Author: Lion City Sailors
When Persib Bandung’s Andrew Jung put his side ahead at Bishan Stadium last Wednesday (26 November), it looked as though another difficult night in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two was looming for the Lion City Sailors.
This time, however, the hosts responded with conviction. Two quickfire goals from Shawal Anuar and Anderson Lopes flipped the contest on its head and sealed a vital win that kept the Sailors’ hopes of qualifying for the next round alive.
The result was especially satisfying for centre-back Lionel Tan, who still recalls last year’s corresponding fixture, which saw the Sailors concede three times in the final 15 minutes to fall 3-2 to the Indonesian side.
“I remember last year’s game vividly. We were disappointed, and nobody returned to the changing room happy,” said Lionel.
“This time, we managed to beat them by the same scoreline. Persib are a much stronger side this year, but we worked really hard and took our chances well.”
Beyond his defensive shift, Lionel also played a key part in the Sailors’ opener, delivering a pinpoint ball over the top for Lennart to finish. That assist was his third in Sailors colours.
“It was a good goal as my pass landed right behind the centre-back,” said Lionel. “But more importantly, Lennart’s touch and finish were perfect, so I’m just happy to have contributed.”
The victory was the Sailors’ fourth in five matches at Bishan Stadium this season, and Lionel felt the team’s response under pressure reflected their spirit and character.
“Everyone knew what was at stake. We certainly didn’t want to be eliminated from the competition, so we gave everything to get the win,” he said.
“Thankfully, we have a squad full of strong characters who can change a game even when we’re behind. That’s something we’ll carry into the final match.”
Despite securing a crucial win against the Group G leaders, the Sailors will still head into the final round of fixtures with their fate not in their hands. They must first beat Selangor FC and then hope Persib slip up against Bangkok United in order to reach the knockout stages.
Even with the uphill task ahead in the qualification race, Lionel remained intent on staying grounded in the Sailors’ own approach, and emphasised that the team’s mentality will be key heading into the decisive game.
“Focusing on what you can control is very important because you need to go into every game fully tuned in to your own performance, as well as what the coach has planned,” he said.
“Although qualification is not in our hands, we will go into the game aiming for a win. What we can control is giving our very best until the final whistle.
But first, the Sailors face a tricky away test against Bangkok United in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup on Thursday (4 December). This marks the Sailors’ third meeting with the Thai side in the past two months.
The Sailors’ only two defeats in their last eight matches against Thai opposition came against Bangkok, having recently lost 1-0 and 2-1 to them in the ACL Two group-stage encounters.
“Bangkok have some great players and are very competitive in the Thai League. This is the third time we’re playing them in a short span of time, and I think even they’re tired of seeing us,” Lionel said with a grin.
“Our past two meetings have been very close, and I expect the same this time. Losing all three games would not be ideal, so we’re definitely going there to get a result.”
The Sailors endured a disappointing Shopee Cup campaign in the 2024/25 season, finishing fourth in their six-team group after three defeats in five matches. They also made a tough start to this year’s edition, falling 3-1 to Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim in their Group B opener back in August.
Even so, the experience has only strengthened Lionel’s resolve to help the team turn their fortunes around.
“The Shopee Cup is a very important competition to all of us. We know we have to push to do better than last year, which is why this game is so important,” said Lionel.
“It’s going to be tough, but I know the character we have in this team. We’re ready to bring the same spirit we showed against Persib and fight for all three points.”
Still riding the high of Singapore’s historic qualification for the Asian Cup, Lionel — one of eight Sailors called up for that decisive clash against Hong Kong — is keen to use that achievement as a springboard for further growth.
“Qualification for the Asian Cup has been one of the best moments of my career, and it motivates all of us to keep working harder,” he said. “For me, it’s about staying consistent, staying disciplined, and continuing to do what I’ve been doing.”
With a number of Sailors fans expected to make the nearly 2,000km trip to Bangkok, Lionel is determined to put in a performance worthy of their support.
“We’ve been to Thailand countless times, and we always see them there cheering for us. They may be small in numbers, but their voices are always heard loud and clear,” he said.
“Our Shopee Cup campaign has only just begun, and we’ll work hard to win games so we can be happy together.”
The Lion City Sailors reignited their 2025/26 Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two qualification hopes with a spirited 3-2 comeback victory over Group G leaders Persib Bandung at the Bishan Stadium on Wednesday (26 November).
Having suffered a heartbreaking late defeat in the corresponding fixture last year, the Sailors showed tremendous character to overturn a one-goal deficit through strikes from Lennart Thy, Shawal Anuar, and Anderson Lopes.
Crucially, the win keeps the Sailors firmly in the hunt for a spot in the Round of 16.
Speaking after the game, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković acknowledged that missing key personnel had complicated preparations, but paid tribute to his side’s grit and togetherness.
“This victory feels a little more special. We had trouble setting up the team with many key players missing, but my players gave everything they had and did an amazing job,” said Ranko, whose team became the first to put three goals past Persib this season.
“We knew it was going to be tough, and although the win wasn’t pretty, today was about getting the three points. Our hopes of qualifying are still alive, so full credit to the boys.”
In front of a 2,578-strong home crowd, the Sailors got off to a blistering start, taking just eight minutes to open the scoring through Lennart, who latched onto a long pass from Lionel Tan and lifted the ball over Teja Paku Alam for his third ACL Two goal of the campaign.
Persib, however, hit back almost immediately. Two minutes later, a short-corner routine ended with Frans Putros firing from the edge of the area; his scuffed effort struck the post and trickled over the line.
Song Uiyoung came close to restoring the lead in the 38th minute when his ferocious drive from range skimmed just wide, but the sides eventually went into the break level.
Persib emerged with greater intent after the interval, and took the lead in the 56th minute when Thom Haye found space down the right and crossed for Andrew Jung, who steered a precise header beyond Ivan Sušak.
With the Sailors staring at defeat, Ranko turned to his bench, introducing both Hami Syahin and Maxime Lestienne into the fray.
And their impact was immediate.
Barely a minute after coming on, Maxime whipped in a sumptuous cross for Shawal, who nipped in front of Putros and fired home the equaliser.
Persib almost hit back again, with Haye dragging a shot wide moments later. They went even closer on 67 minutes, but Ivan produced a superb reflex stop to deny Ramon Tanque from point-blank range.
From the resulting corner, Hami was perfectly placed on the line to nod away Júlio César’s goal-bound header.
The midfielder then turned creator in the 71st minute, showing real composure under pressure in his own box before lifting a pinpoint long ball into the path of Anderson, who coolly slotted past Alam for what proved to be the winner.
“I’m happy with the result, but this win was a team effort,” said Anderson, who was named Man of the match. “Everybody gave their all. You could see how much we wanted the three points, and that says a lot about our character.”
Despite missing stalwarts Bailey Wright, Hariss Harun, and Safuwan Baharudin at the back, the Sailors’ defence held firm under late Persib pressure. Ivan then capped a standout performance with another crucial save in the 75th minute, spreading himself brilliantly to block Uilliam Barros’ effort.
The win leaves the Sailors third in Group G, three points behind Persib, but with a superior head-to-head record.
With Bangkok United sealing qualification after drawing 1–1 with Selangor earlier in the evening, the Sailors know they must beat the Malaysian side on the final matchday, and hope Persib fall to Bangkok, to qualify as runners-up.
Even so, Ranko emphasised that the focus must remain on matters within the team’s control, as they now turn their attention to two pivotal away fixtures: a meeting with Bangkok United in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup on 4 December, followed by the decisive ACL Two clash against Selangor six days later.
“Just like today, every game is a must-win, so nothing changes,” said Ranko. “Selangor will be at home, it’s their last game and they’ll have a point to prove, so it won’t be easy.
“But instead of thinking about what happens elsewhere, our full energy and focus will be on Bangkok United next week, and then getting that win away at Selangor.”
After a three-week break, the Lion City Sailors return to action with a pivotal Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two clash against Indonesia Super League powerhouse Persib Bandung on Matchday Five.
Down, but not out
For the Sailors, the equation is simple – this is a do-or-die fixture. With back-to-back defeats to Bangkok United leaving their campaign on the ropes, they must beat the reigning Indonesian champions at Bishan Stadium to keep their hopes of reaching the next round alive.
Under ACL Two regulations, head-to-head results take priority over goal difference. So, as things stand, the Sailors must take maximum points from their final two matches, while hoping either Persib or Bangkok lose both of their remaining fixtures.
Any further dropped points would see the Sailors’ continental run come to an end.
The Sailors’ immediate task is to overcome a Persib side in formidable form. The Indonesian giants arrive in Singapore on the back of a seven-match winning run across all competitions, and remain unbeaten against the Sailors in three previous meetings.
Their last visit to Singapore came in November 2024 at the Jalan Besar Stadium, where they struck three times in the final 12 minutes to claim a 3-2 victory. Persib repeated that same feat in their recent ACL Two outing, as they came from two goals down to beat Selangor FC and move top of the group.
But despite their perfect away record so far, Persib Head Coach Bojan Hodak stressed caution ahead of the test at Bishan.
“Our confidence is high after winning the last seven games in a row. The team is getting better after each win, but the challenges are also getting tougher,” said the 54-year-old.
“The Sailors were finalists last year, so it will be a tough game. If we go into it with the mindset of settling for a draw, we’ll probably end up losing, so we’re going to try and win.”
A serial winner with 10 domestic top-flight titles across Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia, Hodak has steadied Persib after a shaky opening to the campaign.
The arrivals of versatile full-back Eliano Reijnders and Brazilian defender Júlio César have tightened Persib’s rearguard, which has kept five clean sheets in their last six matches and not conceded a domestic goal since September.
Further forward, new signing Andrew Jung has hit the ground running. The former Ligue 2 striker has scored in six consecutive matches, and most recently scored the winner in a crucial 1-0 league victory over Dewa United that kept Persib within reach of leaders Borneo FC.
While a draw tomorrow would be enough for captain Marc Klok and his side to reach the knockout stages of an AFC competition for the first time since 2015, the midfielder does not want to leave anything to chance, and insists his side will fight for all three points.
“We are not here for a draw tomorrow; our mindset is to go into every game wanting to win,” he said.
“The goal for Persib as a club isn’t just to qualify for the next round. We want to win the group. That has been our mission since the start of the tournament.”
Ready to give everything
The Sailors will look to build on the lift provided by Singapore’s historic Asian Cup qualification, which was secured with a 2-1 win over Hong Kong that featured five Sailors players in the starting XI.
Among them was midfielder Song Uiyoung, who previously spent half a season in Indonesia with Persebaya Surabaya. The 32-year-old knows Persib’s quality well, but believes the Sailors have what it takes to match them.
“The team has played against Persib a few times over the past two years, so we are familiar with their players and their strengths. All of us are well prepared for tomorrow,” said Song.
“We achieved a historic result for the Singapore national team last week, and I’m in a good mood and rhythm. I’m determined to perform and help the team get all three points.”
With a second successive knockout-stage qualification on the line, Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković is fully aware of the magnitude of the occasion.
“The one thing we’ve shown in this campaign is that the mentality in the team is strong. I don’t think we deserved to lose our previous two games based on the way we played, but luck has not been on our side this season, and that’s football,” said Ranko.
“Our task tomorrow is simple: it’s an important game that we have to win to stay in the competition. All of us are prepared to give everything to get the result we need.”
The Sailors fought to a hard-earned 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture on Matchday One, and Ranko remains confident that his side can do one better in front of their home fans.
“We’ve created a lot more chances than last season, but we’ve scored fewer goals, and that’s something we need to work on. If we can finish those chances, I think we can perform well in the competition,” he said.
“We carry the mindset to win into every game, and tomorrow will be no different — after all, it’s a must-win match for all of us.”
Key centre-back Bailey Wright will be suspended for this clash after accumulating three yellow cards, but the Sailors will be boosted by the return of captain Hariss Harun, who sat out the Sailors’ 2-1 home defeat to Bangkok three weeks ago.
Hariss’ leadership and experience will be invaluable for the Sailors, especially with a sizeable Persib following expected at Bishan Stadium on Wednesday evening. Song, however, believes the Sailors can rely on the home support to push them over the line in what promises to be an absorbing contest.
“The game tomorrow is very important, and I believe the fans are well aware of it,” said Song. “They have been giving us full support and motivating us in every game, and I’m confident it will be the same tomorrow.”
The Lion City Sailors Women concluded their maiden Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League (AWCL) group stage campaign with a 5-0 defeat to Stallion Laguna on Wednesday (19 November).
The result marked the Sailors’ third loss in as many Group A games and sealed their elimination from the tournament.
Nonetheless, Sailors head coach Daniel Ong praised his players’ efforts, and acknowledged that they had faced stronger opposition in all three matches.
“The level of physicality and technical ability at this stage is much higher,” said Daniel. “We need more opportunities to train and compete against teams of this calibre, and continue improving technically and physically so we can match the demands of top-level football.
“But I must say the players gave everything until the final whistle, and I truly respect their effort and commitment throughout this campaign.”
The Sailors made just one change to their starting lineup from the previous match, with Zhang Qiaoling replacing Irsalina Irwan. Stallion, meanwhile, named a strong side that included Philippines internationals Chandler McDaniel and Olivia McDaniel.
However, it was the Sailors who registered the game’s first meaningful effort in the ninth minute, when Eri Kitagawa’s sharp strike was gathered by Olivia.
Stallion responded three minutes later as Mia Bookhard tested Izairida Shakira with a fierce shot.
As the game wore on, the Filipino champions gradually took control, with Angelica Teves releasing Chandler in the 21st minute, only for Shakira to make an excellent stop. But from the resulting corner, the breakthrough arrived as Chandler’s delivery was headed home by American centre-back Halle Johnson to open the scoring.
Chandler continued to threaten, and the Stallion captain doubled her side’s lead just before half-time when Tayla Christensen slid a pass into her path for a powerful finish high into the net. It was a quality strike that underscored the pedigree of a player who had featured against Switzerland and Norway at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Sailors looked to regain a foothold after the break, but Stallion continued to look a threat whenever they poured forward in attack. The next chance of note came on the hour mark through Chandler’s free-kick, which was well gathered by Shakira.
Five minutes later, the Sailors fashioned a chance of their own through a set-piece, but Ami Takeuchi’s free-kick was saved by Olivia.
But Stallion put the contest beyond doubt in the 74th minute, after fine work down the left by McKenna Davidson ended in a simple tap-in for Christensen. The forward then completed her hat-trick in the 84th minute with a stunning long-range effort to make it 4-0.
The Sailors then introduced Rivka Ramji and Farah Nurzahirah as they looked to freshen things up, but it was Stallion who struck again in stoppage time when substitute Kaya Hawkinson released Chandler to slot home.
While the Sailors ended their debut group stage campaign without any points to show for, the experience has only strengthened resolve within the club to return stronger.
“It feels like going back to square one, similar to how we felt in the preliminary round last season,” said Daniel. “But it’s important to see firsthand the standard at this level. It gives us clarity on where we must improve.”
It has nevertheless been a campaign of marked progress. From finishing bottom of their preliminary group in 2024/25, the Sailors stepped up this season by defeating Jordan’s Etihad Club, SDYUSHOR SI-Asiagoal of Kyrgyz Republic, and Malaysia’s Kelana United — scoring eight goals across three matches — to reach the group stage for the first time.
“By getting here, we’ve shown the community back home the level they can aspire to,” said Daniel. “Hopefully it gives young players the motivation to compete well in the domestic league every week.”
Sailors captain Umairah Hamdan admitted that progressing from the group was always going to be a tall order, but emphasised how proud she was of the team’s bravery and effort in every match.
“One of the clearest learnings is the difference between full-time footballers and part-time players. You can immediately see the gap in fitness, intensity and endurance. But our girls really pushed their limits and kept going regardless,” said Umairah.
“On top of that, coming into a competition of this calibre — where the physical demands and quality of football are higher than what we faced in the preliminary rounds — required strong mental readiness. We had to adapt quickly, stay composed and embrace the challenges head on.”
Echoing Umairah’s sentiments, Daniel added, “Facing professional clubs who train, eat and breathe football every day was never going to be easy. Our players need to grow physically, mentally and technically. There’s still a sizable gap in terms of attributes and fitness, but we’ve definitely improved from our first AWCL season.
“There’s plenty of work ahead before we can truly compete with professional clubs at this stage, but we’ll keep pushing.”
The Lion City Sailors Women have endured a challenging yet eye-opening debut Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Group Stage campaign, with back-to-back defeats in Group A leaving them in must-win territory for their final fixture.
Having fallen to Melbourne City and Ho Chi Minh City, the Sailors now know that only victory over Philippines side Stallion Laguna at the Thong Nhat Stadium on Wednesday (19 November) will keep their hopes of a quarter-final berth alive.
A tricky opponent
Stallion, however, present a stern test. A large portion of their squad comprises Filipino players with American heritage, including the McDaniel sisters — goalkeeper Olivia and attacker Chandler — who were part of the Philippines’ historic FIFA Women’s World Cup debut in 2023. The pair joined Stallion following that campaign and played pivotal roles in edging arch-rivals Kaya FC–Iloilo to the 2024 PFF Women’s Cup.
Photo: 2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
Team captain Chandler (pictured above) is a prolific threat in the final third, having scored nine goals across three AWCL Preliminary Stage matches to fire Stallion into the Group Stage. Olivia has been equally influential at the opposite end, and is currently second for saves made in the Group Stage, with seven stops in their 1-0 and 7-0 defeats to Ho Chi Minh City and Melbourne City respectively.
The squad is further bolstered by a talented supporting Filipinas cast, including midfielders Kaya Hawkinson and Isabelle Pasion, as well as newly-capped forward Malia Cerdon. They are complemented by experienced foreign recruits such as former Ninja A-League midfielder Emily Roach and New Zealand forward Tayla Christensen, who featured at the 2016 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
Sailors determined for AWCL breakthrough
Despite the setbacks against Melbourne City and Ho Chi Minh City, the Sailors remain in contention for a place in the next round, with a route still open to qualification as one of the two best third-placed teams.
A win will see them secure third place in the group and progression will then hinge on whether their final points tally exceeds that of the third-placed side in Group B.
“The past two results weren’t good for us, but it’s part of the game. The atmosphere in the camp remains really positive and we all believe that we still can qualify,” said forward Raeka Ee.
“We’ll be going out there with full determination tomorrow and we’re very eager to show what we can do on the continental stage.”
But regardless of how the qualification picture unfolds, the Sailors remain intent on making their mark by overcoming Stallion and securing their first-ever points in the competition.
“We’re not overly concerned with the results or qualification; our focus is largely on how we can improve as a team and how the girls can benefit from this experience,” said Assistant Coach Yeong Sheau Shyan.
“The girls have fought admirably throughout this campaign and tomorrow is another chance for them to battle against the best in this region. I’m confident they will put up a performance that we can be proud of.”
Singing from the same hymn book, Raeka added, “Instead of focusing on things that are not within our control, we want to use our energy on trying to play our football, stick together as a team, and execute the game plan laid down by our coaches.
“As long as we do that, I think we can get a good result.”
The Lion City Sailors Women delivered a spirited performance in their second Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Group Stage fixture against Ho Chi Minh City Women, but were edged out 2-0 by the hosts at the Thong Nhat Stadium on Sunday (16 November) night.
The Sailors held firm for much of a tightly contested affair and put in a resilient defensive shift, only to be undone by two late strikes. The match also saw a worrying moment in the second half involving Nur Ain Salleh, but the team showed admirable resolve to press on until the final whistle.
Reflecting on the result, Sailors Head Coach Daniel Ong noted that while there remains ground to cover to match the competition’s top sides, he was proud of his players’ unwavering commitment.
“Although there is still a significant gap between us and the other clubs, the girls have always given their all in every training session, even after coming from work or school,” he said. “They have pushed themselves to their ceiling, so let’s not take anything away from them.”
Up against a side that had previously made a surprise run to the semi-finals, the Sailors showed no sign of intimidation, and even created the first real opening of the match with a slick move in the 15th minute, which ended with Ami Takeuchi forcing goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh into a smart save.
As the hosts looked to grow into the game, the Sailors’ backline — marshalled by Khairunnisa Anwar and new signing Hikaru Shibusawa — stood their ground with a series of important blocks and timely interventions.
Ho Chi Minh City’s first real sight of goal came in the 32nd minute, when skipper Huynh Nhu’s dangerous cross flashed across the face of goal and just evaded an onrushing Aubrey Goodwill. The hosts threatened again moments later, as Phan Thi Trang headed a free kick over from close range.
Spurred on by nearly 1,000 home supporters, Ho Chi Minh City almost broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time through Huynh Nhu’s curling free kick, but Sailors goalkeeper Izairida Shakira reacted brilliantly to palm it onto the post.
The Vietnamese side continued to apply pressure after the break, with substitute Thi Huynh Nhu striking the post in the 58th minute. She nearly turned provider nine minutes later, as she whipped in a cross that found Phan Thi Trang, whose header once again came back off the woodwork.
From the resulting corner, Huynh Nhu met the delivery with a powerful header, but Shakira stood tall to block it at point-blank range.
However, the match’s key turning point came in the 75th minute when Ain went down off the ball, with the severity of the situation underscored by an ambulance being called onto the pitch.
With play halted for eight minutes and the team understandably shaken, the Sailors gathered together in a tight huddle before the restart to muster up their spirit for the remainder of the game.
But with emotions still raw, their resistance was finally breached in the 83rd minute, when Tran Bao Chau’s mishit pass took an unfortunate bounce over Shakira and into the net.
“The girls have an amazing bond between them, so it’s only natural that the incident affected all of them,” Coach Daniel explained. “It’s not easy to stay focused against a quality opposition after such an incident, and it was an experience that the girls had never faced before.”
In the fourth minute of added time, substitute K’Thua broke into the box and calmly slotted home to put the result beyond reach.
“We came prepared for a very tough opponent, and the girls did well to keep the scoreline goalless for the majority of the game,” said Assistant Coach Yeong Sheau Shyan, who also shared that Ain was thankfully awake in hospital thereafter.
“The players were understandably shaken after the incident and lost a bit of focus. The goal came soon after the restart, and it was difficult to claw our way back from there.”
Despite the disappointing result, Sailors captain Umairah Hamdan praised the team’s resilience in the face of adversity.
“Today’s performance showed the amount of grit and fight in the team. We used the incident as fuel to keep going on the pitch,” she said.
“We’ll bring that same hunger and spirit into the next game. All of us are motivated to give everything we have to push for a place in the knockout stages.”
Despite back-to-back defeats, the Sailors remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage as one of the two best third-placed teams. They will next face the Philippines’ Stallion Laguna on Wednesday (19 November), with a draw enough to secure third place in the group on goal difference.
Their progression will then depend on whether their final points tally surpasses that of the eventual third-placed side in Group B, whose matches begin on Monday (17 November).
Regardless of what unfolds, Coach Daniel hopes this campaign will lay a foundation for aspiring female footballers in Singapore.
“The girls have given their all, both physically and mentally, across this tournament, and featuring at this stage is a huge milestone for all of them,” he said.
“We hope this campaign inspires the next generation of female footballers to work harder and develop the attributes needed to compete at this level.”
The Lion City Sailors Women will need to dust themselves off quickly after Thursday’s (13 November) 5-0 loss to Melbourne City, with another formidable test awaiting in the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League (AWCL).
After all, the Sailors’ second Group A fixture sees them take on host side and last season’s surprise semi-finalists, Ho Chi Minh (HCM) City Women’s Team, at the Thong Nhat Stadium on Sunday (16 November) night.
Up against ASEAN’s finest
The all-conquering HCM City recently clinched a record 14th Vietnamese Women’s National League title, as they underlined their domestic dominance for the seventh consecutive year.
In last season’s inaugural AWCL, they made waves with a remarkable comeback in the quarter-finals as they overturned a two-goal deficit in the final 15 minutes to defeat Emirati side Abu Dhabi Country Club 5-4, before eventually bowing out to eventual champions Wuhan Jiangda Women’s Team.
Their star-studded squad features several players from Vietnam’s historic 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, including national no. 1 Tran Thi Kim Thanh and 37-year-old winger Tran Thi Thuy Trang.
The standout name, however, is captain Huynh Nhu, the country’s all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 116 caps. The 33-year-old forward is also the first and only Vietnamese woman to play professionally in Europe, having featured for Länk Vilaverdense in the Portuguese top flight from 2022 to 2024.
Nhu — the third-highest scorer in last season’s AWCL with three goals — has picked up where she left off, curling in a stunning free-kick on Matchday One to give HCM City a winning start against Stallion Laguna.
Photo: 2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
Their foreign contingent also features United States-born Pakistan captain Maria Khan and Tunisian international defender Samia Aouni.
Sailors determined to prove a point
Despite Thursday’s (13 November) defeat to Ninja A-League powerhouse Melbourne City in their AWCL Group Stage bow, Sailors Assistant Coach Yeong Sheau Shyan insists their team spirit remains as strong as ever, and they are determined to prove a point in their next challenge.
“The atmosphere in the camp is still pretty positive and we’ve largely focused on a quick recovery for this upcoming game,” she said.
“Ho Chi Minh City are a physically quick side with a very direct style and several strong individual players. Nonetheless, we’ll look to our own strengths to match up to them and find a way through.”
Singing from the same hymn book, Sailors goalkeeper Izairida Shakira said, “First of all, we’re aware of the quality of the opponents we’re facing at this level. These are professional teams with players who have featured on the biggest stage, including the World Cup.
“We as a team are very motivated for these matches. For us, it’s all about trusting our abilities, staying compact, and leaving everything out on the pitch.”
A positive result would reignite the Sailors’ hopes of progressing, with the top two teams from each group — along with the two best third-placed sides across the three groups — advancing to the next stage.
Nonetheless, Shakira is keeping her focus on the bigger picture.
“Of course, we have aspirations of qualifying and we want to get our first points in the AWCL Group Stage,” said the 18-year-old.
“But ultimately, it’s more than just results that will define our campaign. It’s about the fight we show, and we’re determined to give a good representation of Singapore women’s football.”
The Lion City Sailors Women fought bravely in their first-ever Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Group Stage match, but fell 5-0 to Melbourne City at the Thong Nhat Stadium on Thursday (13 November).
Despite the defeat to last season’s competition finalists, Sailors Head Coach Daniel Ong believes his players will take plenty from the experience of competing at the highest level of Asian football.
“It’s tough playing against a professional outfit like Melbourne City. Congrats to them for the win, they were far superior to us. Physically and technically, they knew exactly what they were doing,” admitted Daniel.
New signings Rivka Ramji, Hikaru Shibusawa, and Wang Jiaxin were handed their debuts for the club, with all three named in the starting line-up. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Nur Ain Salleh was also named in the first 11, as she became the youngest-ever starter in AWCL history, and only the second-youngest player to feature in the competition at just 15 years and 310 days old.
In contrast, Melbourne fielded 45-year-old goalkeeper and assistant coach Melissa Barbieri between the sticks, while last season’s AWCL Most Valuable Player Rebekah Stott led a formidable side as captain.
Unsurprisingly, it was the Australian side who took control in the early stages, and it did not take them long to break the deadlock. A handball inside the Sailors’ box prompted referee Oh Hyeon-jeong to award a penalty after a Football Video Support (FVS) review.
Last season’s Ninja A-League top scorer, Holly McNamara, made no mistake from the spot, sending a low effort into the bottom corner in the 12th minute.
Leticia McKenna then tested the returning Izairida Shakira with a couple of efforts, while at the other end, Raeka Ee’s persistence earned the Sailors a corner, though it ultimately came to nothing.
“We went into the game expecting it to be a difficult one. They’re from the A-League and reached the final last year, but I’m really proud of the team for giving 100 per cent despite the challenging pitch conditions,” said Raeka in a post-match interview with Futbolita.
“It’s a huge step up from what we’re used to in Singapore and even in the AWCL Preliminary Stage. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to play against these opponents and to help raise the level of women’s football in Singapore.”
Despite the early setback, the Sailors kept their composure and did well to contain their illustrious opponents for much of the first half.
However, Melbourne’s relentless pressure eventually told in first-half stoppage time, when the Sailors conceded a second penalty. McNamara once again converted clinically to give the Australian side a two-goal lead at the break.
Daniel made a change at the break, introducing Qarissa Putri for captain Umairah Hamdan, but the substitution did little to halt Melbourne’s momentum as they continued to press forward in search of another goal.
While they battled valiantly, the Sailors were finally undone in the 55th minute when teenager Alexia Apostolakis unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Two minutes later, it was 4-0 to Melbourne as Danella Butrus marked her maiden professional start with a low drive that beat Shakira from a tight angle.
Just past the hour mark, new signings Zhang Qiaoling and Irsalina Irwan (pictured above) came on for the Sailors with the latter making her AWCL debut, while Melbourne substitute Caitlin Karic was denied only by Shakira’s quick reflexes after her effort was stopped right on the goal line in the 66th minute.
However, Melbourne would get their fifth and final goal in the 73rd minute with Dhaniyah Qasimah unfortunately netting an own goal.
The Sailors saw out the final quarter and eight additional minutes without further changes to the scoreline, with Daniel praising his players for their effort in what was an entirely new stage and environment for the team.
“The girls did very well, in my view. In the first half, we conceded two penalties, which was tough on them, but they gave their best. There’s a gap in quality that we have to acknowledge, but it was definitely a good experience playing against a team like Melbourne City,” said Daniel.
Next up for the Sailors is another stern test against hosts and last season’s AWCL semi-finalists, Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC.
The Vietnamese champions boast a strong side led by Huynh Nhu, who is the national team’s record goalscorer and a true icon of women’s football in her country.
Nonetheless, Sailors Head Coach Daniel Ong believes his side can build on the lessons learnt from the Melbourne defeat as they prepare for their next match on Sunday (16 November).
“I’ll look back on this match and there are a lot of positives to take. We can definitely track our opponents better next time, but overall I’m very happy with the team,” he said.
“It’s just that the fitness levels aren’t quite there yet, because our players have to juggle school or work before coming for training. It’s tough on them, but they did a really good job.”
The Lion City Sailors Women kick off their maiden Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Group Stage campaign with arguably their toughest test yet – facing two-time Ninja A-League Premiership winners and last season’s AWCL finalist Melbourne City at the Thong Nhat Stadium on Thursday (13 November) afternoon.
Up against the best
Hailing from a league regarded as the number one women’s club football competition in Asia, Melbourne enjoyed a remarkable 2024/25 domestic campaign, going unbeaten with 16 wins and seven draws to clinch the Ninja A-League Premiership title.
They also reached the AWCL final in May, where they were narrowly beaten by China’s Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC on penalties after a 120-minute stalemate.
Captained by New Zealander centurion Rebekah Scott, who has featured at the past three FIFA Women’s World Cups and was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in last season’s inaugural AWCL tournament, Melbourne’s squad is packed with quality and experience from back to front.
Partnering Scott in defence is former Everton and Aston Villa veteran Danielle Turner, while their midfield options include Australian internationals Alexia Apostolakis and Leah Davidson.
In attack, they boast two of the brightest young talents in the region — 17-year-old attacking midfielder Shelby McMahon, who scored in both the AWCL semi-final and final last season, as well as 22-year-old Holly McNamara, who finished as top scorer of the 2024/25 Ninja A-League with 15 goals.
Both players continued their fine form over the past weekend, as they netted braces in a convincing 4-0 victory over A-League Championship winners Central Coast Mariners. Crucially, it was a result that extended Melbourne’s unbeaten streak in the league to 29 matches, a run stretching back to March 2024.
Sailors out to defy the odds
Fully aware of the challenge ahead, the Sailors Women remain resolute and determined to put up a strong showing on Asia’s biggest stage.
“When we first entered the AWCL in 2024, we came in with not much information and didn’t know what to expect. We learned from that experience, strengthened the team this year, and we showed that we are capable of challenging at this level,” said Assistant Coach Yeong Sheau Shyan, who stood in for Head Coach Daniel Ong at the pre-match press conference.
The latter is set to join the team in Vietnam on Wednesday (12 November) after attending his ongoing AFC ‘A’ Diploma Coaching Course.
“This is the first time the club qualified for this stage, and it’s really important for our Singaporean players to participate in this tournament,” added Sheau Shyan, who is also the club’s Head of Women’s Football.
“It represents a pathway beyond Singapore for girls in the country to aspire towards — to be more ambitious in their goals and to understand the level they need to reach. All the girls are very excited to showcase what they can do.”
The Sailors have maintained their training intensity for the past month since the conclusion of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) on 5 October, with the team holding four training sessions per week.
While their domestic campaign ended on a disappointing note with a third-placed finish, it has only strengthened their resolve to acquit themselves well in the AWCL.
Having made several key signings and with the influential Japanese duo of Ami Takeuchi and Eri Kitagawa in their ranks, defender Syazwani Ruzi has stated that the team is relishing the chance to test themselves against Asia’s elite as they step into unchartered territory.
“We’ve learned a lot from past lessons and we’re now better prepared to deal with the intensity at this level,” said the 23-year-old, who started all three matches in the Preliminary Stage earlier in August.
“While we’ve strengthened with some foreign signings, we also have a group of really capable local players in the team. Together, I believe we can do well in this competition and put up a good showing for Singapore women’s football.”
The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team have strengthened their ranks with four new foreign signings, adding steel and power as they prepare for their maiden Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Group Stage campaign in Vietnam.
The three-time Women’s Premier League (WPL) champions will kick off Group A action against Australia’s Melbourne City on Thursday (13 November), before taking on hosts Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC on Sunday (16 November) and Philippines’ Stallion Laguna the following Wednesday (19 November).
Former China youth international Wang Jiaxin joins the Sailors to reinforce a defence marshalled by captain Umairah Hamdan. Known for her tenacious style of play and dominance in the air, the 22-year-old centre-back cuts a composed figure at the back and has the ability to launch attacks with precise long passes.
Also arriving from China is 21-year-old midfielder Zhang Qiaoling, who brings added presence to a midfield anchored by local talents such as Qarissa Putri and Nurhidayu Naszri.
A former Hainan University Women’s Football Team player, Qiaoling is adept at dictating the tempo of play and possesses superb technical ability.
Joining Qiaoling in the middle of the park is Rivka Ramji, a rising talent from India who is known for her two-footedness, dynamism, and creativity in the attacking third.
The teenager was part of the India Under-19 team that won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-19 Women’s Championship last February, and featured in the top-tier Indian Women’s League with Sethu FC in the 2024/25 season.
Completing the Sailors’ new foreign quartet is Japan’s Hikaru Shibusawa, a dependable centre-back who brings experience from the top-tier WE (Women’s Empowerment) League, where she represented Omiya Ardija Ventus between 2021 and 2023.
The 25-year-old, a former Japan Under-19 international, had been playing in the second-tier Nadeshiko League with Bunnys Gunma FC White Star over the past two seasons.
Familiar returning faces and new locals
Hikaru joins compatriots Ami Takeuchi and Eri Kitagawa, who return to the fold after impressing for the Sailors during Preliminary Stage, where they won all three matches to become the first Singaporean club to qualify for the AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Group Stage.
Nineteen-year-old Ami was particularly outstanding, as she scored in all three matches against Etihad Club, Kelana United, and SDYUSHOR SI–Asiagoal.
The other three Japanese players from that campaign — Sakurako Ohashi, Riari Kitaoka, and Miyu Inayama — have since returned to Toyo University.
The Sailors have further strengthened their squad with the addition of three local national players.
Defender Irsalina Irwan has been promoted to the senior team after helping Mattar Sailors clinch the second-tier Women’s National League (WNL) title, while goalkeeper Alysha Nasrina joins from Geylang International to provide more options between the posts.
Speedy forward Nicole Lim also returns to the club where she made her WPL debut in 2022.
However, three key players will miss this campaign, with Beatrice Tan and Putri Alyiah Seow both sidelined by long-term injuries, while Sarah Zu’risqha is unavailable due to work commitments.
The 25-strong Sailors squad will depart for Vietnam on Tuesday (11 November), and Head Coach Daniel Ong believes his side are well-equipped for a competitive campaign.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank the management for their support in bringing these players in. We’re coming up against some of the region’s finest teams at this level, so we had to ensure we assembled a squad capable of competing both physically and technically,” said the 36-year-old.
“Our performances in the Preliminary Stage have given us the confidence heading into the Group Stage, and we’re determined to keep flying the Singapore flag high on this stage. The camaraderie within the team is really strong, and we’re all looking forward to creating more history for Singapore women’s football.”
Lion City Sailors’ squad for 2025/26 AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Group Stage
Goalkeepers
Izairida Shakira, Hazel Lim, Alysha Nasrina
Defenders
Wang Jiaxin*, Hikaru Shibusawa*, Umairah Hamdan, Siti Nurerwadah Erwan, Syazwani Ruzi, Khairunnisa Anwar, Irsalina Irwan
Midfielders
Zhang Qiaoling*, Rivka Ramji*, Qarissa Putri, Ho Hui Xin, Nurhidayu Naszri, Dhaniyah Qasimah, Wan Nashirah Mohammed, Amelia Ng, Nur Ain Salleh
Forwards
Eri Kitagawa*, Ami Takeuchi*, Raeka Ee, Farah Nurzahirah, Dorcas Chu, Nicole Lim
