Author: Lion City Sailors
Two more finals.
That was the rallying cry from Lion City Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković to his players after their last-gasp 3-2 defeat to Indonesia’s Persib Bandung in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) Two on Thursday (7 November) night.
In front of a 3,152-strong crowd at the Jalan Besar Stadium, Ranko’s men were mere minutes away from making history and securing a spot in the ACL Two last-16.
However, two stoppage-time goals from Persib turned what initially seemed like a comfortable Sailors victory into a heartbreaking first ACL Two defeat for the hosts.
Group F’s other match also saw late drama, with Port FC clinching a 2-1 victory over Zhejiang Professional in China thanks to Felipe Amorim’s 90th-minute winner. The result pushed the Sailors down to second place in the group, though they remain three points ahead of third-placed Persib with two matches left to play.
This also means that Group F remains wide open, and all four teams can still qualify for the next round.
For Ranko, however, the equation is simple: Sailors must treat their remaining two Group F games as ‘finals’ and give everything to secure a place in the last 16.
“It’s an open group now — any of the four teams can progress to the knockout stage, so it’s going to be two finals for everyone,” Ranko said in his post-match press conference. “It’s a shame; had we won today, we’d already be through. But perhaps we’ll have to do it the hard way.”
However, the evening began swimmingly well for the Sailors, with the in-form Shawal Anuar giving the hosts the lead just nine minutes in.
Maxime’s brilliant long ball found the Singapore international, who took a touch to control it before expertly lobbing Kevin Ray Mendoza in the Persib goal, while the retreating Gustavo França could only watch in despair as the ball found its way into the net.
The Sailors doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Lionel Tan’s long throw-in was unwittingly flicked on to the back post by Persib defender Nick Kuipers, allowing Maxime Lestienne to get ahead of his marker and head the ball home.
This was Max’s first headed goal since joining the Sailors, with his last one coming for Standard Liege against KAS Eupen in the Belgian Pro League back in April 2021.
With a two-goal lead in hand, a confident Sailors side comfortably controlled the first half, and barely gave Persib a sniff at goal. The closest the visitors came to scoring was in the 26th minute, when Tyronne del Pino’s curler struck the crossbar.
Reflecting on his side’s dominant performance in the opening 45 minutes, Ranko said, “It was an excellent first half, and we should have finished the game. We played at home, so we wanted to attack quickly and make a statement with our actions, especially from our strikers. I think we played close to a perfect first half.”
The Sailors started the second half the same way they ended the first — on the front foot — and threatened the Persib goal through efforts from Shawal and Maxime. At the other end, Sailors goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud was called into action on the hour mark, tipping over Del Pino’s accurate strike.
Both teams made key changes in the 65th minute, with Sailors skipper Hariss Harun coming on for the home side, while Persib’s top scorer from last season, David da Silva, also joined the fray.
The Sailors came close to extending their lead and sealing the victory in the 79th minute when Christopher van Huizen delivered a pinpoint cross to Maxime, who directed a header towards goal, only for Persib centre-back França to make a superb clearance off the line.
That heroic piece of defending eventually proved to be more crucial than anyone could have anticipated.
Just three minutes later, the reigning Indonesian champions found their lifeline when centre-back Kuipers unleashed a long-range shot that struck the crossbar, and Da Silva reacted quickest to head in the rebound and pull a goal back for his side.
It was a goal that radically changed the complexion of the game, as Ranko explained: “I had a feeling they (Persib) gave up after 2-0, but we brought them back into the game with the 2-1 goal, so that’s on us.
“We need to be smarter. We need to keep the ball a little longer, not chase a third goal if it’s not on, and avoid giving the ball away too easily. That was the main message to the players, especially in the first half when we didn’t face much pressure from them.”
Indeed, the goal gave Persib the momentum they needed to press forward in the final minutes in search of an equaliser. And they thought they had found it in the 85th minute through Mailson Lima, but his strike was ruled out for a foul on Hafiz Nor.
With Port’s win over Zhejiang, the Sailors needed to secure a victory to guarantee qualification to the knockout rounds of the ACL Two.
Alas, it was not to be.
In the third minute of stoppage time, Croatian full-back Mateo Kocijan broke the hearts of the partisan crowd at Jalan Besar, as he unleashed a rocket into the net that Izwan could do nothing about and levelled it up at 2-2.
But worse was to come for the Singapore outfit, as just two minutes later, Del Pino broke free from the Sailors’ defence and kept his composure to score what proved to be the winner for Persib.
Despite the ‘cruel’ end to the game, Ranko struck an optimistic tone, insisting that his side has the quality to secure the necessary results in the remaining two group games and qualify for the next round of the ACL Two.
“In football, sometimes it can be very cruel, and out of nothing, you concede two goals. But it’s a tough pill to swallow,” the Serb admitted.
“However, we have to keep our heads up. This is part of the job, and we’ve shown we can compete with every opponent in this group. That’s exactly what we’ll continue to do. We have one more match at home.
“Today, luck turned its back on us. It’s a shame we had to lose this game, but that’s football.”
The Sailors now have a three-week break to regroup before travelling to China to face Zhejiang Professional on 28 November, a team they defeated 2-0 in the reverse fixture.
They will then wrap up the ACL Two group phase against Port a week later (5 December) at Jalan Besar Stadium, with that being the final match for the Sailors in 2024.
After two productive away trips that yielded four points, the Lion City Sailors return home to face reigning Indonesia Liga 1 champions Persib Bandung in a crucial Group F Matchday Four tie, as they look to strengthen their bid to progress to the next round of the 2024/25 Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two.
The last time the Sailors played at home, they opened their campaign with an impressive 2-0 victory over China’s Zhejiang Professional in September. However, they know this upcoming encounter against Persib will be anything but straightforward.
Win or bust for Persib
With Persib currently languishing at the bottom of Group F with one point from three matches – five adrift of second-placed Port FC, the Indonesian side knows they need nothing less than a win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Persib’s only point so far came in a gritty 1-1 draw with the Sailors at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium two weeks ago, where they held on despite Dimas Drajad’s dismissal early in the second half.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Persib coach Bojan Hodak struck a defiant tone, and expressed confidence that his team is ready to make amends.
“This group is tough, and the other three teams are strong, the 53-year-old Croat said. “We were competitive in the first matches, but we were unlucky, which may have been due to inexperience.
“But with every game, we’re improving. Even in the last match (against the Sailors), I felt we were close to winning, but the red card made a difference, as we played with 10 men for half of the game. I hope tomorrow will be different, and that we can achieve a positive result.”
This time, the match will be played on the synthetic pitch of Jalan Besar Stadium — a slightly unfamiliar setting for Persib, but one they are determined to adapt to.
“To be honest, nobody likes playing on artificial pitches, but it’s something we can’t change,” said Hodak. “But we had a training session today, which should give the players enough time to adapt. They all have experience playing or training on artificial surfaces, but it’s definitely a disadvantage for teams outside of Singapore.”
Persib’s boost in personnel
While local star Drajad is set to miss out due to a three-match suspension following his dismissal against the Sailors, Persib will welcome prolific forward David da Silva back into the fold.
The 34-year-old Brazilian, who was last season’s Liga 1 top scorer with 30 goals in 34 matches, has joined Persib’s 20-man travelling squad after recovering from injury, and could feature for the Bandung outfit.
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Da Silva’s presence is a boost for an attack that has leaned heavily on compatriot Ciro Alves and Spanish playmaker Tyronne del Pino, who together have scored eight of Persib’s 18 league goals this season. Both players have been pivotal in Persib’s impressive start to the 2024/25 Liga 1 season; Hodak’s side remain the only unbeaten team after 10 matches and sit just one point off the top.
Persib were, however, frustrated in their most recent league outing last Friday (1 November), as they were held to a 1-1 draw by bottom-placed Semen Padang at home. And Hodak knows his team will have to step up their performance against a ‘dangerous’ Sailors side.
“The ACL Two is a different experience and a different level compared to the league,” said Hodak. “Unfortunately, our league schedule doesn’t help us, so we haven’t been able to field our best team. We’ve had to rotate players, and we’ve also had to deal with injuries and other issues.
“The Sailors have a very dangerous counterattack, with players like Maxime Lestienne, who have exceptional individual quality. They’re very disciplined and wait for the opponent to make mistakes.
“But I’m confident that if we play them with 11 men on the pitch, we can win this game.”
Brazilian defender Gustavo França, who joined the club from Portuguese second-division club C.D. Tondela in the off-season, added, “I’m sure it will be a tough game, especially since they (Sailors) have a good team. But I think we’re heading in the right direction, and our team is strong enough to perform well and get a positive result.”
Opportunity for Sailors to make history
Meanwhile, the mood in the Sailors camp is buoyant following a brilliant 3-1 away win against Port, which has put them at the top of Group F with seven points at the halfway stage of the Group Stage.
As such, the Sailors are in an excellent position to qualify for the ACL Two Round of 16 for the first time in the club’s history. A win against Persib, combined with a Port victory away against third-placed Zhejiang, would secure the Sailors’ place in the knockout stages with two games to spare.
Nonetheless Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković remains focused on the immediate task: to beat Persib and give the home fans another memorable night.
Under the Serb’s leadership, the Sailors have already defied expectations with home victories over South Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Chinese opposition in successive years.
“Obviously the Port win gives the team a lot of confidence, but I have to say we didn’t lack any confidence even before that, and this group has shown that they have the resilience to cope with tough times,” said the former ADO Den Haag man.
“There’s a good atmosphere within this team and we want to continue this good start. We’ll have our fans behind us again, and we really love the crowd whenever we host continental matches. I hope the fans will come and fill up the stadium because it’ll be a huge boost for our players.
“If there’s a moment to fill up the stadium, this is it. I hope they will all come, as we want to achieve something historical for them.”
Dutch midfielder Bart Ramselaar will miss out as he serves the final match of his two-game suspension, but the Sailors still have ample quality in their ranks to trouble Persib, including the likes of Maxime Lestienne, Shawal Anuar, and Lennart Thy. The latter is especially eager to make his mark as he eyes his first continental goal for the Sailors.
“After what we did so far in this group, we’re all excited to play tomorrow — especially in front of our home crowd,” said Lennart, who represented Werder Bremen in the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League.
“I had a good feeling from the first game when we defeated Zhejiang at home. We showed our level, we were compact and did what was asked of us. Everyone, including myself, is really looking forward to this game and I hope we can bring everything onto the pitch, just like what we did in the past few matches.”
Eight Lion City Sailors players have been called up to Tsutomu Ogura’s 26-strong Singapore National Team squad that will face Myanmar and Chinese Taipei in ‘A’ International Friendlies during the upcoming November international window.
Lions captain Hariss Harun, along with Hami Syahin, Abdul Rasaq Akeem, M. Anumanthan, and custodian Izwan Mahbud, have retained their places in the squad after participating in the October training camp in Japan, where the squad faced J1 League clubs such as FC Tokyo, Tokyo Verdy, and Yokohama F. Marinos in friendly matches.
Meanwhile, Christopher van Huizen, Lionel Tan (pictured above), and Shawal Anuar have been recalled following impressive performances in the Sailors’ ongoing Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two campaign.
The Sailors currently lead Group F in the ACL Two, ahead of Thailand’s Port FC, China’s Zhejiang Professional, and Indonesia’s Persib Bandung.
Shawal is set to make his first Lions appearance in eight months, with his last international outing being Singapore’s 4-1 defeat to China in a FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Round 2 qualifier in March.
The 33-year-old has netted 11 goals in 35 Lions appearances since making his national team debut in 2016.
The Lions will take on Myanmar on Thursday, 14 November, before facing Chinese Taipei four days later, with both matches scheduled to take place at the National Stadium.
As the ball looped over Port FC goalkeeper Worawut Srisupha, making it 3-1 to the Lion City Sailors, Song Uiyoung could not contain his joy.
Wheeling away in celebration, he instinctively slid on his knees and let out a passionate scream on the pristine grass at BG Stadium – raw emotions that have rarely been seen since his return to the Sailors in March.
This marked Song’s fifth goal since rejoining the Sailors, and it was undoubtedly his most memorable yet, as it helped his side secure a historic Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two win over one of the top teams in Thai League 1.
Recalling that moment, Song said, “We were under pressure at 2-1, and Port kept attacking. I was thinking, we need one more goal to close out the game. That’s why I was so motivated to score.
“When Shawal (Anuar) gave me the ball, I knew it was the chance… I had to wait a few seconds to see if the ball went in, and that goal was such a release of all the tension on the field. That’s why I celebrated the way I did, and it was important because the game changed entirely after that.”
The outpouring of emotion made for some brilliant visuals, with Song admitting he’s replayed the moment more than a few times.
“I saw the videos and photos… they really captured the emotions perfectly, and I’m very grateful to the photographers who took such great shots. It’s a special memory,” said Song, who was one of the Sailors’ standout players in their maiden ACL journey back in 2022.
Song’s tally of three goals then helped the Sailors achieve a record-breaking seven points — the highest-ever tally for a Singaporean club in the ACL group stage.
This time, the Sailors’ determination and unwavering commitment to showcase the best of Singapore football have taken them to the top of Group F — above teams from Thailand, China, and Indonesia — at the halfway point, with seven points from three matches.
“I don’t know what others feel, but within the team, we have a very strong mindset,” Song remarked. “We know we can challenge the best and compete at this level, even against some very strong teams.
“The ACL Two is a bigger stage with higher pressure, but it also brings greater motivation, and we’re embracing the opportunity to compete. We love the tempo and quality of these matches — it brings out the best in everyone on the team.”
While the Sailors are often feted for their roster of established European players, Song noted that it is important to recognise the equally vital contributions of the team’s local core, which includes the likes of Shawal (pictured above), Christopher van Huizen, and Hami Syahin.
“It’s a team effort, and I know the local players here are all of high quality. I’m happy to see them performing and proving they are big players who belong on this stage,” said Song, who has earned 25 caps for Singapore.
The Sailors will next host Indonesia Liga 1 side Persib Bandung on Matchday Four at Jalan Besar Stadium this Thursday (7 November), where a win would put them one step closer to securing a spot in the ACL Two Round of 16.
The visitors have only one point from three matches, gained from the 1-1 draw when the two sides last met at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium a fortnight ago.
While the Sailors stand on the brink of making history, Song has urged his teammates to stay grounded and avoid getting ahead of themselves.
“Yes, we’ve achieved good results so far, but that shouldn’t change our mindset. We need to keep focusing on every training session and match, rather than looking too far ahead,” said Song, who will celebrate his 31st birthday after the game (8 November).
“Creating history for the club would be incredibly meaningful, but it’s essential to recognise the importance of continuing to work together and putting in the effort that has brought us this far. If we stay focused, the results will follow.
“Persib are a very strong team; they’re performing well in the Indonesian league and play with a clear identity, so it’s going to be an intense match — and we need to be ready for the fight.”
Community, Excellence, Discipline, Commitment and Humility – these are the five values of the Lion City Sailors FC and they were all on display by the Sailors Academy’s Under-14 Elite team at the recently concluded Asiana Cup 2024.
The Under-14 boys impressed, finishing fourth in the prestigious tournament which was held from October 24 to 27 at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium and the Senayan Field in Jakarta, Indonesia.
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The eight-team cast consisted of the Sailors, hosts Asiana Soccer School, RC Alcobendas from Spain, Japan’s Cerezo Osaka, Cruzeiro Academy of Thailand, Football West from Australia, Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and another Indonesian side TSI Selection.
The Sailors boys kicked off with a match against TSI Selection on Thursday (October 24) and it was not the best of starts as they began with a defeat. However, under the tutelage of Head Coach Ashraf Ariffin, the team turned things around later in the day with a convincing victory against Cruzeiro Thailand.
The following day on Friday (October 25) it was a similar start as the Sailors succumbed to a loss at the hands of Cerezo Osaka despite leading at half-time against the eventual champions.
But it was déjà vu as they again showed their true mettle later in the day with an eye-catching success against Madrid-based RC Alcobendas.
RC Alcobendas had three Singaporean Unleash The Roar (UTR) players in their ranks, but were undone by the Lion City Sailors Football Academy (LCSFA) which notably competed in the Asiana Cup with eight players who were born in the year 2011, meaning they were younger than the stipulated U14 teams allowed for this competition which speaks volumes about the LCSFA’s level of commitment and growth at grassroots level.
“We are proud of how our boys responded to the different challenges in different matches. We knew coming into the tournament that it would be a highly competitive one and we prepared the team in different scenarios and approaches without compromising our academy principles and playing style,” said Head Coach Ashraf.
“Our players have shown that they can compete with the best in the region and they have also shown that they have the intelligence to adapt to different opponents.”
The youthful exuberance of the boys were on full display on Day Three as the Sailors first played out an entertaining draw against home side Asiana in the morning followed by holding Malaysian powerhouse JDT in the afternoon.
On the final day, the Sailors faced Australia’s Football West to determine which team would finish in the top four and it was a dramatic ending, as Tan Yu Bin’s stoppage-time winner guided the Singaporean boys to an outstanding win with the youngsters showing real grit and determination to come back from a goal down.
The three points on the day took the Sailors up to 11 points with three wins and two draws in seven matches as the rising stars went on to secure a fourth-place finish in the standings, five points ahead of strong teams such as Football West and JDT.
Homegrown talent Ahmad Izzan Rifqi Bin Ahmad had a tournament to remember picking up the Top Scorer award at Asiana Cup 2024 having netted seven goals, with his fine displays earning him a place in the tournament’s Best Eleven.
“It means a lot to me to be the top goalscorer of a tournament like this! It was my goal to be the top scorer and I worked hard for this moment. And it became true. Thanks to the coaches for teaching me what a striker’s mindset should be like,” said Izzan.
Earlier this year, the Sailors’ youth teams had ventured into Europe to gain valuable experience in world-class surroundings with those initiatives certainly paying dividends.
In April, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) recognised the efforts of the LCSFA to develop elite youth footballers in Singapore and was conferred the Two-Star Academy status — becoming only the fourth academy in Southeast Asia to receive Two-Star grading.
The impressive performance at Asiana Cup 2024 further highlights the immense potential of Singapore football and the holistic development of the youth players, as the Lion City Sailors continue their quest to become the region’s finest football academy and the man at the helm of the U-14 side Ashraf spoke about that factor.
“The future is the foundation we build now. Our scholars performed well at the Asiana Cup because of the foundation we laid four years ago,” quipped Ashraf.
“At LCSFA, we have shown that with the correct coaches and the correct expertise around our talent pool, we can take a lot of positive steps in the future.”
The Lion City Sailors took a huge step towards qualifying for the next round of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) Two, as they defeated Thailand’s Port FC 3-1 on Wednesday (30 October) night to go to the summit of Group F.
Shawal Anuar scored a quickfire double in the first-half, before assisting Song Uiyoung for the Sailors’ third after the break, as the Singapore Premier League (SPL) outfit stunned the home crowd at the BG Stadium in Pathum Thani into silence.
With this win, the Sailors remain unbeaten at the halfway mark of the group stage, having notched up two wins and one draw from their first three games in the competition.
This victory also marked the first time in 15 years that a Singaporean club has defeated a Thai team in Thailand in AFC competitions. The last team to do so was the now-defunct Singapore Armed Forces FC, who beat PEA FC (now Buriram United) 4-1 at the Rajamangala Stadium in the 2009 ACL preliminary round.
After the game, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković commended his players for achieving this landmark result.
“Port are a very tough opponent,” said the Serb. “I can’t recall the last time they conceded three goals, so all credit goes to my players. Earning seven points from our first three matches in the ACL Two is a testament to the team’s character, and I think we showed that tonight.”
The suspension of Bart Ramselaar saw Shawal Anuar return to the starting lineup, with Ranko otherwise keeping most of the same squad that began last week’s game against Persib Bandung.
Though the change was enforced, Shawal made the most of his opportunity, opening the scoring for the Sailors just 14 minutes in, with the 33-year-old latching onto Christopher van Huizen’s low cross into the box and calmly slotting it home.
Just three minutes later, the Sailors incredibly found themselves two goals up.
And it was that man Shawal again who made the difference, as the Singapore international latched onto a loose ball, took one touch, accelerated past his marker, before accurately finishing past Port goalkeeper Worawut Srisupha.
It was only the second time in the 2024/25 season that Port found themselves two goals down in a match, while the Sailors were in dreamland, leading 2-0 within 20 minutes for the first time this season, thanks to Shawal’s quickfire brace.
“Shawal is typically a central striker, but without Bart, we knew that playing between the lines isn’t really his strength,” Ranko shared in the post-match press conference. “We needed someone to support our second striker, and we observed that their central defenders tend to push forward aggressively.”
“That allowed Shawal to position himself just behind Lennart, creating ample space for him and Song to exploit. It’s a tactic we worked on over the past few days, and Shawal executed it perfectly.”
If Shawal was the standout in the Sailors’ attack, Hami Syahin was the defensive anchor, quietly excelling in an unfamiliar right wing-back position as he kept Port FC’s main threat, Kevin Deeromram, in check, limiting the home side’s chances in the first half.
After the break, the 2023/24 Thai League 1 second runners-up emerged revitalised, with Lonsana Doumbouya testing Izwan Mahbud with two headers in the opening five minutes of the second half.
The hosts’ pressure eventually paid off in the 55th minute, as Port managed to pull one back when a corner from Deeromram found Japanese midfielder Noboru Shimura, whose powerful header reduced the deficit to 2-1.
Ranko introduced skipper Hariss Harun shortly after, as the team absorbed much of Port’s pressure before Song restored the Sailors’ two-goal lead in the 65th minute.
The goal, which came somewhat against the run of play, required a stroke of luck — Song’s shot deflected off Suphanan, looping over a wrongfooted Srisupha and landing in the net.
“In the second half, we knew they would come at us strongly, and we needed to survive the first 15 minutes, which we didn’t,” Ranko noted. “But after the third goal, I think we defended very comfortably, especially my back line working together with our keeper — they defended really, really well today.”
That third goal silenced most of the 1,478 fans in attendance, and despite Willen Mota’s introduction in the final quarter, Port could do little to alter the scoreline.
Indeed, it was the Sailors who had the better chances in the closing stages of the game, with Lennart Thy just falling short in the final third on two occasions. But it ultimately mattered not, as the Sailors consigned their Thai opponents to just their second defeat in 15 matches in all competitions.
The away win in this rescheduled AFC Champions League Two fixture extends the Sailors’ strong run of form, and Ranko’s charges will now return home to prepare for their Matchday Four encounter against Indonesia’s Persib Bandung at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday, 7 November.
“We are very happy with where we are right now, and we’re looking forward to taking things match by match,” said a delighted Ranko. “Of course, we still have three matches to go, and we’ll do everything we can to reach the knockout phase.”
After a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Indonesia’s Persib Bandung at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium last Thursday (24 October), the Lion City Sailors are back on the road again – this time, to face 2023 Thai League 1 second runners-up Port FC in a rescheduled AFC Champions League (ACL) Two match on Wednesday (30 October) night.
Battle of the top two teams
The encounter at BG Stadium promises to be a fascinating showdown between the two unbeaten teams in Group F. Port FC currently lead the group with six points, two ahead of the Sailors in second place, while China’s Zhejiang Professional trail in third with three points.
Originally scheduled for 3 October, the match was postponed due to adverse weather and safety concerns, causing some frustration among Port fans who had travelled 42km from Khlong Toei to Pathum Thani that evening.
In the pre-match press conference, Port FC coach Rangsan Viwatchaichok emphasised the crucial role of fan support, with many expected to make the long journey once again.
“Even though we’re not playing at our home stadium, we need all our supporters to show up,” said the 45-year-old, whose team currently sits just two points off the top of Thai League 1 after 11 games.
“Of course, the atmosphere won’t be quite the same… They have to travel from Khlong Toei to get here, and while we may not have as many fans as usual, those who come will make a difference. We need them.”
A shift in dynamics
A lot has changed since three weeks ago when the teams were initially set to clash with Port’s two biggest Southeast Asian imports set to miss this encounter; Indonesian right-back Asnawi Mangkualam sustained a Grade 1 hamstring tear during their 3-2 victory over Nakhon Ratchasima on 21 October, while Singaporean centre-back Irfan Fandi is also a significant doubt due to injury.
However, Viwatchaichok remains confident in his team’s depth and resilience.
“We’ve had a busy schedule,” he said. “Some players are at risk of injury, but we’ve checked them, and they’re ready for tomorrow’s game.
“We know that a win here would boost our chances of qualifying for the next round, so we’re fully committed. Preparation has been strong, and we’ll be fielding our best starting XI for tomorrow.”
One key player Port will be relying on is Brazilian attacker Felipe Amorim.
Prior to 3 October, Amorim hadn’t found the net this season and was named among the substitutes on that rainy night. However, the former Fluminense player has since emerged as a crucial asset for Port, scoring in each of the last four matches across all competitions, including the decisive goal in last Thursday’s 1-0 win over Zhejiang.
But Port’s main threat remains Kevin Deeromram. The Swedish-born Thai full-back has amassed nine assists in 13 matches across all competitions, including a league-high seven.
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The connection between Deeromram and Amorim has been superb in recent games, with Deeromram providing identical assists across the six-yard box for Amorim to score against Zhejiang, and again in the 1-1 domestic league draw against Muangthong United three days later (27 October).
The ACL Two tie against the Sailors falls in the middle of a gruelling 15-day stretch, during which Port will play five matches. They will face title rivals Bangkok United just three days later on 2 November, before travelling to China to take on Zhejiang five days after that.
Despite their challenges, Deeromram is confident his side can get a positive result against the Sailors.
“Our target is to win the group and advance to the next stage. Everyone is looking forward to the game against the Sailors; the whole team is ready, and we’re determined to take all three points,” said Deeromram, a former Swedish Under-19 international.
Sailors charting the right course
Port will face a Sailors side who are determined to maintain their positive momentum in ACL Two after a solid start, having earned four points from two matches.
However, the Sailors’ recent away game against Persib left them with mixed emotions; while they showed resilience by coming back from a goal down at half-time to equalise, there was also a lingering sense of what might have been, especially after they played the majority of the second half with a numerical advantage.
The Sailors will need to adjust their lineup for this match, with Dutch midfielder Bart Ramselaar suspended after his dismissal against Persib. Despite the setback, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković remains confident in the squad’s depth to take on one of Thailand’s top teams.
“Port have a lot of quality — not only their foreign players but their local players as well,” Ranko remarked. “They’re leading the group for good reason, and have shown strong performances both in the ACL Two and in their domestic league.”
He added, “We’re excited to play against such quality opposition and prove ourselves on this stage. The team is well-prepared. With some minor issues from injuries and suspensions, other players will have to step up, and I’m confident they will.”
A win would propel the Sailors to the top of Group F at the halfway point of the Group Stage — an enticing incentive that will drive them to push their limits in pursuit of a historic first-ever qualification for the tournament’s last 16.
And Sailors defender Lionel Tan claims the team are fully focused on that objective.
“At this stage, every point is crucial,” said Lionel, who has played the full 90 minutes in each of the Sailors’ two ACL Two Group F fixtures till date.
“Port are a strong side, but each game is different, and we’re committed to preparing in our own way and focusing on what we can control. We play with confidence and stay aligned with the coach’s instructions. Taking it one game at a time is key for us.”
The Sailors will also have the backing of a dedicated group of travelling fans on Wednesday, and Lionel expressed his gratitude for their unwavering support.
“For every away game so far, we’ve always heard our fans cheering us on,” Lionel said. “We’re truly grateful to them for making the effort to be there for us, even though they have to travel for the game.
“We’ll going to do our best to repay their love for us tomorrow night.”
The Lion City Sailors continued their unbeaten run in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two as they came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Indonesia Liga 1 champions Persib Bandung at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on Thursday (24 October) night.
Tyronne del Pino opened the scoring for Persib in the 43rd minute, but just four minutes into the second half, Bailey Wright equalised for the Sailors with a brilliant header.
Moments later, Persib’s night took a turn for the worse as they were reduced to 10 men when Dimas Drajad was sent off for headbutting Bailey.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Persib were able to hold on for their first point of the ACL Two campaign. And Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković admitted it was a missed opportunity for his side to secure another win in the competition.
“We can be a little disappointed because the opponent played with a man less for a long time, and we couldn’t break down their defence,” Ranko said in the post-match press conference. “We had most of the possession, but I feel we could have done a little more.”
The Sailors – who defeated Zhejiang Professional 2-0 in their opening ACL Two match last month – entered the game on the back of a successful run in the Singapore Premier League (SPL), where they extended their lead at the top of the table to six points.
Persib, on the other hand, were still searching for their first point in ACL Two after losses to Port FC and Zhejiang. However, they are unbeaten in the Indonesian Liga 1 this season, and were buoyed by a 2-0 victory over league leaders Persebaya Surabaya over the weekend.
Despite the raucous home support, it was the visiting Sailors who started brightly, with Maxime Lestienne forcing Kevin Ray Mendoza into a save from a tight angle just a minute into the match.
Neither side managed to create any clear-cut chances in the opening quarter, with Persib’s first notable effort coming in the 27th minute with captain Marc Klok attempting to catch Izwan Mahbud off guard with a corner. The Sailors’ goalkeeper, however, remained alert and tipped the ball over the bar.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 43rd minute when Indonesian international Drajad escaped his marker and played a perfectly weighted through ball to Del Pino, who coolly chipped the ball over the onrushing Izwan.
Feeling that his side had largely controlled the first half, Ranko was understandably frustrated to go into the break a goal down.
“I think we controlled the match quite well in the first half. We didn’t allow any shots on goal and created a few promising breaks. I wouldn’t call them clear chances, but there were some opportunities. Then we conceded at the worst possible moment, which can’t happen — especially with the experienced team we have.”
But the Sailors tactician did not have to wait long for his charges to respond in the second half.
Following a short corner routine, Maxime delivered a superb cross, and Bailey ghosted in at the back post with a header in the 49th minute to level the scores and silence the 2,111 Bobotoh fans in attendance.
It was the Australian centre-back’s seventh goal for the Sailors since his arrival from England in July last year, and he was pleased with his contribution.
“First of all, a lot of respect for the opposition — they made it tough for us. As a group, as a team, as a club, we’re getting stronger with each passing day, and I think today is another example of that,” said Bailey, who has represented Australia in the 2014 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.
“We’re a good side, we’re a tough team to beat, and we showed that today. We’ll just keep growing, and we’ll see where that takes us.”
Bailey was in the thick of the action again just two minutes later, when Persib’s Drajad lost his cool and headbutt the Sailors defender, leaving Iranian referee Bijan Heidari no choice but to show him a straight red card.
In the 63rd minute, the Sailors almost broke through the Persib defence with Rui Pires’ pass finding Song Ui-young, but the Incheon native misdirected his shot from a promising position.
Just a minute later, Persib had a chance of their own as Ciro Alves was denied at the near post by Izwan, who bravely stood his ground and took a knock to the face in the process.
Ranko then made several changes, introducing Shawal Anuar, Sergio Carmona Pérez, and Abdul Rasaq Akeem, but the game eventually fizzled out into a draw.
There was, however, one last moment of drama in the final minute, with Bart Ramselaar being sent off, as both teams ended the game with 10 men.
In the other Group F match, Port overcame Zhejiang 1-0, thanks to a second-half goal from Felipe Amorim.
The Thai side now tops the group with six points, while the Sailors sit second with four points. The two sides will face off next Wednesday (October 30) in their rescheduled ACL Two clash in Pathum Thani.
As the Sailors prepare for their trip to Thailand, Bailey has urged his teammates to focus on the positives ahead of what promises to be another crucial away match in the continental competition.
“Away fixtures in this tournament are always challenging,” he said. “We aimed for a win and felt we could have taken all three points, but a draw is the next best outcome.
“It’s a draw on the road, along with a solid performance, and those are the positives we’ll carry forward.”
Sailors fuelled for feisty Persib challenge
The Lion City Sailors are aiming to make it two wins out of two in the 2024/25 Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two, but reigning Indonesia Liga 1 champions Persib Bandung stand in their way in what should be a tough encounter at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on Thursday (24 October) night.
The only unbeaten team in Indonesia Liga 1
After winning the league last season via the Championship Series, which pitted the top four teams of the regular season in a two-legged knockout format, Persib are well-positioned for another title challenge this campaign, which has now reverted to a full league format.
After eight matchweeks, Persib sit third in the 18-team table, just one point behind joint-leaders Bali United and Persebaya Surabaya.
A 2-0 victory over Persebaya on Friday (18 October), which ended the latter’s unbeaten record, along with Borneo FC Samarinda’s first loss of the season the following day to Persis Solo, means Persib are now the only remaining undefeated side in the 2024/25 Indonesia Liga 1.
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However, their fortunes differ starkly in the ACL Two, where they currently sit at the bottom of Group F with zero points after back-to-back 1-0 defeats at home to Thailand’s Port FC, and away to China’s Zhejiang Professional.
Reflecting on the two defeats, Persib coach Bojan Hodak highlighted inexperience as the key factor behind their losses.
“We lost both matches in the final stages due to individual mistakes, but this comes down to experience,” Hodak noted. “At the international level, the teams are stronger, and if you make errors, they will punish you — something that may not happen as often in the local league. To improve, we need to play more consistently.”
He also pointed out the need for better scheduling to allow for adequate preparation, as he said, “We need help from the Indonesian league to provide a schedule that allows us to prepare properly. In the first round, we played six matches in 22 days, and it’s impossible to get good results under those conditions.
“We entered matches tired, couldn’t field our best XI, and injuries occurred due to this packed fixture list. Some of the injuries we have are directly linked to the tight schedule. We do everything we can and always aim to win, but players aren’t machines — they need proper rest to perform at their best, and for that, we need a better schedule.”
However, Hodak believes the upcoming match against the Sailors is the perfect opportunity to turn the tide.
He said, “It will be a tough match. The Sailors are one of the best teams in the region, having invested heavily, and you can see the results. They have already beaten a Chinese team (Zhejiang) who were favourites on paper, so they’re definitely strong.
“They’re top of the league in Singapore and don’t concede many goals, which makes them hard to beat. But I hope, in front of our fans at home, we can secure a positive result.”
Persib’s squad boasts several players who pose a serious threat to the Sailors. Captain and midfield maestro Marc Klok came through the ranks of FC Utrecht, while defender Nick Kuipers made 28 appearances in the Dutch Eredivisie between 2017 and 2019. Dutch-born Cape Verdean winger Mailson Lima also has experience in the Dutch second division.
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With last season’s Liga 1 top scorer, David da Silva, likely to miss out due to injury, the Sailors will need to be particularly cautious of former Brazil Under-20 winger Ciro Alves, who currently tops the Liga 1 assists chart with six.
Ex-LaLiga 2 playmaker Tyronne del Pino also poses a significant threat, ranking second in both goals and assists, with four each.
This foreign contingent is well-supported by a strong local core, including midfielder Rachmat Irianto, who has earned 31 caps for Indonesia at just 25 years old, and forward Dimas Drajad, who has netted six goals in 15 international appearances.
A hostile atmosphere expected
Notably, Persib’s win over Persebaya at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium was played behind closed doors, as they served the first of a two-match sanction imposed by the PSSI (Football Association of Indonesia) Disciplinary Committee. This came after a failure to maintain order and security during their 2-0 home win over Persija Jakarta on 23 September.
However, the sanction does not extend to ACL Two matches, so the Bobotoh (Persib’s fans) are expected to fill the stadium and enthusiastically support their beloved team in person.
“When the stadium is full, the atmosphere is fantastic, and it’s not easy for the opponents to play,” said Persib goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza, who has 10 caps for the Philippines national team.
“The Sailors are a strong team. They already have three points while we have none, so they’re the favourites. But at home, we’re better, and we have to win. Offensively, they’re dangerous, especially Maxime (Lestienne), who can shoot with both feet.
“But it’s not just him — they have several players who can score stunning goals from outside the box, so we need to be mindful of that.”
Hodak also called on Persib’s fans to fill out the stadium, adding, “When opponents step onto the field and hear the crowd, maybe their legs will start to shake. Their support also gives extra motivation to the players, and they can perform better. So, I hope we have a full stadium for this match tomorrow.”
Sailors’ full throttle for ACL Two
Meanwhile, the Sailors come into this match in equally strong form, having extended their lead at the top of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) to six points with a solid 3-1 win over Hougang United.
That marked their final domestic game of 2024, allowing them to now fully focus on the ACL Two, where they will play five more group-stage matches between now and December.
With adverse weather and safety concerns leading to the rescheduling of their Matchday Two clash against Port FC, the Sailors are eager to build on the solid platform set by their opening 2-0 victory over Zhejiang.
When asked about the prospect of playing in front of a hostile, sell-out crowd, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković was adamant that his team would relish the challenge.
“I think it’s great to have a full stadium — this is what football is all about. I believe my players are also looking forward to these types of matches. Unfortunately, we don’t often get this kind of experience in Singapore, so playing in a packed stadium is added motivation,” said the Serb.
“We’re happy to be here, playing against one of Indonesia’s top clubs. We thrive on these challenges, and now that we’ve wrapped up our last league match for 2024, we can fully focus on ACL Two – and we can’t wait.”
One player that the Sailors can call upon to give a bit of an insight into Indonesian football is midfielder Song Uiyoung, who spent half a season with Persebaya in 2023 before re-joining the Sailors this March.
And the 30-year-old, who played against Persib last October in a 3-2 defeat for Persebaya, is anticipating an intense encounter on Thursday.
He said, “I know the players in Persib, I know the quality they have and the coach as well, so I’m sure it will be a good, competitive game. But we’re well prepared for the challenge, and we’re going to do our best.”
It might have taken some time, but with 11 goals in 14 Singapore Premier League (SPL) matches, it is safe to say that Lennart Thy has fully integrated into the Lion City Sailors team.
Off the pitch, the German forward has also settled into life in Singapore, especially now that his family has joined him in the country, cheering him on from the stands at every game.
“For sure, it wasn’t easy initially. The first month here was about getting used to everything – a new country, new weather, and new teammates,” said the 32-year-old, who arrived in the Lion City some five months ago in late May.
“But everything goes fast. After one and a half months, I feel settled. My wife and two kids (aged four and two) are here with me, which is very important. On the footballing side, I now understand the league and the players a bit better.
“In the beginning, I wanted to be everywhere and be a part of everything. But now I know what matters and where to position myself to be even more beneficial to my team. It’s been good, and I want to keep this momentum going.”
Lennart arrived in Singapore after a long season in Europe, having played 32 league games for Dutch Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle from August 2023 to May 2024.
Ever the consummate professional, he is keen to downplay any excuses related to fatigue, and insists instead that he is eager to play a more pivotal role for the Sailors.
“Fatigue is definitely not an issue. We’ve got some rest in between matches, and we have everything at the club to ensure we recover properly. I feel physically sharp and ready to contribute,” said the former German Under-20 forward.
“So far, my efforts have been good, but I’ve missed some chances, and I know I can do better at finishing them. I set high expectations for myself, and I’m committed to being in the best possible shape to help the team achieve success this season.”
Now, he is eager to carry that momentum into the continental arena, with a crucial AFC Champions League (ACL) Two away game against Indonesia Liga 1 side Persib Bandung coming up on Thursday (24 October) night.
The Sailors currently lead Group F after an opening 2-0 victory over China’s Zhejiang Professional, and they are determined to make a breakthrough in their third consecutive season representing Singapore in AFC club competitions.
“These are the types of games that the team is clearly very pumped up for, as we want to challenge ourselves against these top teams in Asia and represent the country well,” said Lennart.
“Against Zhejiang, we were disciplined and compact – we executed the game plan, and it was a well-deserved win.
“That’s the benchmark for us. If we can perform at this level and give nothing less than 100 percent in every game, I believe we have a good chance to qualify for the last 16.”
Despite his goal scoring prowess, Lennart’s game goes beyond just putting the ball in the back of the net. Against Zhejiang, he delivered a classic target man performance, consistently holding up the ball and creating opportunities for his teammates.
And Lennart revealed that he aims to replicate that display against Persib, as the Sailors’ No. 9 said, “At this level, it’s crucial to have someone who can hold the ball and invite pressure, allowing the team to push forward and find more passing options.
“My role is extremely important in these games, and I will do everything I can to help the team, even if I can’t score.”
The upcoming encounter with Persib also pits Lennart against a familiar foe from the Eredivisie — Nick Kuipers. The two faced off back in March 2019, when Lennart scored twice to secure a 3-0 victory for PEC Zwolle over FC Emmen, in which Kuipers played as a central defender.
“It’s a nice little memory and I still remember this game. He’s a good player and I’m looking forward to the duel again,” he said.
