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A tantalising ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup showdown awaits on Thursday (23 January) night as the Lion City Sailors host reigning Thai League 1 champions Buriram United in a pivotal Matchday Four clash at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
A mammoth task
Make no mistake, this is the Sailors’ toughest hurdle in the competition so far, with Buriram widely regarded as one of the best sides in Southeast Asia – they have not finished outside the top two in their domestic league since 2016, and have claimed the last three Thai League 1 titles.
The Thai powerhouse are overwhelming favourites to make it four league titles in a row this season – they currently sit eight points clear of second-placed Bangkok United with 12 games to go.
A recent first defeat of the season to Bangkok United only seemed to ignite them, as they responded with emphatic 8-0 and 9-0 victories over 13th-placed Chiangrai United and bottom side Khon Kaen United, respectively, in the lead-up to this upcoming match against the Sailors.
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The statistics back up their fearsome reputation — Buriram have scored an astounding 63 goals while conceding just eight in 18 league matches this season, and their remarkable goal difference of +55 towers over the next best, Bangkok United’s +15.
Alongside the Sailors, Buriram are one of only two Southeast Asian teams still competing on two regional fronts, balancing campaigns in both the AFC Champions League (ACL) and the Shopee Cup, in addition to their domestic commitments.
In the ongoing ACL Elite group stage, they have secured impressive victories over Australia’s Central Coast Mariners and Korea’s Pohang Steelers.
As for the Shopee Cup, they rebounded from an opening 2-1 defeat to Vietnam’s Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC with dominant 7-0 and 4-0 wins over the Philippines’ Kaya FC–Iloilo and Indonesia’s Borneo FC Samarinda. These results meant they now hold the crucial second spot in Group B as they aim to claim the inaugural title.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Buriram Head Coach Osmar Loss Vieira outlined his team’s ambitions in the competition, while cautioning against underestimating the Sailors.
“This competition is very different, and we know we have a big challenge here in Singapore. We must remember that different competitions require different approaches to win,” said the 49-year-old Brazilian, who has guided Buriram to 21 wins and five draws in 30 games across all competitions since taking charge in June 2024.
“Playing away requires respect for the conditions. Of course, we know we need the result to achieve our goals, but it’s also important to understand the history that lies ahead of us.”
“It’s important to play safely and maintain control of the game. I think the Sailors have a good team shape, and they know how to play on artificial grass. This will be a challenge for us, but we cannot use it as an excuse because we are playing at a high level. I think it will be a good match between two strong teams, and I hope the fans enjoy the game.”
Buriram’s star-studded cast
The sheer quality within the Buriram ranks is enough to strike fear into opponents across the region.
Leading the way is vice-captain Theerathon Bunmathan, who boasts 105 caps for Thailand and won the J1 League title in 2019 with Yokohama F. Marinos. He is joined by prominent names such as Neil Etheridge, the former Cardiff City goalkeeper with English Premier League experience, ex-Melbourne City defender Curtis Good, and Malaysia’s former Belgian Under-21 defender Dion Cools.
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Up front, Buriram possess a formidable attacking trio.
Suphachai Jaided — the Thai League’s top scorer and Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the past two seasons — is complemented by former São Paulo striker Guilherme Bissoli, who leads the Thai League 1 scoring charts with 19 goals in 18 matches. Joining them is fellow Brazilian Lucas Crispim, a former Vasco da Gama player and the current Shopee Cup top scorer with four goals in just two games.
While Buriram recently added seven new players to their roster earlier this month, including rising star Suphanat Mueanta, most of them will not feature in the Shopee Cup due to the tournament’s closed player registration period.
However, Osmar remains confident that his team has the quality to achieve their goals in the competition even without the new signings.
He elaborated, “We have a lot of foreign and Asian players, so selecting the right players to fit the regulations and quota was a challenge. Managing this, especially with so many games, requires us to work together. We need to carefully choose players for each competition to keep them fresh and minimise the risk of injuries. It’s our job to ensure the players remain safe and ready for the season ahead.
“I’m really happy with the team so far, but now, in the second half of the season, it’s important for us to maintain this level. That’s our challenge: to keep improving the way we play.”
Buriram captain Narubadin Weerawatnodom emphasised his team’s determination to win the Shopee Cup and establish themselves as the best in the region.
“The Shopee Cup is very important for us because we want to be the top team in Southeast Asia,” declared the two-time AFF Cup winner.
“It’s exciting for the players, and we know we have great experience and quality in the squad. There’s pressure on us, but we’re ready to handle it well. It will be an exciting game, and we will do our best.”
Sailors undaunted and up for the challenge
The home side enters this tie as underdogs, but their qualification for the ACL Two Round of 16 and a strong start to 2025 have instilled belief that they can overcome the odds.
The Sailors have won all three of their games since the turn of the year, reigniting their Shopee Cup hopes with a 2-0 victory over Kuala Lumpur (KL) City and sweeping aside Brunei DPMM and Albirex Niigata (S) to move three points clear at the top of the Singapore Premier League (SPL).
Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković believes his team’s good run of form has instilled the confidence needed to go toe-to-toe with Buriram, a side he considers possibly the best in Southeast Asia.
“Coming into this game in good form is very important as it gives us a certain level of confidence, and you can see that all the players I’m using feel involved, which makes me happy,” said Ranko. “Our break wasn’t very long, especially for those who went away with the national team, so we haven’t lost much momentum.
“For me, Buriram are the best team in Southeast Asia. If you look at their squad, they’re dominating their league and performing well in the ACL. It’s a great challenge for my team, but we’ve proven over the last year and a half that we’re up to the task.”
Trailing Buriram and third-placed KL City by three points with two group matches remaining, the Sailors know they must win to keep their hopes of progressing to the last four alive. Defender Christopher van Huizen believes this is a challenge well within their capabilities.
“This is a very big challenge for us — they’re one of the best teams in Southeast Asia,” said the 32-year-old, who has featured in all 15 of the Sailors’ continental games (12 in the ACL and 3 in the Shopee Cup) since joining the club at the start of last season.
“We’ve got good morale from winning our past few games, so we’re looking forward to the match. I think this competition is quite similar to the ACL Two.. We’re doing well, and they’re at the top, so it’s important for us to focus on who we are and what we’re capable of.”
Since arriving in Singapore with a stellar reputation after nearly a decade in the Dutch Eredivisie, Bart Ramselaar has steadily settled into his first year with the Lion City Sailors.
The former PSV Eindhoven and FC Utrecht star has registered eight goals and 10 assists in 19 appearances across all competitions this season, firmly establishing himself as a key player in Aleksandar Ranković’s side.
Bart’s growing influence was on full display in the Sailors’ recent 6-0 win over Albirex Niigata (S) in the Singapore Premier League (SPL), where he recorded a hat-trick of assists and a goal. One standout moment saw him cut into the Albirex box and unleash an unstoppable shot into the top corner that left the opposition stunned.
“Going into the match, we knew it would be difficult because Albirex had won four of their last five games and were in good form,” explained Bart. “But we played a really good game and capitalised on most of the chances we created. This result gives us a lot of confidence for the upcoming matches.”
The 27-year-old was one of the Sailors’ marquee signings in the pre-season transfer window, with the Dutchman earmarked as someone who could help the club make a strong impression on the continental stage.
While settling into life more than 10,000km away from the Netherlands was initially challenging, Bart credited the supportive environment at the Sailors for helping him transition seamlessly to life in Singapore.
“I had to get used to playing in the heat, but luckily, the long pre-season made it easier for me to adapt to the weather,” said the Dutchman.
“Off the pitch, my wife and I are loving life in Singapore. The staff, players, and everyone at the club have been so welcoming, and we’re really happy to be here.”
With the Sailors sitting atop the SPL and competing in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two, Bart called on his teammates to work hard to sustain their excellent form on all fronts.
“At top clubs, the second half of the season is always the most important because that’s when you win trophies,” said Bart. “For a top club like the Sailors, that’s our goal. We’re just getting started and will be ready for the challenges ahead.”
One of the Sailors’ toughest challenges of the season awaits in their next ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup match, in which they will face reigning Thai League 1 champions Buriram United at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday (23 January).
The Thai outfit currently leads their domestic league and sits second place in Group B, two points behind Vietnam’s Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC, and three points ahead of the Sailors, who are in fourth.
Despite the prospect of facing one of the strongest teams in the region, Bart remains confident that the Sailors’ quality and team spirit will see them through against the Thai side.
“I know Buriram have a lot of quality players, and it’s going to be a very tough game. However, we always go into every match — especially at home — looking to win,” said Bart.
“We have quality players who are in form, and more importantly, the balance and spirit within the team is fantastic. We all get along really well and celebrate each other’s successes, but now it’s time to show that spirit against a top-class team like Buriram.”
Bart and the Sailors, however, can take confidence from their performances against other Thai sides this season, having beaten Port FC twice in the ACL Two group stages to secure their spot in the competition’s knockout stages.
“Our performances in the Champions League group stages give us a lot of confidence heading into this game,” said the former Netherlands international. “If we can reach our highest level — attacking, defending, and fighting as a team — that energy and team spirit will help us achieve the result we want on Thursday.”
Bart also urged the Sailors faithful to turn up in force at Jalan Besar Stadium, as he emphasised the vital role they play in driving the team forward on big occasions like this.
He said, “We really need their support, just like in the game against Port, where their voices helped us reach the next round. As a player, you always feel the extra motivation when the crowd is behind you, so I’m looking forward to seeing them cheering for us on Thursday.”
The Lion City Sailors marked their return to Bishan Stadium in style, as they delivered a scintillating performance to secure a 6-0 win over defending champions Albirex Niigata (S) in their first Singapore Premier League (SPL) home game of the year on Friday (17 January).
In what was their first league match back at their Bishan den in nearly three months, the Sailors put on a masterclass that not only thrilled the home crowd, but more importantly, extended their lead at the top of the SPL table to three points over title rivals BG Tampines Rovers, who have played a game more.
The Sailors were relentless from the start, scoring four goals in the first half — a feat they last achieved during the opening match of their triumphant Singapore Cup campaign in 2023 against Balestier Khalsa.
Equally impressive was the variety in the Sailors’ attack, with four different players finding the net in the first 45 minutes. Shawal Anuar, Lennart Thy, Bart Ramselaar, and Song Uiyoung each contributed to a dominant opening half, as Aleksandar Ranković’s men dismantled the defending champions with precision and flair.
“I think the game was more or less decided in the first half. I didn’t expect it to unfold that way — I was anticipating a bit more pressure from Albirex,” admitted Ranko, who oversaw his 50th match in all competitions as Sailors head coach.
“To be honest, we were a little nervous until we scored the first goal, but after that, everything went smoothly.”
The all-important first goal arrived in the 15th minute, courtesy of the red-hot Shawal. The 33-year-old — who has now scored more league goals in his 30s than his 20s — got between the Albirex backline and the onrushing Hassan Sunny to apply a fearless header that broke the deadlock.
Ten minutes later, the visitors had their best chance of the first half when Albirex captain Ryhan Stewart rattled the crossbar with a thunderous strike.
That was about as good as it got for Albirex, as just past the half-hour mark, the Sailors doubled their lead. This time, it was Lennart who rose to the occasion, expertly guiding a perfectly-weighted cross from Toni Datković past Hassan with a precise header to make it 2-0.
Sensing blood in the water, the Sailors launched wave after wave of attacks, which culminated in Bart Ramselaar’s spectacular goal in the 35th minute. The Dutchman cut inside his man before unleashing a stunning strike into the top corner to make it 3-0.
Reflecting on his team’s return to familiar surroundings at Bishan, a visibly pleased Ranko said, “The pitch helped us tonight — it’s the best I’ve seen so far, and I’ve never seen it in such great condition. The weather was also perfect, so all the ingredients were there.”
In first-half stoppage time, Bart turned from goalscorer to provider, laying the ball off to Song, who delivered a superb finish to cap off a swift counterattack and make it 4-0.
The second half picked up where the first left off, with the Sailors quickly adding to their commanding lead. Christopher van Huizen’s precise pass found Bart, whose shot was parried by Hassan straight into Lennart’s path, and the German striker made no mistake from close range to net his 15th league goal of the season.
“I think it was a good performance from start to finish. We created chances right from the beginning, which made everything easier for us. It was great to stay as focused as we did today,” said Lennart, who has now been named Player of the Match in back-to-back games.
“As a striker, you always want to keep this momentum going for your team. I hope to continue playing the way I have in the last two matches and help the team to more victories.”
Alongside Lennart, however, the Sailors midfielders also played a crucial role in the victory. Bart was at his best, while M. Anumanthan impressed in his first league start since the Sailors’ 6-0 triumph over Tanjong Pagar United last September.
The Sailors’ sixth goal of the night came in the 66th minute, with Chris van Huizen once again playing a key role. This time, the Singapore international set up Sergio Carmona Pérez, who calmly slotted the ball into the net for his second goal of the season — further highlighting the team’s strength in the attacking third.
With a comfortable six-goal advantage, the likes of Hafiz Nor and Haiqal Pashia were brought on to help see out the win. Ranko later revealed that he had encouraged his players to keep pushing until the final whistle, despite their commanding lead.
“I can imagine the players felt the game was over, but that doesn’t matter. Especially in a game like this, you have to keep pushing because goal difference could play a crucial role in the end,” Ranko explained.
“So, I don’t want my players to relax. When you relax, there’s always the risk of picking up injuries or unnecessary cards. That’s why I kept pushing my team.”
Another positive for the Serb was the Sailors’ eighth clean sheet of the season – another mark of the Sailors’ dominant performance against the defending champions.
However, bigger challenges lie ahead, with Ranko’s charges still competing on four fronts this season. Indeed, the club’s upcoming match is set to be one of the most pivotal of the 2024/25 campaign, as they will host Thai League 1 champions Buriram United in an ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup Matchday Four encounter.
A victory would see the Sailors – who notched their first win of the campaign against Kuala Lumpur City FC in the previous round – draw level on points with Buriram. Ranko, however, acknowledges his team will face a tough task when the two sides meet on Thursday, 23 January.
He said, “Our main focus now is going to be Buriram because, for me, they are the best team in Southeast Asia. So, I think competing against them is going to be a big challenge. But we love challenges, and the boys can’t wait.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the signing of promising defender Akram Azman, as the club strengthens its backline for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.
Joining from fellow Singapore Premier League (SPL) side Tanjong Pagar United for an undisclosed fee, the 24-year-old has signed a deal with the Sailors until the end of the 2025/26 season.
As part of the agreement with Tanjong Pagar, promising Sailors Academy prospects Marcus Mosses and Izrafil Yusof will join the Jaguars on loan until the end of this season to further their development.
Athletic, strong in the tackle, and versatile across multiple positions, Akram — who primarily plays as a full-back — bolsters the Sailors’ options on the flanks, while also being equally adept at playing in central defence.
His arrival is a key addition for the second half of the season, as the club aims to contend for the SPL title, the Singapore Cup, and make their mark on the regional stage, both in the group stage of the inaugural ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup, as well as the knockout rounds of the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two.
Akram — who represented Singapore at the under-23 level — has made significant strides since his professional debut for the Young Lions in 2019.
His move to Tanjong Pagar — a club renowned for nurturing the next generation of players — in May 2022 marked a turning point in his development. He was appointed club captain in July 2023, and demonstrated remarkable maturity on and off the pitch as he led both younger teammates and seasoned players with confidence.
“With plenty of games coming up in the next few months, we need to strengthen the team, and Akram gives us plenty of options with his versatility,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković of his new signing, who has scored two goals in 13 appearances for Tanjong Pagar this season.
“His competitive nature and willingness to sacrifice for the team’s cause are qualities that will help us going forward.”
Sailors Sporting Director Badri Ghent added, “We’ve been monitoring his development for some time, and it’s admirable how he has risen to become one of the leaders at Tanjong Pagar. He certainly has the potential to develop into a top full-back in the future, and we’re excited to help him achieve that here.”
Describing this as a “dream move”, Akram is determined to give his all to help the Sailors finish the season on a high.
“It has always been a goal of mine to play for a club of this stature – one that has set the benchmark in Singapore for ambition and infrastructure,” said Akram, who will wear the no. 30 jersey.
“I firmly believe this is the right step for my career, and one thing is for certain: I’ll give my all for the badge and do everything I can to help us win the trophies we’re aiming for this season.”
Even amidst a Lion City Sailors squad littered with top talent, 33-year-old forward Shawal Anuar continues to command the spotlight.
Accumulating an impressive 17 goals and 12 assists in 27 appearances across all competitions this season, the nippy forward has been a key figure in Aleksandar Ranković’s side and is showing no signs of slowing down.
“I didn’t expect to be in such good form because, at my age, you don’t always get the opportunity to play 90 minutes in every game,” said Shawal. “But I’ve always made sure to give 100 percent whenever I get the chance to play, so being able to perform like this at my age is something I’m proud of.”
Shawal began 2025 just as he had ended the previous year, scoring two goals and providing an assist in the Sailors’ 4-2 away victory over Brunei DPMM in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) on Monday (13 January).
While it was far from smooth-sailing for the Sailors, the lethal partnership between Shawal and his strike partner Lennart Thy proved decisive, with the duo scoring a brace each on the night.
“It was a tough game for us, playing away against a team that added a few quality players during the break. However, we stuck to our coach’s plan and managed to bring home a good result,” said the Singapore international.
A delicate clipped ball from Lennart to find Shawal’s run for the first-half equaliser perfectly showcased the duo’s telepathic connection. Just minutes later, Shawal returned the favour by setting up the German in the box for a clinical finish that put the Sailors in the lead.
“I think we’ve developed a strong understanding of each other by building our chemistry in training. Whenever I make a run, Lennart will find me, and the same goes for him,” Shawal explained.
“Before each game, we always discuss our plans — like the types of runs we’ll make and what we expect from each other when one of us has the ball.”
This partnership will be crucial when the Sailors host a familiar foe, defending champions Albirex Niigata (S), in their first SPL home game of the year on Friday (17 January) at Bishan Stadium. With BG Tampines Rovers not in action this week, a win would take the Sailors three points clear at the top of the table.
The White Swans, however, will come into the match full of confidence, having won six of their last eight league games, including a 3-1 victory over the Sailors last August.
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Their squad has also been bolstered by mid-season additions which include the likes of midfielder Taiki Maeda and defenders Nozomi Ozawa and Syahrul Sazali.
“This game is important for us because we want to give the fans something to cheer for at the start of the year,” said Shawal, who scored the opener in the Sailors’ 7-1 triumph over Keiji Shigetomi’s side earlier in June 2024.
“Our last defeat in the league came against Albirex. That gives us enough motivation and desire to go out there and put things right on Friday night. We’ve done well in our first two games of the year and are currently at the top of the table, but we need to keep building on this momentum to go as far as we can.”
Shawal’s brace against DPMM meant he has now scored more goals in the SPL in his 30s than he did in his 20s.
He has netted a total of 37 goals in 75 outings after turning 30 on 29 April 2021, as compared to the 34 scored in 110 games prior to that — a testament to his relentless desire to improve with each passing season.
“I wasn’t aware of that stat because I don’t really keep track of my goals and assists. What’s important is that I always strive to give my best and improve on what I’ve done in the previous season,” said Shawal.
“My body still feels good, and I’m managing it well. I believe I have a few more years left in the tank, so I want to keep contributing to Singapore football. I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure we win the title this season.”
The Lion City Sailors moved back to the top of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) table after beating Brunei DPMM 4-2 in a topsy-turvy encounter at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium on Monday (13 January) night.
While not quite at their free-flowing best, the Sailors secured all three points with a classic centre-forward performance from Lennart Thy, who notched two goals and an assist. Shawal Anuar also played a pivotal role, netting a brace to help his side overcome a resilient DPMM side.
With the win, the Sailors moved ahead of BG Tampines Rovers at the top of the SPL table on goal difference, despite having played two fewer games than their title rivals.
“DPMM aren’t an easy team to play against, so I’m happy with the win — that was our main objective,” said Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković, who was without suspended duo Song Uiyoung and Lionel Tan, as well as star player Maxime Lestienne, who was rested.
“We were missing some key players, but the others stepped up and showed character tonight. I’m proud of how they came back from a goal down and demonstrated their commitment to fight.”
Since the appointment of head coach Jamie McAllister in July, DPMM have proven to be a tough nut to crack in the league, suffering just one defeat in their last eight games. They have also been bolstered by key mid-season signings, including Icelandic international Damir Muminović and Latvian international Davis Ikaunieks.
And the home side made life difficult for the Sailors early on, with captain Azwan Ali Rahman unleashing a stunning left-footed strike into Izwan Mahbud’s bottom corner in the fourth minute to give DPMM an early lead.
Despite struggling to break down a resolute DPMM defence early on, the Sailors sprang to life in the 17th minute. Lennart’s pinpoint clipped ball found Shawal, who ghosted into the box unmarked to direct a brilliant header beyond Kristijan Naumovski to level the score.
Shawal then turned provider in the 30th minute, slipping a neat ball across the box for Lennart, who coolly slotted it through Naumovski’s legs for his 12th goal of the season to put the Sailors 2-1 up.
But DPMM emerged from the break rejuvenated, and they pulled level in the 55th minute when a shot from top scorer Miguel Oliveira fortuitously deflected off Bailey Wright before evading Izwan in the Sailors goal.
The Sailors thought they had a chance to restore their lead two minutes later when Shawal was seemingly shoved by debutant Muminović in the box. However, after a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the challenge was deemed to be fair.
Undeterred, the Sailors continued to press forward in attack and were duly rewarded in the 64th minute, when Lennart produced a brilliant swivel and shot inside the DPMM box to restore the Sailors’ lead.
“We were up against a different opponent on a different pitch, so we knew it would be a tough game,” said Lennart. “We didn’t start the first and second halves well, but we took control as the game progressed and finished strongly with a well-deserved win.”
With the wind in their sails, full-back Christopher van Huizen, one of three changes made by Ranko for the night, would go on a marauding run into the DPMM box in the 69th minute.
His cross-shot took a wicked deflection off the Macedonian keeper that kindly landed at the feet of Shawal, who tapped home to give the Sailors a two-goal cushion.
With victory in their sights, the Sailors managed the closing stages professionally and nearly added a fifth goal in stoppage time, but Lennart was denied his hat-trick by a smart save from Naumovski.
With games coming thick and fast — the Sailors are set to face defending champions Albirex Niigata (S) in the SPL on Friday (17 January) — Ranko emphasised that proper recovery is crucial to navigating their busy schedule.
He elaborated, “We have a game in four days, so the most important thing is to rest and recover. It’s good that we’ll have some players back for Friday, and we need to keep this momentum going.”
As Song Uiyoung’s corner sailed through the air toward the back post, Sailors skipper Bailey Wright kept his eyes firmly locked on the ball.
With sheer strength, the central defender shrugged off his marker and connected with a thumping header from close range to give his side the crucial opener. The goal ultimately set the tone for a dominant Sailors performance against Kuala Lumpur (KL) City, as they secured their first win in the 2024/25 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
“It was an important result for us — not just as a team, but as a club and for Singapore football,” said Bailey. “Obviously, we were disappointed with our previous two games in the Shopee Cup because we had set out to win, but we put in a good performance this time. Now, we just have to keep building and getting stronger from here.”
It was Bailey’s fifth goal in all competitions this season, with all of them coming from either corners or set pieces. Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, however, Bailey was particularly pleased with the battling defensive performance his side delivered in the game.
After all, the Sailors had registered their first clean sheet in 10 games, with their last one coming against Zhejiang Professional in the AFC Champions League Two back in September.
“Clean sheets are always a bonus because, as a defender, that’s something you always strive for, so I hope there are many more to come,” explained the former Australian international, who joined the club in July 2023.
“To be honest, we’ve put in a lot of solid defensive performances, but this is football — we want to attack, and sometimes you concede goals. We have to remember these are tough competitions, so the most important thing is winning the game.”
Turning his attention back to the Singapore Premier League (SPL) as it returns from a long hiatus, the 32-year-old shared his enthusiasm about competing on the domestic front once again.
The Sailors are three points behind table-toppers BG Tampines Rovers, but crucially have three games in hand as they head into the final few months of the campaign.
“We’ve obviously had a lot of competitive fixtures in the Champions League, but it’s been a while since our last league game, so it’s good to be back,” he said. “If you speak to anyone who plays football, they’ll tell you that you want to keep playing games and have a regular calendar of fixtures — and now that’s started. Our target is to get back our position at the top.”
The Sailors’ next challenge awaits at Brunei’s Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium, where they will face Brunei DPMM on Monday (13 January).
For Bailey, this marks another reunion with head coach Jamie McAllister, with whom he shares a close relationship. The duo were teammates at Preston North End in 2012, and McAllister later served as Bailey’s assistant coach during his stints at Bristol City and Sunderland.
Admitting that he was looking forward to the prospect of facing his long-time friend, Bailey said, “He’s someone I still keep in touch with, and I know he’s a hardworking and committed coach.
“I’m sure he’s got the team working hard because if there’s one thing about him, it’s that he’s either a fighter or a winner. That’s the mark he’ll want to leave on his team. They’ll be compact and organised, so we have to be ready for that.”
McAllister’s DPMM side currently sit sixth in the nine-team table, but have suffered just one defeat in their last eight games. Since taking the helm in July, the former Scotland international has already masterminded victories over Geylang International, BG Tampines, and Albirex Niigata (S).
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The Bruneian outfit further strengthened their foreign contingent during the mid-season break with the additions of Icelandic international central defender Damir Muminović and Latvian forward Davis Ikaunieks. Ikaunieks, who boasts 47 international caps, also brings UEFA Europa League experience from his time with FK Jablonec.
The Sailors’ task will be made even tougher by the absence of defender Lionel Tan and Song, both of whom are suspended.
Reflecting on the threat posed by DPMM, Bailey said, “They are a strong team that has improved and used the break to work on their game. But ultimately, it’s about how we play and how we can hurt the opposition.
“As with every match, we’ll prepare properly and put in the work. We respect every opponent, but we’ll go into this game with confidence and belief that we can beat anyone.”
With the Sailors competing on four fronts, Bailey is determined to make this a memorable season for the Sailors.
He said, “We did very well in the first half of the season, and we hope that by the end, it will be a memorable and historic season for us, both as individuals and as a team.”
With their hopes of advancing to the semi-finals of the 2024/25 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup hanging by a thread after back-to-back defeats, the Lion City Sailors delivered a strong response in their third Group B match, securing a 2-0 victory over Kuala Lumpur (KL) City at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday (9 January) night.
Goals from skipper Bailey Wright and Maxime Lestienne, one in each half, sealed the Sailors’ first points of the tournament in front of a 1,813-strong crowd. The win provided a much-needed boost for Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković and his team after a disappointing start to their Shopee Cup campaign.
“Today was a well-deserved win. We played a very mature game, controlled the match from start to finish, and restricted our opponents to very few shots,” said a visibly satisfied Ranko.
“This victory will give us plenty of motivation heading into the next game. However, as much as we’d like to keep celebrating, the next match is just a few days away, so we have to quickly prepare and assess who is fit and ready to play.”
Ranko’s words of praise for his players were well-deserved, as the Sailors stamped their authority on the match right from the first whistle.
They landed the first blow in the 26th minute when Bailey Wright displayed tremendous strength to outmuscle his marker and head home Song Uiyoung’s inswinging corner. The 32-year-old’s opener marked the first goal KL City had conceded in the tournament, ending their run of two consecutive clean sheets.
Anchored by a resolute defence, the hosts made it difficult for the visitors to find their rhythm, limiting them to a few speculative efforts that posed little threat to Izwan Mahbud in the Sailors goal.
That defensive solidity was a marked improvement from the Sailors’ first two group games, where they conceded three goals to Indonesia’s Borneo FC Samarinda and five to Vietnam’s Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC.
“Of course, the first two matches didn’t go our way, unfortunately. We experimented with a new system in the first match against Borneo, and while that’s no excuse, I’m happy we learned from those games and that my team could bounce back with such a performance,” Ranko explained.
“I think we’ve grown into the tournament, and playing in the AFC Champions League Two has helped us a lot. If we could play matches like these week in and week out, I’m confident we’d continue to improve physically, tactically, and mentally.”
With the two sides still separated by Bailey’s goal heading into the second half, Sailors’ key man Maxime stepped up to drive his team forward in search of a second goal.
He fired a warning shot in the 65th minute, whipping a stunning curling effort from range that crashed off the upright of goalkeeper Azri Ghani’s goal.
It proved to be a sign of things to come, as Maxime’s quality shone through just two minutes later.
Picking up the ball just outside the penalty area, he played it into Bart Ramselaar, who swiftly returned the favour with an inch-perfect through ball to meet the Belgian’s run into the box. Maxime made no mistake from close range, coolly clipping the ball into the bottom corner to double the Sailors’ lead.
Despite notching his 13th goal in all competitions, Maxime was quick to credit his teammates for their collective effort.
“It was very much a team effort from front to back. We knew we’d be out if we lost today, but everyone worked hard and gave their best,” reflected the forward. “We have plenty of quality in our team, so now we just need to stay focused and take it game by game from here.”
KL City’s best chance came in the closing minutes when Kamal Azizi’s ambitious effort rattled Izwan’s crossbar, but the Sailors held on to secure the first clean sheet of their campaign.
This crucial victory lifted the Sailors off the bottom of Group B, ahead of Philippines’ Kaya FC–Iloilo, who suffered a 1-2 defeat to group leaders CAHN FC on the same night.
The Sailors will host Thai League 1 powerhouse Buriram United next in a crunch Matchday Four clash on 23 January.
For now, though, Ranko’s team will shift their focus back to league action in the SPL, starting with an away trip to the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium to face Brunei DPMM next Monday (13 January).
“We haven’t played in the SPL for a while after missing a couple of games, so we’re very eager to be back,” said Ranko. “DPMM are not the same team they were before the break, so we have to embrace this new challenge.”
An intriguing Causeway battle awaits on Thursday night (9 January) as the Lion City Sailors host Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur (KL) City in a Matchday Three Group B clash of the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
Going up against Group A’s joint-top leaders
KL City pose a serious challenge, given their strong performances in the competition so far. They are one of only two teams, along with group leaders Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC, to maintain a 100% record after the first two matchdays.
Back-to-back 1-0 wins over the Philippines’ Kaya FC–Iloilo and Indonesia’s Borneo FC Samarinda at home have put them in a strong position — second in the five-team table — and they will be looking to continue that momentum against the Sailors.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, KL City Head Coach Miroslav Kuljanac acknowledged the threat that the Sailors pose.
“I’ve analysed the Sailors and the way they play — they don’t change their style much, and I’m sure they’ll approach this game the same way and attack us in the same manner as they usually do,” said the 54-year-old Croatian, who has guided his side to 10 wins and two draws in 22 games across all competitions since taking charge in March 2024.
Some key absentees but a key threat remains
KL City’s bid for a third consecutive win is slightly hampered by the absence of two key players. In an interview with Malaysian television station Astro Arena last week, head coach Kuljanac revealed that experienced midfielder Brendan Gan and Bosnian winger Jovan Motika will miss out due to injury and family commitments, respectively.
Nonetheless, the City Boys can rely on a strong lineup, including Malaysian trio Paulo Josué, Haqimi Azim Rosli, and Declan Lambert, as well as veteran Philippines forward Patrick Reichelt, who returned unscathed from international duty at the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric (ME) Cup.
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“It won’t be easy without them (Gan and Motika),” Kuljanac admitted. “When we’re at full strength, I would say we’re a very dangerous team. But even though they’re not with us, we’ll do our best.
“The substitutes are ready to prove themselves, and I hope the players who step in are 100% ready to fight for new points. We have a lot of good players, and we are a well-structured team. Every minute, our players know exactly what they want to do, and so we’ll see how it plays out.”
Josué, in particular, could pose a significant threat to the Sailors, having scored 11 goals in 13 Malaysia Super League (MSL) matches this season, making him the second-highest scorer in the league, behind Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Bérgson da Silva.
“We played two games at home and managed to get six points,” said the Brazil-born Malaysian international, who faced several Sailors during the Tigers’ 0-0 draw with Singapore three weeks ago — a result that saw Malaysia bow out of the ME Cup in the group stages.
“Now it’s time to play away. It’s a different environment, a different pitch, and strong opponents make it very tough for us, but we hope to collect some points here and stay alive in the race to qualify for the semi-finals. When we come here, it’s always just one game — anything can happen. We could beat them here, or they could beat us there. We have tough teams in the group, and that’s great. It’s great to be part of this and to be involved in such a tournament.”
Sailors looking for a first win
For the Sailors, a historic end to 2024 — becoming the first Singaporean team to qualify for the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two — has fuelled their ambitions and strengthened their belief as they look to turn things around in the Shopee Cup.
The seven players who represented Singapore at the ME Cup have returned to training this week after a week’s break, providing the Sailors with a boost in their continental aspirations as they look to represent Singapore with pride in this competition.
After back-to-back away defeats to Borneo and CAHN FC, the Sailors are determined to secure their first win in the competition, and belief within the camp remains strong as they seek a much-needed lift-off.
“The first two matches didn’t go the way we wanted. In the first match, I’d say we were a bit unlucky. But both games were played away, and this is a new competition for us — we’re still settling in. Tomorrow, we play at home, and it’s a great chance to get our first points,” said Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković.
“It’s our first game after a short break, and we’re going straight up against very good opponents who already have six points in the group, so they’ve proved their quality. But we’ve prepared well. All the players are back from the national team, and apart from one or two who can’t play, there are no major injuries. We’re ready to prove something in this competition.”
As the Sailors prepare for their first home game in this competition, midfielder Rui Pires hopes the fans will turn out in force to support the team.
“When the stadium is full, it helps us a lot,” said Pires, who returns to the squad after serving a one-match ban against CAHN last September. “I hope the fans come tomorrow to support us because their presence is very important.
“As I’ve said before, we need to win these three points because if we don’t, we’ll be out of this competition. We know how crucial this game is, and we’ll do everything to secure the three points.”
As the Singapore national team players in the Sailors squad swapped their blue-and-white kits for the red Lions jerseys for the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric (ME) Cup last December, one notable name was absent from the Lions squad — Song Uiyoung.
While the ME Cup was underway, the 31-year-old midfielder returned to South Korea to spend some much-needed time with his family.
Family has always held a special place in Song’s heart, and so this long-overdue trip was especially meaningful to the Incheon native.
“Ever since I came to Singapore, I haven’t had many opportunities to spend time with my family,” said Song, who moved to the Lion City in 2011.
“Going back to Korea this time was a precious experience. I had a great time with my family, especially my mum. I didn’t do much other than spend time with them, but that was more than enough for me.”
After twelve days in his hometown, Song is now back in Singapore and ready to fight for the Sailors as the club navigates challenging waters in 2025.
The Sailors are set to compete on four fronts when club competition resumes this month: the Singapore Premier League (SPL), the Singapore Cup, and challenging regional tournaments such as the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup, and the knockout stages of the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two.
Despite the demanding schedule of games ahead, Song emphasised that it is the players’ responsibility to manage their heavy workload.
“It’s up to us to manage the tight schedule. Although it won’t be easy with all the regional games, we are professionals, so the key is to prepare well and stick together as a team,” explained Song.
“Honestly, we don’t have the biggest squad, so it’s also crucial to take care of our bodies and stay injury-free. That will help us achieve our desired results in the upcoming games.”
The Sailors’ first assignment of the new year is a Matchday Three clash in the ACC Shopee Cup against Malaysia Super League side Kuala Lumpur FC this Thursday (9 January) at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Aleksandar Ranković’s men find themselves bottom of the table after bruising defeats to Indonesia’s Borneo FC and Vietnam’s Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC in their opening two games — and are yet to register their first goal in the tournament.
Despite their rough start, Song remains confident that it is not too late for the Sailors to turn their campaign around.
“Everybody knows the past two results weren’t what we wanted, but we’re still confident that we can get the result against KL City,” Song insisted.
“We don’t need to change anything — just prepare the way we always do and believe in ourselves. As long as we give our best, I’m sure we can secure the three points.”
Song has displayed a knack for rising to the occasion on the continental stage. He ended 2024 with five goals and an assist in just four ACL Two games, including a stunning hat-trick against Port FC that helped the Sailors qualify for the tournament’s last 16 for the first time in the club’s history.
Now, the 31-year-old is aiming to carry that excellent form into the new year.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back on the pitch,” said Song. “I have my routine and prepare for each game seriously. Even after the hat-trick against Port FC in my last game, I made sure not to overreact or become overconfident.
“I’m very clear about the role Coach Ranko wants me to play in this team, and overall, I’m feeling confident and motivated to work hard for the team and the club.”
Song also expressed his gratitude to the Sailors fans for their unwavering support over the past year and believes they will give the team a crucial boost on Thursday.
“I’m always happy to see the fans standing by us and constantly supporting the team at the stadium. We’ll keep working hard for them and aim to get the result we need on Thursday.”
