The Lion City Sailors are aiming for another strong performance in the Singapore Cup, which is set to kick off in February.
The Cup holders will face Thai League 1 powerhouse BG Pathum United, Geylang International, Tanjong Pagar United and Balestier Khalsa in Group B, following the tournament’s official draw which was held at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Monday (6 January) morning.
Meanwhile, in Group A, reigning Singapore Premier League champions Albirex Niigata (S) were drawn with Young Lions, Brunei DPMM, BG Tampines Rovers and Hougang United.
The Sailors will open their 2024/25 Singapore Cup campaign against Tanjong Pagar at home on 16 February, before taking on Geylang International away on 2 March.
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Aleksandar Ranković’s men will then host Balestier Khalsa on 16 March, before wrapping up the group stage with a plum tie against BG Pathum at Jalan Besar Stadium on 30 March.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the two-legged semi-finals, which is scheduled to take place on 22 April and 6 May. The grand final is set for Saturday, 31 May, with the fixture marking the conclusion of the 2024/25 domestic football season.
Last season’s Singapore Cup was a memorable one for the Sailors, as they triumphed over Hougang United 3-1 in the final to claim the trophy — their first since the club’s inception in 2020.
Sailors captain Hariss Harun has urged the team to replicate their success and finish the season on the best possible note.
“Last season’s triumph was a significant step forward for the club, and our goal is to defend this title,” said the 34-year-old.
“It won’t be straightforward, with plenty of matches on both the domestic and continental fronts ahead. But we’re ready for the challenge, and we want to give our fans plenty of moments to celebrate by the end of the season.”
