History was made in Melaka on Monday night (25 August).
The Lion City Sailors Women etched Singapore’s name onto the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League (AWCL) record books by becoming the first club from the nation to win a match in the region’s most prestigious women’s competition.
And they did it in style.
A brace from Japanese teenager Ami Takeuchi sealed a 2-0 triumph over Jordan’s Etihad Club at the Hang Jebat Stadium — a result that not only avenged last year’s heavy defeat to the same opponents, but also signalled the Sailors’ intent to truly compete on Asia’s grand stage.
“This victory means a lot to the players, especially after losing 5-0 to them in the last campaign,” said Head Coach Daniel Ong. “The team has trained really hard to correct those areas, and most importantly, to believe in themselves and their abilities. As long as they stuck to the game plan and had each other’s backs, I knew they could do it.”
A dream start
The Sailors bolstered their squad for the Group C Preliminary Stage with five Japanese signings – all of whom started the match – while local duo Izairida Shakira and Dhaniyah Qasimah made their continental debuts.
Etihad, by contrast, fielded five players who had featured in their 5-0 win over the Sailors in last year’s edition, though talismanic forward Maysa Jbarah, who scored four goals that night, has since departed for Saudi Arabia.
With a refreshed squad and renewed determination, the Sailors flew out of the blocks, and took the lead inside 10 minutes. From a free-kick on the edge of the area, Ami stepped up confidently and curled the ball home to spark wild celebrations on the Sailors’ bench.
“I expected to score today. I’ve been in good form during our friendlies in Malaysia and Singapore, and I felt good momentum,” said Ami, who had also found the net for Urawa in their 17-0 win over India’s Odisha FC in last season’s AWCL. “The moment the ball left my foot, I was confident it was going in.”
Ami’s compatriot Eri Kitagawa almost doubled the Sailors’ lead in the 18th minute, before Singaporean winger Sarah Zu’risqha forced a fingertip save from Jordanian goalkeeper Sherin Al-Shalabi.
Sarah and Al-Shalabi went head-to-head again in the 33rd minute, but the 19-year-old forward was denied once more from close range.
But the Sailors did not have to wait long for their next goal, and it came just six minutes later, after a flowing move involving both local and overseas recruits: Riari Kitaoka started the play, Syazwani Ruzi combined with Eri down the flank, before Riari’s low cross was turned in by Ami.
It was a goal that showcased the team’s chemistry, despite this being their first competitive outing together. And Ami was quick to credit her teammates.
“The Singaporean players contributed to my goals. They defended well, so I just had to do my job as an attacker,” said the 19-year-old, who recently joined from Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies.
“Everyone here is willing to help each other. It’s a very positive atmosphere, and I wanted to do my best without letting my guard down. I feel included in the team. Even when I cannot fully communicate in English, my teammates are always encouraging and supportive.”
Holding firm
Despite their two-goal cushion at half-time, the Sailors knew they had to stay focused, with Etihad expected to come out stronger after the break.
But it was the Sailors who carved out the first chance of the second half, as Ami rattled the crossbar just a minute after the restart.
Etihad responded quickly, with Rouzbahan Freij striking the woodwork with a looping effort in the 53rd minute, before Cidalia Daniel Cuta forced Izairida into a brilliant save five minutes later.
After weathering the storm, the Sailors nearly extended their lead through Ami once again, but her 61st-minute strike was well-held by Al-Shalabi.
Nur Ain Salleh and Dorcas Chu then came on to give the team some fresh legs in the last half-hour, while captain Umairah Hamdan stood out on the night, as she marshalled the Sailors’ defence with authority to shut out Etihad.
“The marking and identifying of the runners, as well as the composure to keep the ball under pressure, made the difference today,” reflected Head Coach Daniel.
Etihad substitute Lydia Krampah then came close in stoppage time, but sent her volley over as the Sailors stood firm to keep a clean sheet and see out a famous win.
A growing belief
The Sailors’ historic victory, combined with Kelana United’s 0-0 draw against Kyrgyz Republic’s SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal in Group C’s other match of the night, means they sit top of the group after Matchday One.
The Sailors next face Kelana on Thursday (28 August), and Daniel’s charges will head into the clash brimming with belief.
“The new players have lifted the overall standard of the team, and we now believe we’re here not just to participate, but to compete,” he declared. “We’ll play to our strengths and continue to build belief in the squad.”
