Month: September 2025
The Lion City Sailors wrapped up their AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Preliminary Stage campaign in style with a commanding 3-0 victory over Kyrgyz Republic’s SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal at Hang Jebat Stadium on Sunday (31 August).
Goals from Ami Takeuchi, Miyu Inayama and Sarah Zu’risqha capped a flawless run for the Sailors, who topped Group C with three wins from three.
Having seen his charges dominate throughout, Sailors Head Coach Daniel Ong hailed the strides his side has made since last year’s debut campaign, when they lost both matches.
“Topping the group and finishing unbeaten is not something I expected,” he admitted. “Full credit goes to the girls for applying what we learned from last year and consistently putting in the hard work in training.
“Winning three games out of three against international opposition is a huge confidence booster. This will help them build a positive mentality moving forward.”
With qualification already secured, the 36-year-old rotated his squad against Sdyushor, as he handed starts to Beatrice Tan in goal and Nurhidayu Naszri on the wings.
Just like in the previous two games, the Sailors once again flew out of the blocks and in the 10th minute, Miyu split the defence with a perfectly weighted pass for the in-form Ami, who calmly slotted home her fourth goal of the campaign.
Sdyushor threatened to respond when Kenzhebubu Yrysbek Kyzy found space in the box minutes later, but Beatrice reacted sharply to smother her close-range effort.
The Sailors kept up the pressure, with Miyu and captain Umairah Hamdan both forcing saves from goalkeeper Dilnura Abibulla Kyzy.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 33rd minute, when Ayu’s mazy run led to Sarah’s clever backheel into the path of Miyu, who unleashed a fierce strike that rattled the crossbar, ricocheted off Abibulla, and nestled into the net.
It was a goal that owed much to the brilliance of Ayu, who was deployed in an unfamiliar wide role. She admitted, however, that linking up with close friend Dhaniyah Qasimah down the right side made the adjustment a natural one.
“Even though I’m not used to playing out wide, being alongside Dhani felt natural,” she shared. “We’ve known each other for a long time, so we understand each other’s playstyles very well.”
The Sailors were denied a third before the break only by Abibulla’s heroics, as she pulled off a string of saves from Eri Kitagawa, Sarah and Ami.
The Sailors finally struck again in the 62nd minute, when substitute Nur Ain Salleh whipped in a driven cross for Ami, who unselfishly laid the ball off for Sarah to net her first AWCL goal.
It was a goal that highlighted the growing chemistry between the Sailors’ local core and their Japanese teammates — a partnership that Ayu believes will only help the Singapore players raise their game.
“The quality of the Japanese players has pushed the locals to improve and elevate our game,” explained Ayu. “We’ve grown a lot together, and you can see the progress in how we connect on the pitch. It’s ultimately been a true team effort.”
The Sailors continued to press, with Sakurako Ohashi’s late header drawing another fine save, but Beatrice and her defence stood firm as the latter collected her first-ever AWCL clean sheet.
Reflecting on a historic AWCL campaign for the Sailors, Daniel paid tribute to his squad’s spirit and sacrifice.
“I have to praise their mentality. Despite many of them still juggling school and work, they’ve trained incredibly hard and made sacrifices to pursue the sport,” he said.
“Everyone knew this was a chance to raise the profile and standard of women’s football in Singapore, and they all embraced it.”
Now just one of three remaining Southeast Asian sides in the competition alongside Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City Women’s and Philippines’ Stallion Laguna, the Sailors will learn their fate in the 12-team competition when the Group Stage draw takes place on 11 September.
Flying the Singapore flag high on the continental stage is an honour for Ayu, who believes the Sailors can carry their momentum forward.
“We’ve already shown what we’re capable of. If we’ve done it once, there’s no reason we cannot do it again, and even better,” she said.
“We’ll keep pushing ourselves to give everything on the pitch.”
The Lion City Sailors today bid farewell to Sporting Director Badri Ghent, who has left the club to take on the significant role of General Secretary at the Football Association of Singapore (FAS).
Since the Sailors’ inception in 2020, the 36-year-old has been pivotal in shaping the club’s direction both on and off the pitch. His vision and leadership raised the level of professionalism, strengthened the football structure, and cultivated a culture of excellence that will serve the Sailors well for years to come.
Badri’s journey began with the Sailors’ predecessor, Home United, where he rose through the ranks to become the youngest-ever Team Manager of a professional football club in Singapore in 2014, before being appointed General Manager in 2017.
He was instrumental in the club’s privatisation in 2020, which saw the birth of the modern-day Sailors. In his role as Sporting Director, Badri spearheaded the club’s sporting strategy and player recruitment processes, while continuing to oversee its broader direction.
Under his steady leadership, the Sailors broke new ground for Singapore football and beyond. Notable milestones included the opening of the country’s first integrated football training facility in 2022, and the historic achievement earlier this May of becoming the first Singapore club to reach the final of a continental competition, the AFC Champions League Two.
“It has been a tremendous journey, from the Home United days to the exciting transformation into the Lion City Sailors. I am deeply grateful to everyone at the club – management, staff, players, and fans – for their unwavering commitment and belief in the vision we set out together. It has been a real honour to serve and represent this club, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past few years,” said Badri.
“While I now step into a wider role to serve Singapore football, I am confident that the Sailors will continue to push forward and thrive in my absence, with the solid foundations built on professionalism and ambition.
“I will always cherish the memories I’ve made here, and I wish the club all the best for the future.”
The Sailors are deeply grateful for Badri’s leadership, passion, and tireless work over the years. His appointment as FAS General Secretary comes as no surprise, and reflects the trust placed in him to help steer Singapore football forward.
While we are sad to see him leave, we take pride in knowing that Singapore football will now benefit from his expertise. His new role gives him the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the sport we all love, and that is something worth celebrating.
Badri departs with a strong legacy, and the Sailors remain committed to driving his work forward with the same ambition and dedication, as we continue our pursuit of success both domestically and on the continental stage.
We thank him sincerely for his immense contributions, and wish him nothing but the very best in his new chapter at the FAS.
Technical Director Luka Lalić will now step in as Acting Sporting Director for the Sailors.
