25 August 2025 will forever be etched in Lion City Sailors Women’s history — and in Izairida Shakira’s memory.

That evening at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka, the Sailors defeated Jordanian champions Etihad Club 2-0 in the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Preliminary Stage clash to become the first Singaporean side to win a match in the region’s most prestigious women’s competition.

Two goals from new Japanese signing Ami Takeuchi sealed the victory, but just as crucial was the team’s defensive resolve, with 18-year-old Shakira marking her AWCL debut with a clean sheet. It was a remarkable turnaround, given the Sailors had conceded five unanswered goals to the same opponents in last year’s campaign.

“It was such a special experience. Being on the pitch for my first AWCL match felt a bit surreal at first, but once the game started, I just focused on giving my best,” Shakira reflected. “Of course, there were nerves, but more than anything, I felt excited and grateful to finally be a part of it.”

Baptism of fire

Despite clinching the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Golden Glove with seven clean sheets last season, Shakira knew her continental debut would be a major step up. After all, Etihad had humbled the Sailors in the previous campaign, and the Jordanians came from a nation ranked 73 places above Singapore in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings.

This time, however, the teenager was determined to make sure history did not repeat itself.

Naturally, she sought guidance from the vastly experienced Beatrice Tan, who had been between the posts for the Sailors in last year’s AWCL campaign as well as many high-pressure international games for the Singapore national team.

“I asked Beatrice for advice during the preparations because she’s been there, done that before. She told me to stay calm, not to overthink, and to enjoy the match. It was simple advice, but it helped a lot,” Shakira shared.

That advice clearly paid off as she looked assured throughout the game, producing key saves and displaying safe handling in the box.

Rock solid at the back

Shakira was also quick to credit the Sailors’ defensive unit, who worked in unison to deny Etihad any clear-cut opportunities. Captain Umairah Hamdan was in imperious form, as she marshalled the backline alongside Syazwani Ruzi (pictured below) and new Japanese arrival Sakurako Ohashi, who impressed on her debut after arriving from Toyo University.

“It was nice to keep a clean sheet. Umairah and Syazwani were rock solid the whole game. They talked to me a lot and made things so much easier at the back,” Shakira said. “Honestly, they gave me a lot of confidence out there.

“Playing with Sakurako also felt quite natural. She was calm with the ball, and I fully trust her abilities.”

Winning the mental battle

At this level of football, mentality often makes the difference, and Shakira admitted it was an area she focused heavily on before stepping onto the continental stage.

“For me, it was mostly about the mental side (of the game),” she explained. “Playing in big games like the AWCL comes down to preparation, so I just tried to calm myself, not overthink, and remind myself to trust what I can do. Getting into that mindset helped me feel ready.”

Her growing confidence was evident in the second half when she pulled off an acrobatic stop in the 58th minute to deny Etihad forward Cidalia Daniel Cuta. It was a stunning save reminiscent of her idol, former England and current PSG goalkeeper Mary Earps.

The Sailors’ landmark win, coupled with Kelana United’s 0-0 draw against SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal in the other Group C fixture, means Daniel Ong’s charges top the group after Matchday One.

Next up for the Sailors is Kelana on Thursday (28 August), with the battle to progress from the group stage heating up.

The Malaysian champions boast several Indonesian internationals in their ranks, but confidence is running high in the Sailors camp.

“We know that Kelana is a strong team, but we are ready,” Shakira asserted. “We will follow what Coach Dan prepares for us and approach the game accordingly.”