player, and so awarded the Sailors a 3-0 victory.
The verdict has turned the tie on its head, putting the pre-tournament favourites in danger of an unexpected early exit. However, the mood in the Sanfrecce camp remains defiant as they arrive in Singapore determined to overturn the deficit and keep their continental campaign alive.
“It will be a very interesting match tomorrow evening. We are here to play football, we are ready, and we are confident in our chances of going through,” said Sanfrecce head coach Michael Skibbe at the pre-match press conference.
“The conditions are not ideal because it is an artificial pitch, but on the other hand, it is a nice, compact space, and we have to stay focused on the match. We are aware of the result from the first leg, so we must produce the best football we are capable of.
“We are always motivated. Our focus is entirely on tomorrow evening, and we want to give our best on the pitch.”
With no league matches scheduled between the two legs, Sanfrecce travelled to Singapore as early as the weekend to acclimatise to the humid tropical conditions of the Lion City. Determined to stage a fightback, they remain focused on keeping their hopes alive of lifting the inaugural ACL Two trophy.
“We know what we have to do…it’s a finely-balanced game. We will play offensively — that’s our usual style — and we need to score tomorrow, so that will be our focus,” said Sanfrecce captain Sho Sasaki, who has been with the club since 2015.
An opportunity for the Sailors
While the Sailors will head into the game with an unexpected three-goal lead, Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković was quick to emphasise that this was not how he would have preferred to gain the advantage.
“We found out about the AFC decision two days after the first leg, and honestly, we were surprised,” Ranko revealed. “I’ve never encountered such a situation before. If we’re talking purely from a sporting perspective — is it fair? No. Let me be clear, I wouldn’t be happy about it.
“That said, I also want to make it clear that, as a club, we did nothing wrong. But these are the rules, and I feel sorry about the situation, because we don’t want to win like this.”
When asked if the Sailors would adopt a defensive approach, Ranko insisted that his side will stick to their usual game plan as they remain fully aware of the threat Sanfrecce pose and will not be taking anything for granted on Wednesday.
“We have an advantage that we didn’t expect to have, so that has slightly changed the way we’ll approach this game,” Ranko explained. “Yes, defence is going to be very important tomorrow — we’re playing one of the best teams in Asia and definitely the strongest opponent we’ve faced since I joined the club. In the first game, we conceded some goals too easily, and they could have been prevented.
“But we’re not going to sit back and defend for 90 minutes. We need to offer something against a team of this calibre. We have a plan, and I hope it works. We’re going to give our all to reach the semi-finals.”
Sailors captain Hariss Harun added, “It’s important that we maintain the same mentality and mindset in all our ACL Two games. We have a three-goal advantage, but we must acknowledge the quality of our opponents. The situation is in our favour now, but we’re not reading too much into that — there’s still a game to play, and our focus is on ourselves and how we can get the job done tomorrow.”
The Sailors fought valiantly in Hiroshima, with Shawal Anuar grabbing a crucial goal before the floodgates opened. While it proved to be merely a consolation on the night, it has given the team a confidence boost heading into the second leg.
A raucous home crowd expected
Tickets for the game have been flying off the shelves since going on sale a week ago, with nearly 70 percent sold at the time of writing – a strong indication that Singapore’s football fraternity is rallying behind the Sailors as they chase a historic semi-final spot in a major Asian club competition.
The Sailors have delivered several commendable performances on the continental stage at Jalan Besar this season, securing victories over China’s Zhejiang Professional, as well as Thai sides Port FC and Muangthong United.
And Hariss is confident that the team can create another special night at the venue for the fans to remember.
“We hope the fans can continue showing the same incredible support they have in our previous ACL Two games because they’ve really pushed us through,” said Hariss. “Especially at Jalan Besar Stadium, where they are closer to the pitch, the atmosphere plays a huge role. If we get more of the same, it’ll be a big boost for the team — then it’s up to us to get the job done on the pitch.”
Should the Sailors progress, they will face a two-legged semi-final tie in April against either Australia’s Sydney FC or South Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
The Lion City Sailors’ seven-game winning streak in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) came to an end as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a disciplined Hougang United side at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday (9 March).
Despite dominating proceedings and creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities, the Sailors were left frustrated by a resolute Hougang defence and a series of outstanding saves from goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam.
The draw meant the Sailors missed out on securing an eighth consecutive league victory — which would have set a new club record for their longest winning streak in a single season.
“We were the ones controlling the game and pushing for the win,” Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković said post-match. “I can’t fault my players as they gave their all, but it was just one of those days where every shot seemed to stay out.”
“We were unlucky to concede from their only shot on target, but credit to them — especially their goalkeeper — who defended with everything they had.”
Facing a Hougang side that had lost just once in their last ten home league games, the Sailors encountered a cagey start, with both sides struggling to carve out clear-cut chances in the opening exchanges.
However, the visitors struck first in the 21st minute with a well-crafted move. Song Uiyoung and Bart Ramselaar combined cleverly to set up Maxime Lestienne, who expertly curled a shot into the far corner beyond Zaiful to hand the Sailors the lead.
That opener sparked Hougang into life, and they responded just seven minutes later. Winger Shodai Yokoyama evaded a couple of challenges before rifling a shot from the edge of the area beyond the despairing dive of Izwan Mahbud to bring the hosts level.
The Sailors almost hit back immediately. In the 32nd minute, Toni Datković met Hami Syahin’s cross with a looping header that seemed destined for the top corner, only for Zaiful to produce a stunning full-stretch save. From the resulting corner, Maxime tested Zaiful again, but the Hougang goalkeeper was equal to it once more.
Centre-back Bailey Wright nearly restored the Sailors’ lead in the 36th minute, but his point-blank header was somehow kept out by another remarkable save from Zaiful. The Hougang shot-stopper continued his heroics, denying a goal-bound effort from his own defender Jordan Vestering and keeping out a Lennart Thy header in the dying moments of the first half, as the Sailors piled on the pressure.
Having not dropped points in the league since a 2-2 draw with BG Tampines Rovers in September 2024, the Sailors pushed relentlessly for a winner. They came agonisingly close in the 81st minute, when Song delivered a pinpoint cross into the Hougang box, but it was just inches away from Shawal Anuar’s reach.
Hougang’s resistance appeared to have finally crumbled in the 86th minute when Ali Alrina – making history as the first-ever Syrian player to start in the SPL – reacted quickest to slam home a loose ball after Shawal’s header was saved by Zaiful. However, the Sailors’ joy quickly turned to frustration as the goal was ruled out for offside.
Hougang winger Stjepan Plazonja — who had been kept quiet for most of the game by the impressive Akram Azman — had a late chance to snatch victory for his side in the 94th minute. However, he was unable to make a clean connection with Farhan Zulkifli’s cross, as both sides had to settle for a point apiece.
Although the draw, coupled with BG Tampines Rovers’ 4-0 win over Albirex Niigata (S), saw the Stags close the gap at the top to seven points, Ranko remained unfazed and quickly shifted his focus to a bigger challenge — their crucial midweek clash in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League Two (ACL) Two quarter-finals.
“We’re still at the top of the SPL table, so now the most important thing is recovery, as the next big game is just around the corner,” Ranko stated. “We have to keep moving forward and focus on things game by game.”
The Sailors were awarded a 3-0 first-leg victory over Sanfrecce Hiroshima, following an AFC ruling that deemed that the Japanese side had fielded an ineligible player.
This result sets the stage for a decisive second leg at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday (12 March) as the Sailors look to secure a historic place in the competition’s final four.
The Lion City Sailors Women began their Women’s Premier League (WPL) title defence on Saturday (8 March) with a victory, but it was far from straightforward as they had to come from behind to overcome a dogged Albirex Niigata (S) side for all three points.
Once again, a newly promoted Sailors Girls Academy player took centre stage, as Nor Adriana Lim — the 17th graduate to the senior side — marked her debut in style with a late winner at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
“I didn’t expect to score at all, but I’m over the moon to have helped the team. Nothing makes me happier than seeing us win,” gushed the 17-year-old, who struck with seven minutes left on the clock.
While the Sailors secured a 2-1 victory by the final whistle, it was Albirex — runners-up in the past two seasons — who dictated the tempo for much of the first half. Sailors goalkeeper Beatrice Tan was called into action as early as the sixth minute, saving a one-on-one with Kana Kitahara, before showing her composure again in the 23rd minute as she dived bravely to collect a loose ball in a crowded box.
Meanwhile, the Sailors’ latest recruit, Dhaniyah Qasimah, showed exactly why she was signed, bravely throwing herself into tackles across the pitch on her debut. Facing her former team, she knew better than anyone the relentless intensity with which Albirex suffocated their opponents.
“Albirex, especially their Japanese players, are really fast. The way they closed us down made it tough for us to find each other,” explained the central midfielder.
“I think we need to improve our transitions. We got caught up defending, so whenever I won the ball back in midfield, it was difficult to launch an attack because we were often outnumbered up front.”
The White Swans’ strong start paid off in the 29th minute, with new signing Ruriko Takashima finally breaking the deadlock. She burst past the defence, skillfully rounded Beatrice, and slotted home with a simple tap-in to put Albirex ahead.
Their advantage, however, lasted just ten minutes.
Failing to deal with Sarah Zu’risqha’s dangerous cross, Albirex could only watch in frustration as Raeka Ee rose highest to head the ball home and pull the Sailors level.
The clash between the two sides turned into a more evenly contested affair as the Sailors returned for the second half re-energised following the equaliser by their top scorer from last season’s campaign.
With Seri Nurinsyirah already introduced at half-time, Head Coach Daniel Ong made a series of substitutions throughout the half to shift the momentum. Among them was a double change — bringing on Anaya Sehgal, formerly of BG Tampines Rovers, and Adriana.
And it was the latter who would ultimately reap the rewards of Daniel’s tactical adjustments — doing so in style.
With the match still deadlocked in the 83rd minute, fellow Academy graduate Yuvika Suresh — who had come on in the 69th minute — fired a shot that took a deflection, sending the ball looping into the air as players scrambled to react. With her back to goal, Adriana instinctively flicked it into the net with the outside of her boot on the first touch.
“I don’t even know how I scored that,” Adriana admitted with a laugh. “At that moment, I just knew I wanted to win this first match — and I wanted to score. Hopefully, there’s more to come.”
Her teammate Dhaniyah, who watched the moment unfold, was just as surprised by how the winning goal went in.
“I was shocked when she scored because it all happened so fast. I saw the goalkeeper coming out and expected someone to send the ball into the box, but somehow, Adriana’s shot found its way in instead,” she recounted.
As the final whistle blew, smiles were shared all around, but the Sailors were well aware of the key areas they needed to improve before their next fixture against Balestier Khalsa on Sunday (16 March) at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
“I think we need to manage our nerves better, but against Albirex, the jitters are inevitable,” Dhaniyah admitted.
“The first 10 to 15 minutes are crucial for us in any game. Moving forward, we have to focus on keeping things tight at the back and not conceding early. I understand that some of us were fasting, and transitioning straight into a match can be tough. Hopefully, we can build on this and do even better.”
The Lion City Sailors have been awarded a 3-0 victory in their Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) Two Quarter-Final first-leg match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, following a ruling by the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee.
The original result of the match at the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima on 5 March was overturned after Sanfrecce were deemed to have fielded an ineligible player.
The Sailors will now head into the return leg at Jalan Besar Stadium next Wednesday (12 March) with an advantage, as they aim to become the first Singaporean club to reach the ACL Two semi-finals.
Less than 72 hours after returning to Singapore from their 6-1 defeat to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the first leg of their Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two Quarter-Final, the Lion City Sailors will be back in Singapore Premier League (SPL) action as they take on Hougang United at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday (9 March) night.
As such, there will be little time for the Sailors to dwell on their loss in Hiroshima as they look to bounce back immediately and keep their promising season on track.
Indeed, Sailors skipper Hariss Harun even believes the defeat to three-time J1 League champions Sanfrecce is not necessarily all doom and gloom — if taken the right way.
“Playing against a top Japanese side is always tough, and Sanfrecce showed their quality by making things very difficult for us,” said Hariss. “Despite the scoreline, we can still take heart from our first-half performance, where we managed to pull a goal back — that’s a positive we can take away.
“It’s important for us to experience these games against high-level opposition, as they show us the standard required to compete at the top. Obviously, there’s a lot for us to improve on, but we have shown throughout our campaign that we can hold our own against the best. That is the level we aspire to reach.”
Less than eight hours separated the final whistle at the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima and the Sailors’ flight back to Singapore — yet such short turnarounds have been a hallmark of their packed season so far.
So, while the Sailors may not have had much time to rest or prepare for the game against the Cheetahs, Hariss remains confident that his side can still get the result they need this weekend.
“It’s definitely tiring, especially with all the travelling, but we have to pick ourselves up — both physically and mentally — and go again,” said Hariss. “Everyone in the team knows what we want to achieve, so we’re going to give our all and push each other to secure the three points on Sunday.”
Under interim coach Robert Eziakor, Hougang have shown they are no slouches and are more than capable of springing a surprise. Despite losing two of their last three games, Hariss remains wary of their threat — having seen them claim victories over BG Tampines Rovers and Albirex Niigata (S) since the start of the year.
“Hougang have quality foreign players and experienced heads who have played at the international level,” Hariss explained. “They are a side that must be taken seriously, but as long as we focus on ourselves and the task ahead, I’m confident we can get the victory we need.”
With a nine-point lead at the top of the table and a game in hand, it might be easy for complacency to creep into the Sailors’ minds. But, having seen league titles slip from their grasp in recent years, Hariss is determined to keep the team focused until the finish line.
“We’ve been in strong positions in recent seasons but still fell short,” explained Hariss. “Now, we have the experience to ensure that it doesn’t happen again this time, which is why we’re not dwelling on our current position. There are still crucial games ahead, and we won’t stop fighting until we achieve our targets for the year.”
A key driving force behind the Sailors’ title push has been their loyal supporters, who have once again shown unwavering dedication to the team. In fact, a small group of them even braved the cold in Hiroshima to stand by the Sailors for the full 90 minutes.
“From the electric nights at Jalan Besar to tough battles like the one we just had in Hiroshima, one thing has never changed — our fans have been tremendous,” said Hariss. “Their presence gives us that extra motivation to keep pushing, so I just want to express my appreciation for their unwavering support. I know they’ll continue standing by us until the end of the season.”
She may have played a pivotal role in the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team’s successful 2024 Women’s Premier League (WPL) campaign, but Priscille Le Helloco’s humility shines through when she shares her aspirations for the upcoming season.
“Scoring a goal or two would be nice,” she said, with a modest smile.
For context, Priscille took only one game — her debut match for the Sailors — to achieve that milestone last season.
As Priscille looks ahead to her first full season with the club, she and her teammates will face a stern test right from the get-go, with the Sailors kicking off their WPL 2025 campaign in a blockbuster opener against title rivals Albirex Niigata (S) this Saturday (8 March) at Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
Yet, she embraces the pressure as an opportunity to showcase what the team is truly capable of.
“Albirex are a tough team, and it will be a challenge, but I have full confidence in our ability to perform — especially with how hard Coach Daniel Ong has been pushing us over the past few months. This game is a great opportunity to showcase our growth and prove the quality we’ve been building towards,” she shared.
Priscille made her club debut last August, quickly showcasing her sharp eye for goal and natural ability to connect with her teammates on the pitch.
Indeed, her partnership with fellow forward Raeka Ee is shaping up to be one of the most exciting strike duos of the upcoming season — a connection that ignited on the very night of Priscille’s debut. After all, it was Raeka who set up both of her goals in that match against Tanjong Pagar.
“Raeka and I have definitely grown closer since I first joined the Sailors, and that bond has made a huge difference both on and off the field. The stronger our connection off the pitch, the better our chemistry during games. It’s made playing together even more enjoyable and effective,” the French teenager said.
Looking back, Priscille pinpoints a defining moment in their friendship.
“I think the exact moment Raeka and I became close was when we celebrated my debut goal,” she recalled. “It was funny because just a few hours earlier, we were filming for the Champions In Blue music video, where we had to fake a goal celebration. So we went from pretending in front of the cameras to actually celebrating together on the pitch. And, of course, we bonded over our love for food.”
The Sailors began their pre-season preparations as early as late December last year, with the two forwards dedicating themselves to fine-tuning their already seamless chemistry.
“As attackers, we know expectations are high, and we’re always looking for ways to evolve and improve. Everything we do is geared towards creating more goal-scoring opportunities and ensuring we keep growing throughout the season,” shared Priscille.
“We’ve been working hard in training to sharpen our link-up play and deepen our understanding of each other’s movements. Whether through drills, tactical discussions, or simply spending time together off the pitch, we’re constantly learning how to complement each other’s strengths to be as dangerous as possible on the field.”
Away from the attacking front, the Sailors’ defence is also undergoing a transformation ahead of the new season. Qarissa Putri, a standout performer in the backline last year, has solidified her role as the backbone of the team’s defensive stronghold — just in time for their crucial clash against Albirex this Saturday.
To those around her, Qarissa’s rise has been fuelled by unwavering self-belief — a quality that has propelled her to the top of her game.
“Qarissa has really stepped up, and it’s been incredible to see her confidence grow. She’s becoming a key leader in the backline, showing composure under pressure and making smart decisions on the ball,” Priscille shared proudly of her teammate.
“She’s worked incredibly hard, and her growth is evident — not just in her defensive presence but also in her ability to organise and lead from the back.”
With several players stepping into bigger roles this season, and another couple of Sailors Girls Academy talents promoted to the senior team, Priscille credits the squad’s senior players and Coach Daniel for shaping them into the players they are today.
Beyond tactical guidance on the pitch, the young hopefuls receive mentorship off it — an essential element in fostering their love for the game.
“Their guidance, tactical insights, and genuine care for each of us not only help us improve as players but also shape us as individuals,” Priscille explained. “As younger players, we push each other to grow by constantly challenging and motivating one another. That shared drive and support system make a huge difference in our progress.
“I hope we continue to grow closer, strengthen our bonds, and become even more united in working towards our goals. If we keep pushing each other and stay committed, I truly believe we can achieve a lot this season.”
Having already overcome Zhejiang Professional and Muangthong United in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two this season, the Lion City Sailors were quietly optimistic about claiming another giant scalp when they faced Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the first-leg of their Quarter-Final tie on Wednesday (5 March) night.
However, despite their best efforts, the Sailors ultimately fell short, suffering a 6-1 defeat to a relentless Sanfrecce side in front of a 6,812-strong home crowd at the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima.
While the Sailors held their own in the first half – which ended 2-1 in favour of the hosts – a four-goal flurry from the three-time J1 League champions in the second half has left their semi-final hopes hanging by a thread.
While acknowledging the gulf between the two sides in his post-match press conference, Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković also rued his side’s lapses in concentration at crucial moments in the game.
“We just played against one of the best sides in Asia, but the result was a little harsh, as almost every shot they took went in,” said Ranko. “We did an okay job controlling the game in the first half, but were really unlucky to concede both in the closing minute of the first half and the first minute of the second half.”
Sanfrecce wasted no time asserting their authority, pinning the Sailors deep in their half with relentless waves of attacks. Their early dominance paid off in the 12th minute when midfielder Satoshi Tanaka executed a delightful pirouette on the edge of the box before rifling an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
Buoyed by the opener, Sanfrecce intensified their pressure and could have doubled their lead — if not for a series of heroic Sailors blocks. First, Sailors custodian Izwan Mahbud reacted sharply to smother a Tanaka effort in the 13th minute, before captain Hariss Harun courageously put his body on the line to deny Mutsuki Kato’s effort from the rebound.
Despite coming under immense pressure, the Sailors remained composed, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to strike on the counter. That opportunity arrived in the 36th minute when Maxime Lestienne weaved his way up the field before threading a pass to Bart Ramselaar, who in turn set up the in-form Shawal Anuar.
The 33-year-old made no mistake in front of goal, as he coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner for his eighth goal in nine ACL Two matches.
In doing so, Shawal became the first Singaporean to score in the quarter-finals of an AFC competition since Indra Sahdan in 2008. His goal also made him the first visiting player to breach Sanfrecce’s home defence in 2025, ending their streak of three consecutive home clean sheets.
Unfortunately, that proved to be the Sailors’ best moment of the match, as Sanfrecce swiftly responded in the 41st minute. A precise slide-rule pass from Sota Nakamura on the right flank found Ryo Germain, who made no mistake from close range to restore his side’s advantage.
The home side then added a third just two minutes into the second half. Once again, it was Germain who capitalised on a pinpoint delivery — this time from half-time substitute Shunki Higashi — as he calmly finished with a deft touch into the Sailors’ net to complete his brace.
Even with their backs against the wall, the Sailors refused to give in and remained a constant threat on the counter. And they nearly found a way back in the 51st minute when Shawal came close to connecting with a Bart cross, but the ball narrowly evaded the Singaporean forward.
But the visitors’ resistance was eventually broken in the 67th minute when Shuto Nakano showed great awareness to pick out fellow substitute Hayao Kawabe on the edge of the penalty area. Kawabe unleashed a brilliant first-time strike that nestled into the bottom corner — just seven minutes after coming on.
Any faint hopes of a Sailors comeback were extinguished in the 73rd minute when former Monaco and Marseille stalwart Valère Germain directed a header into the net on his debut, courtesy of a deflection off Hariss.
Just a minute later, Nakamura capped off a dominant night for the hosts with a powerful strike, leaving the Sailors with a mountain to climb in the second leg.
“I told my boys that they have learned more from this match than from all the previous matches we’ve played in the last two years,” reflected Ranko. “This was a different level from what we experience back home in the Singapore Premier League (SPL), and while it will take time, this is the level we strive to reach.”
“We still have a match at home, and we will give our all to fight for our supporters and win that match at the very least,” he added.
The Sailors have little time to dwell on this tough defeat, as they return to SPL action against Hougang United at the Jalan Besar Stadium this Sunday (9 March), before hosting Sanfrecce at the same venue for the return leg on Wednesday (12 March).
The Lion City Sailors’ remarkable Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) Two campaign continues on Wednesday (5 March), as they face J1 League powerhouse and pre-tournament favourites, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, in the first leg of the Quarter-Finals at the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima.
The Sailors’ stiffest test yet
Make no mistake — this will be the Sailors’ toughest test yet in ACL Two. After all, Sanfrecce are one of Japan’s most successful clubs, boasting three J1 League titles and finishing in the top three for the past three seasons. Last year, they were part of a thrilling three-way title race, only falling short on the final day to Vissel Kobe.
Despite that heartbreak, Sanfrecce were the J1 League’s top-scoring team last season, netting 72 goals in 38 matches. Their second-place finish also means they have already secured a spot in next season’s ACL Elite.
View this post on Instagram
A good gauge of the challenge ahead comes from the Opta Power Rankings, a global team ranking system that assigns an ability score to over 13,000 men’s domestic teams. At the time of writing, Sanfrecce are ranked 132nd — the highest among the eight remaining teams in ACL Two — while the Sailors are at 1,302nd.
Sanfrecce have lived up to their billing, emerging as one of only two unbeaten teams in ACL Two, alongside Iran’s Tractor SC.
With seven wins in eight matches, they have been ruthless, notching up impressive results including a 3-0 home win against reigning Philippines champions Kaya FC–Iloilo, and comprehensive 3-0 and 4-0 victories over Vietnam’s Nam Định FC in the Round of 16.
“We are very happy to have reached the quarter-finals,” said Sanfrecce head coach Michael Skibbe at the pre-match press conference. “It is an honour to compete in this tournament, and so far, it has been a very interesting journey. From this stage onward, I believe it will be incredibly challenging for all eight remaining teams, as each of them is capable of winning the title.
“Because of this, we are truly honoured to be here. Of course, we want to put in a strong performance tomorrow and hopefully secure a good result to take into the second leg next week. But above all, we are proud and excited to play at this stage of the competition.”
Sanfrecce counting on their 12th man
Sanfrecce are among the most well-supported clubs in Japan, with attendance figures soaring since their move to the majestic 28,520-seater Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima at the start of 2024. They sold out 15 of 19 matches in their debut season there, as well as their first two domestic home games of the 2025 season.
While midweek ACL Two fixtures naturally draw smaller crowds, they have still averaged 9,545 spectators across their four continental home matches so far.
View this post on Instagram
Skibbe’s side have hit the ground running in 2025, defeating reigning champions Vissel Kobe 2-0 to lift the Japanese Super Cup. They are also joint-top of the league – level with Kashiwa Reysol and Shonan Bellmare – after an unbeaten start featuring three wins and a draw from their opening four matches.
Their squad depth has been further bolstered by the recent signing of Valère Germain, who joins an already impressive roster that includes former Brazil U-20 midfielder Marcos Júnior and new recruit Ryo Germain — who was the third-highest scorer in last season’s J1 League with 19 goals for Júbilo Iwata.
However, Sanfrecce will be without playmaker Tolgay Arslan, as the former Udinese star faces up to six months on the sidelines due to an injury he sustained during their game against Yokohama FC on 2 March.
“It’s very unfortunate for Tolgay to suffer such a serious injury and be sidelined for four to six months,” said Skibbe, a two-time J.League Manager of the Year (2022, 2024). “But I believe Valère has the experience to step in and fill the role as best as possible.
View this post on Instagram
“He’s an excellent player with a strong international career. He spent many years playing at a high level in France, delivering consistently good performances, before moving to Australia, where he remained a key player both for his team and in the league. So we’re very happy to have him with us now for our ACL Two campaign and the league matches.”
Sailors undeterred by testing conditions
The road ahead is filled with challenges for the Sailors. This match marks the first of six games during the March Ramadan period, a time when the Muslim players in the squad will be fasting from dawn to dusk.
They will also have to contend with bitterly cold conditions, with temperatures expected to hover between 10°C and 4°C as Japan transitions from late winter to early spring.
Nonetheless, having already overcome top clubs from China and Thailand to become the only Southeast Asian club to reach the competition’s last eight, the Sailors remain undeterred, and are determined to extend their dream run.
View this post on Instagram
“Reaching this stage and competing against teams of this calibre means a lot to us,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković. “We want to showcase our best against a strong opponent like Sanfreece.
“I’m very confident because this team has a great mentality. Being the first team in Singapore football history to reach this stage — and facing an opponent of this level — says a lot about the character of these players. They deserve full credit for what they’ve achieved.”
While Ranko acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead for the Sailors against a high-quality Sanfrecce side, he remains confident that his team has what it takes to put up a strong fight against another big name in the competition.
“We are playing against a top-class team in Asia,” said Ranko. “If you look at where they stand — not just in Asia, but on the global football stage — it speaks for itself. They are performing well both in their league and in the Champions League.
“But this is a chance for us to test ourselves against the best. We’ve already faced similar teams, not just this season but also last season. It’s a fantastic opportunity for my boys to step up and showcase their abilities in this game.”
The Sailors will remain without Song Uiyoung due to suspension, but the rest of the squad are fit and ready to take on one of Asia’s giants — even with many players fasting during Ramadan.
Midfielder Hami Syahin, who has started seven of the Sailors’ eight continental matches across the ACL Two and ACC Shopee Cup campaigns this season, said, “We’ve been through this before, playing during Ramadan. Our game is also after we break our fast, so I don’t think it will be a problem for us. We are professionals — we have to adapt quickly and give our best on the pitch.”
Hami also revealed that everyone in the team is embracing the occasion and eager to rise to the challenge.
“It’s an honour to play at this stage, in this competition, going up against a strong team, in a beautiful stadium, and in great weather,” said Hami. “We’re all looking forward to giving our best in tomorrow’s game.
“For Singapore football, this is history, and it’s truly a privilege to represent our country through the Sailors. We are also the only Southeast Asian club left in the competition, so we’re determined to make our mark and give it our all.”
As Shawal Anuar latched onto a through pass from skipper Hariss Harun with one of his signature darting runs, time at the Jalan Besar Stadium seemed to stand still.
The Muangthong United backline stopped chasing, the Sailors’ fans braced themselves for an offside whistle, and even his own teammates hesitated. But Shawal never gave up on what seemed like a lost cause.
With a deft touch, he coolly lobbed the onrushing goalkeeper, then took a quick glance at the linesman’s flag — still down.
His perfectly-timed run had beaten Muangthong’s high line and, more importantly, sealed the Sailors’ place in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two quarter-finals – marking the first time a Singaporean side had reached this milestone.
“When I made that run, I was fully confident I wasn’t offside,” Shawal said. “I always scan my surroundings before receiving the ball. Even before Hariss got it, I knew I was in line with the last defender. Bart was shouting for me to leave it for him, but I ignored him — I knew I was onside!”
The mercurial forward played a pivotal role in all of his side’s goals as the Sailors cruised to a 4-0 victory in the second leg to seal a commanding 7-2 aggregate win over Muangthong. Given the reputation and quality of Thai teams, even Shawal was taken aback by the emphatic nature of the triumph.
“We know it’s never easy to play against Thai sides, so I was surprised that we won by such a huge margin,” Shawal admitted. “But we fully deserved it — we worked hard together as a team, covering for each other in defence, midfield, and attack. That unity helped us get the goals we needed.”
But the Sailors now face their toughest test of the season as they travel to take on J1 League giants Sanfrecce Hiroshima — one of the most decorated clubs in Japanese football — at the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima on Wednesday (5 March) for the first leg of their two-legged quarter-final tie.
Despite the daunting challenge of facing a top-tier side from one of Asia’s best leagues, however, Shawal remains unfazed.
“These are the big games I always look forward to playing in,” Shawal said. “As a team, we won’t shy away from the challenge — we’re motivated to show what we can do against top opposition. As long as we stay focused, work hard in training, and play our football, nothing is impossible.”
The forward previously had a taste of the intensity of Japanese football when he went on trial with then-second division side Matsumoto Yamaga in 2017, and spent a week in the club’s pre-season training camp. It was an eye-opening experience for Shawal, who witnessed firsthand the high standards Japanese players set for themselves.
“I learned a lot from my stint at Yamaga — the quality there was very different from what we have in Singapore,” Shawal recounted. “What stood out most was their fitness levels and work ethic. They could chase you around the pitch for the full 90 minutes without dropping off. That was something I made sure to apply to my own game.”
But even as Shawal gears up for this titanic quarter-final clash, he remains grounded, never forgetting his humble beginnings — rising through the ranks of Singapore football after starting his career in the amateur National Football League (NFL) with Keppel Monaco.
“When I was a youth player, I never imagined I’d one day play at such a high level, let alone in the quarter-finals of a continental competition,” he said. “Getting to where I am now is a special achievement for me, and I will keep working hard to go even further.”
Today, the Singapore international is enjoying the most prolific season of his career, having netted 22 goals in all competitions — including seven in the ACL Two, second only to the Iranian duo Sardar Azmoun and Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh.
His exploits on the continental stage have naturally caught the attention of opposition clubs, with teams now keeping a closer eye on the threat he poses. But while defenders are increasingly marking him tightly, Shawal remains focused on doing what he does best — scoring and creating goals for the Sailors.
“At this level, opposition teams analyse every detail of every player, especially attackers like me. I just have to stay patient, play smart, and focus on what I can contribute,” he said.
Far from being a burden, he sees this extra attention as an opportunity — not just for himself, but for Singaporean footballers to make their mark on the big stage.
He explained, “People will always observe every aspect of your game — your play style, work ethic, even your confidence on the pitch. Everyone has different perspectives, but as long as we give our best, we never know what opportunities might come our way.”
Shawal also expressed his gratitude to the dedicated group of Sailors fans who are set to make the 4,700km journey to Hiroshima.
“We truly appreciate all the fans supporting us — both those traveling to Japan and those cheering from home,” he said. “Their presence as the 12th man will give us that extra boost we need against such a strong side, and we’ll make sure to give everything on the pitch to fight for them and the result.”
