Author: Lion City Sailors
In connection with the visit of Singapore Prime Minister Mr Lawrence Wong to Hanoi (25-26 March 2025), Lion City Sailors (LCS) Football Club and Công An Hà Nội Football Club (CAHN FC) are pleased to announce a landmark collaboration to commemorate significant milestones in both Vietnam and Singapore, and in the bilateral relationship between both countries and its people.
The highlight of this partnership will be an international friendly match in 2025, bringing together two of the region’s top clubs in a celebration of sport and friendship, further underscoring the deep and expanding ties between Singapore and Vietnam at all levels.
Timed to honour Singapore’s 60th year of independence and Vietnam’s 80th year of independence, this exhibition match also signifies the deepening ties between the two nations, following the recent upgrade of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership this month.
This collaboration reflects the shared aspirations of LCS and CAHN FC to foster greater regional engagement in football and to use the sport as a bridge to strengthen people-to-people ties.
Mr. Forrest Li, Chairman of Lion City Sailors FC, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “Football has the power to unite people across borders, and we are thrilled to work with Công An Hà Nội FC to mark these historic national milestones. This match will not only showcase top-tier footballing talent but also celebrate the enduring ties between Singapore and Vietnam.”
Major general Dương Đức Hải, Chairman of Công An Hà Nội FC, echoed this sentiment: “Sport has always played a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations, and this friendly match is a fitting tribute to the strong and growing friendship between our two countries. We look forward to what promises to be an exciting and meaningful event for our fans.”
Further details regarding the match, including the venue and date, will be announced at a later stage.
The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team made it two wins out of two in the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL), as they secured a convincing 9-0 win over Balestier Khalsa on Sunday (16 March) night at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
Their dominant display was even more impressive given that many of their 11 goals this season have been scored by young talents emerging from the Sailors Girls Academy and Mattar Sailors.
After struggling to find their rhythm early against Albirex Niigata (S) last weekend, the Sailors came out flying against Balestier, and broke the deadlock after just three minutes when Putri Alyiah Seow tapped home from Sarah Zu’risqha’s cross.
“Sarah’s cross was pinpoint. She put it on a plate for me, and I just had to tap it in — so full credit to her. I’m so happy to have scored on my debut,” said the delighted 21-year-old, who previously played for Mattar Sailors in the Women’s National League (WNL) in 2024.
More importantly, the goal gave Alyiah a huge confidence boost and helped settle her nerves, as it proved to her that she belonged at the WPL level.
“I wasn’t expecting to start, so when Coach Daniel (Ong) told me I was in the lineup, I was ecstatic. I was definitely nervous, but I had been looking forward to this for weeks — especially after spending the last few weeks out injured,” said Alyiah.
“One of the biggest adjustments for me in moving from the WNL to the WPL has been working on my confidence. The standard in this team is really high, so confidence is key. Earning my first start and scoring my first goal has really boosted mine, and hopefully, it will only grow from here.”
The Sailors effectively held Balestier at bay, with the Tigresses failing to register a single shot on goal to test goalkeeper Izairida Shakira. At the other end, Balestier had former Mattar Sailors custodian Talia Sachet to thank, as she helped her side endure the Sailors’ relentless onslaught in the opening 20 minutes.
But Balestier’s resistance was finally broken in the 23rd minute when Raeka Ee surged into the box and drove the ball into the net for the Sailors’ second. Just nine minutes later, Liyana Rickit made it 3-0 with a clinical strike from distance.
The floodgates then opened in the second half, with three of the four halftime substitutes introduced by Coach Daniel getting on the scoresheet.
Yuvika Suresh won a penalty just three minutes after the restart after being clipped in the box, which fellow substitute Syazwani Ruzi proceeded to calmly convert.
Yuvika — who scored twice last season — then equalled her 2024 goal tally within just seven minutes. Assisted by pinpoint passes from Qarissa Putri and Syazwani respectively, the 16-year-old struck twice in the 51st and 58th minutes to make it 6-0.
“It felt surreal, as I didn’t score often last season. Scoring twice in a single match is huge for me, and I really didn’t expect it. I’m happy that I was able to find the spaces my teammates created for me and that I had the confidence to take those shots,” Yuvika said with a smile.
The Sailors added three more goals in the final 20 minutes, with Sarah, Nurhidayu Naszri — capping off her 21st birthday with a powerful header — and captain Umairah Hamdan all finding the back of the net to round off an emphatic win.
It was a stark contrast to last weekend, as the Sailors moved fluidly across the pitch, stringing quick passes around Balestier’s defence with ease.
Reflecting on their win against Balestier, Yuvika said, “Our passing was much sharper today than in the last game. We found space well and linked up effectively.”
With their March fixtures complete, the Sailors currently sit atop the WPL standings and will now turn their focus to their clash against Tanjong Pagar United on 9 April at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
The Lion City Sailors took a significant step towards qualifying for the semi-finals of the 2024/25 Singapore Cup on Sunday (16 March) night, as they notched a commanding 4-1 win against Balestier Khalsa at the Bishan Stadium to maintain their perfect record in the competition.
While both sides had their share of missed chances, a hat-trick from Bart Ramselaar and a goal from Song Uiyoung cemented the Sailors’ hold on second place in Group B – they are now just one point behind leaders BG Pathum United, who have played a game more.
Although Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković admitted post-match that the short turnaround between games may have taken a toll on his side, he still felt they should have wrapped up the win much earlier.
“It was a little difficult for us, as we had just played a huge game against Sanfrecce (Hiroshima) midweek, and at times, we squandered one or two chances too easily,” explained Ranko. “Our finishing in front of goal was frustrating — we should have scored six or seven. However, I’m glad that we fought until the end and collected three important points.”
Even without their injured talisman Maxime Lestienne, the Sailors showed no struggles going forward, as Song — who missed both legs of his side’s AFC Champions League (ACL) Two quarter-finals due to suspension — gave the home side the perfect start in the eighth minute.
Picking up the ball in midfield, the Incheon native spotted Shawal Anuar’s run and played him through. Shawal then returned the favour with a pinpoint pass, allowing Song to finish first-time into the net. That marked his 16th goal in 29 appearances against the Tigers — making Balestier the team he has scored against the most in his career.
Despite Balestier enjoying much possession early on, the Sailors absorbed the pressure well and looked to hit the Tigers on the counter. That strategy paid off handsomely, as the Sailors doubled their lead in the 25th minute when Bart drove infield before curling a precise shot into the far corner of the net, leaving Balestier custodian Hafiz Ahmad with no chance.
The Sailors nearly extended their advantage again in the 49th minute, but Hafiz produced a smart double-save — denying Bart before keeping out Lennart Thy’s follow-up.
Three minutes later, the Tigers struck back as Kodai Tanaka — who had been well-marshalled by the Sailors’ defence — sprang into action. Reacting quickest after Masahiro Sugita’s long-range effort cannoned off the crossbar, the ex-Sailor tapped into an empty net to hand the visitors a lifeline.
At the other end, the two Sailors goalscorers nearly combined for a third in the 65th minute when Bart slipped Song through on goal, but Hafiz was quick off his line to smother the shot.
Tanaka then had two gilt-edged chances to level the score late in the second half.
He was first denied by a crucial save from Zharfan Rohaizad in the 82nd minute after latching onto a long ball over the top from Darren Teh. The Japanese forward had another chance four minutes later, when he found space in the box for a clear header at goal, but his tame effort was easily collected by Zharfan.
Tanaka’s missed chances served as a reminder to the Sailors not to be complacent, with Bart emphasising the need to kill the game off when given the chance.
“We needed to finish the game earlier, as we had three or four big chances that we didn’t take. This cannot happen again, as opponents like Kodai are very dangerous in the box, so we were fortunate he didn’t capitalise on them,” he said.
Ultimately, though, those misses proved costly for Balestier, as a fired-up Bart — having been denied multiple times throughout the match — cut onto his right foot in the 87th minute and fired a shot past the despairing dive of Hafiz to put his side 3-1 up.
Young substitute Nathan Mao almost got in on the action, but his close-range effort was heroically cleared off the line by the recovering Abdil Qaiyyim in the final minute of regulation time.
However, Bart would not be denied his first hat-trick for the club, as he rifled a free-kick into the top corner in the second minute of injury time — his fifth goal in just two Singapore Cup matches.
“We’ve played a lot of games in a row, but this was an important win, taking us a big step closer to the semi-finals,” said Bart. “The final months of the season are always crucial, as that’s when trophies are won — and the cup is one of them. It means a lot to us.
“The schedule is going to get even busier, but we are professionals, and it’s always great to be playing football. Other than the national team players, the rest of us now have a few days off, so it’s time to recharge and go again in April.”
The Sailors will face Geylang International next in the Singapore Cup on Thursday (27 March), just after the March FIFA international window, before taking on Thai side BG Pathum in their final Group B clash three days later on Sunday (30 March).
They need just a point from their last two games to secure a second consecutive Singapore Cup semi-final berth, having won the trophy last season.
Since joining Lion City Sailors in June 2024, Nurhidayu Naszri has established herself as a vital presence in midfield for her team.
More commonly known as Ayu, she has impressed with a series of standout performances, which earned her a place in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) All-Stars squad set to face Brisbane Roar on 4 April.
For now, though, the 20-year-old will be focused on helping the Sailors Women’s Team build on their 2-1 win over Albirex Niigata (S) in their opening fixture of the 2025 WPL campaign last weekend, as they take on Balestier Khalsa this Sunday (16 March) at Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
But this weekend’s clash against Balestier will hold extra significance for Ayu.
“It will be the first time celebrating my birthday with the team, and I’m very excited. It means a lot to me, and I hope we will get a good result together on my birthday,” the soon-to-be 21-year-old said with a smile.
While enjoying a season of growth with the Sailors in 2024, Ayu acknowledged that she would not have been able to shine on the pitch without the support of her teammates.
“I wouldn’t call myself a key midfielder, because everyone in the team plays an important role,” Ayu explained. “Controlling the tempo of the game wouldn’t be possible without the support of my teammates. Through the bond we’ve built and the chemistry we’ve developed, we aim to work together to manage the flow of the game this weekend.”
Despite the Sailors’ crucial win over title rivals Albirex last weekend, the victory was far from straightforward, with the reigning WPL champions needing to come from a goal down to secure all three points.
That is why Ayu is adamant that she and the Sailors must step up their performances against Balestier, with a particular focus on teamwork and chemistry.
“Our strength is our ability to read each other. We know who to pass the ball to, but we need to improve our midfield play and make better decisions on when to distribute the ball,” explained Ayu.
“We need to be switched on from the start and learn from the mistakes we made against Albirex. Teamwork is crucial, so everyone must be on the same page for us to take control of the game early on.”
Balestier, however, will be no pushovers. With newly appointed Head Coach Farhan Farook at the helm, the Tigresses boast a youthful squad with an average age of 19.5 years — an asset they are sure to leverage as they look to rebuild from the ground up this season.
“I think one of Balestier’s key threats is their youthful squad. They have several Under-16 and Under-19 national players with valuable experience who could pose a danger to us,” shared Sarah Zu’risqha, who started alongside Ayu last Saturday.
“We focused on refining our execution and consistency this week. After a tough start, the emphasis was on minimising mistakes, improving communication, and sharpening fundamentals on both ends of the field. There was also a strong push to increase intensity in training, ensuring the team brings more energy and discipline into this weekend’s game.”
Both Ayu and Sarah also emphasised the importance of confidence and composure as they prepare to face a determined Balestier side this weekend. However, as with all challenges, the Sailors remain steadfast in taking it one step at a time.
“The key things we need to focus on in this weekend’s game are playing with more confidence, improving communication, and securing a strong goal difference,” shared Sarah.
Ayu highlighted the importance of striking the right balance between confidence and discipline, as she explained, “This year will be different, as everyone in the WPL has stepped up, and we can’t afford to be complacent.
“Balestier remains a strong team in their own way, so we must stay focused and motivated in every match, regardless of the opponent. We constantly remind each other to take it one game at a time and give 100% in every training session to maintain our sharpness and intensity.”
Against all odds and in a dramatic turn of events, the Lion City Sailors stunned the Asian footballing fraternity this past week by overcoming tournament favourites Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two quarter-finals to reach the semi-finals.
The Sailors had been awarded a 3-0 win in the first leg after the AFC ruled that Sanfrecce had fielded an ineligible player. They then secured their place in the last four with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the three-time J1 League champions on a historic Wednesday (12 March) night at Jalan Besar Stadium.
While much of the spotlight may be on Shawal Anuar’s acrobatic assist or Lennart Thy’s inch-perfect finish, credit must also go to the Sailors’ resolute backline for standing firm against Sanfrecce’s relentless attack.
Experienced heads like Toni Datković and Bailey Wright played a crucial role, but local stalwarts Lionel Tan and Christopher van Huizen also stepped up admirably, proving they belonged on this stage.
Lionel, in particular, was one of the standout performers of the night. The 27-year-old centre-back put his body on the line with countless blocks and tackles, delivering a warrior-like performance before making way for Ali Alrina in the 84th minute.
“It was a huge game, and we all knew what was at stake,” Lionel recounted. “To reach the semi-finals, we had to be at our absolute best — or even better. There were some scary moments, but we defended as a unit and ultimately got through together.”
Having witnessed Sanfrecce’s devastating attacking prowess from the bench before coming on for the final 7 minutes in the first leg, Lionel ensured he was both tactically and mentally prepared for the challenge in the second leg.
“Sanfrecce is an amazing team, and they were on a different level,” Lionel admitted. “Even with 10 men, their quality was still superb. However, we studied their strengths and knew they would look to exploit the flanks, so we were well prepared for that.”
Shifting his focus back to the domestic front as the Sailors return to Singapore Cup action against Balestier Khalsa on Sunday (16 March), Lionel is determined to uphold the high standards the team has set — whether against domestic or continental opposition.
The Sailors currently sit second in the five-team table, having kicked off their campaign with a 4-1 victory over Tanjong Pagar United back in February.
“As a team, we know we’re fighting on three fronts, and retaining the Singapore Cup is a key part of that,” he said. “That’s why we need to refocus and be ready for this next challenge. No matter the competition, we want to win every game — for the team and for the fans.
“Coach [Aleksandar Ranković] always reminds us that we need to be at our best to get results, and we cannot afford to drop that level. We’ve now raised the bar and set the standard for how we should be performing, so we must keep pushing each other in training.”
The Sailors will head into this clash brimming with confidence, having won their last seven encounters against Balestier in all competitions — a streak that dates back to October 2022.
However, Lionel remains wary of the threat posed by the Tigers, particularly in attack, where they can rely on the prolific Kodai Tanaka, who has racked up 23 goals and 13 assists across all competitions in 2024/25.
The former Sailor was on target when both sides met in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) three weeks ago (23 February), scoring the consolation in a 5-1 defeat for the Tigers.
“Balestier has developed a distinct style of play under Coach Peter de Roo,” Lionel explained. “We know how they look for penetrative passes through the middle and how they push forward, but our focus is on our own strengths — how we set up and how we execute. Ultimately, we’re going for the three points.”
This Singapore Cup clash marks Lionel’s eighth appearance for the Sailors since the start of February, capping off a demanding stretch of fixtures for both him and the team. With the centre-back also earning a call-up to the Singapore Men’s National Team for the upcoming March FIFA international window, he understands the importance of carefully managing his workload.
“With so many games coming up, recovery is crucial for me, especially since I’ve had some niggling injuries that kept me out — like the match against Hougang, which I missed due to a hamstring issue,” Lionel explained.
“Nevertheless, we want to head into this mini break on a high and carry this positive momentum into the rest of the season.”
Lion City Sailors full-back Akram Azman has been named in Tsutomu Ogura’s 22-strong Singapore National Team squad for the upcoming March international window, alongside seven of his Sailors teammates: Hariss Harun, Hami Syahin, Lionel Tan, Christopher van Huizen, Shawal Anuar, Abdul Rasaq Akeem, and Izwan Mahbud.
The septet was part of Singapore’s ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 squad, and Sailors captain Hariss Harun already boasts 138 caps to his name. Akram, however, is at the opposite end of the spectrum — this is his first senior call-up, having previously been capped at the Under-23 level.
The 24-year-old has been on a steady upward trajectory since joining the Sailors from Tanjong Pagar United in January, impressing with his tenacity and relentless engine as a right wing-back in his five appearances in white and blue so far.
He netted his maiden Sailors goal on his first start for the club in a 4-1 Singapore Cup victory over his former employers on 16 February. He then made his Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two debut, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 4-0 win over Muangthong United that sealed the Sailors’ passage into the quarter-finals.
Three of his five appearances came in the Singapore Premier League (SPL), where he memorably registered two assists in a 5-1 win over Balestier Khalsa on 23 March.
Elated with his breakthrough, Akram is raring to contribute to the Lions’ cause as Ogura’s men take on Nepal in an international friendly next Friday (21 March), before hosting Hong Kong in their opening Group C AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier four days later (25 March). Both matches will be played at the National Stadium.
“It’s a proud moment for me to receive a call-up to the senior Lions squad,” said Akram. “I have to credit my coaches and teammates for creating an environment that allows me to improve day by day. I’ll be working my hardest to showcase my abilities and represent the country with pride.”
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.”
