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She may have left for Virginia last August to pursue her academic and footballing ambitions at Old Dominion University, but every return to Singapore brings Madison Telmer back to where she feels most at home — the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team.
Last weekend, Madison made a surprise appearance for the Sailors in a top-of-the-table Women’s Premier League (WPL) clash against Albirex Niigata (S). While the result did not fall in their favour, the joy of rejoining her teammates outweighed any disappointment.
Now, the 20-year-old midfielder is fully focused on helping the team bounce back this Saturday (24 May), as the Sailors take on Balestier Khalsa at Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
“This team has a really special bond, and I always feel welcomed whenever I come back into training,” said Madison. “Having been with the team since 2022, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how far we’ve come, and I’m honoured to be part of that journey.”
Having now dropped four points in six games, the Sailors find themselves in a tightly contested battle at the top of the WPL table. With just one point separating them from title rivals Albirex Niigata (S) — who still have a game in hand — the race is likely to go down to the wire, and possibly even goal difference.
That makes every goal and every minute on the pitch count, starting with their next clash against Balestier.
“We know how crucial it is to score as many goals as possible and maintain a strong goal difference,” said Madison. “We’ll continue to give everything in each game, and hopefully other teams can take points off Albirex.
“With the loss to Albirex, the title is no longer in our hands. It now depends on how they perform for the rest of the season. What we can do is stay focused on our matches and control what we can.”
Teammate Dorcas Chu echoed Madison’s perspective, but also underlined the importance of mental resilience and growth through adversity.
“I believe this is the moment that will truly reveal what we’re made of,” said Dorcas. “In the end, what matters most is the character we build as a team, because that’s what will stay with us long after the final whistle.”
Reflecting on their recent defeat, Dorcas added, “The game against Albirex exposed areas we need to improve — being more clinical and taking more shots. That’s what we’ll look to put right against Balestier.”
Like Madison, Dorcas also recently returned to action after spending time on the sidelines recovering from a knee injury.
For the 22-year-old forward, it was the grit and fight shown by her teammates that reaffirmed why there’s no other team she would rather go through the highs and lows with.
“My fitness and endurance still aren’t where they used to be, and there’s definitely room for improvement,” said Dorcas. “But stepping back onto the pitch and seeing how hard everyone fought made me want to give everything I had.
“By the time I was subbed out, I was completely spent. My jersey was soaked from constantly throwing myself into challenges — every step felt heavier, but I left it all out there. Though we gave it everything, the result just wasn’t in our favour that day. Still, it’s a loss we’ll learn from to come back stronger.”
The Sailors are no strangers to high-scoring affairs — having already netted 28 goals this season — but with goal difference now potentially deciding the title, there’s a renewed focus on sharpening their attacking edge.
“As a team, we want to be more clinical in front of goal,” declared Madison. “We had good opportunities in the first half against Albirex that we didn’t convert, and that ultimately cost us the game. We’re also looking to improve our attacking movement and runs to create more chances as we head into the final stretch of the season.”
With limited games left in her stint before returning to the U.S., Madi is determined to make every appearance count.
“I know I won’t be around for many matches, so I want to leave a positive impact in each one,” she added. “Of course, a big part of that was trying to get a better result against Albirex, but now, my focus shifts to helping the team be more effective in front of goal and contributing in training by raising the intensity.”
It all happened in a blur.
Lining up for the Singapore National Team in Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ qualifiers in March 2024, Sailors full-back Zulqarnaen Suzliman – better known as Mamat – found himself chasing down China PR’s Li Yuanyi in the 40th minute.
Then, disaster struck.
“As I was running, I felt something click in my left knee,” he recounted. “I immediately knew something was wrong, but with adrenaline rushing through my body, I decided to finish the half. When we got back to the changing room, it felt like my knee was stuck – I couldn’t bend or straighten it.”
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While the Lions eventually fell 4-1 in Tianjin that night, the pain lingered long after the final whistle for Mamat, who would later learn the full extent of his injury upon returning to Singapore.
“I tried not to think too much about it while I was still in China. But once I went for a scan back home, reality hit me hard,” said the 27-year-old. “I had torn my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
“I had enjoyed a very good 2023 season up to that point, so when I got the news, I broke down and cried. It was difficult to accept that I’d be missing almost an entire season with the Sailors — and big competitions like the (ASEAN Club Championship) Shopee Cup and the AFC Champions League Two, which I was really looking forward to.”
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This was Mamat’s second major injury setback in three years, having spent six months on the sidelines with a torn hamstring in July 2022. Knowing just how grueling the road to recovery could be, the thought of enduring it all over again was tough to swallow.
And so, for the next eight months, Mamat lived in the gym — turning up six days a week, often adding pitch work after his strength sessions.
But his biggest battle wasn’t physical.
“Those few months were mentally challenging,” he admitted. “Physically, I could handle the gym. But doing the same rehab exercises day in, day out… that really tested me. Some days, I felt so drained and just didn’t want to go in. But I had no choice. I had to find a way to keep going.”
Staying motivated, however, proved easier said than done. As much as he tried to focus on his recovery, the emotional toll of being away from the pitch began to weigh on him.
“Honestly, I chose not to watch the team’s matches during the first few months,” said Mamat. “Whenever I did, it felt like I was out there with them, and that just made me even more frustrated and stressed.”
Still, the longing to return never faded.
“I missed everything about matchday — the warm-ups, the travelling, the adrenaline. The team was doing well, and that gave me motivation. I just wanted to get back to fitness and be with them again, both on and off the pitch.”
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To cope with the tough days, Mamat leaned on the unwavering support of his family. He also made it a point to spend more time with his children, bringing them to the pool and playground every weekend — brief but cherished escapes from the rigours of rehabilitation.
“My mum and wife have been with me every step of the way,” he shared. “They saw how mentally exhausted I was on so many days, and kept encouraging me to keep going. They just wanted to see me back doing what I love — playing football.”
Beyond home, the Sailors family also formed a vital pillar of strength in his recovery journey.
“The medical staff and coaches at the Sailors have been fantastic. I definitely wouldn’t have made it back without them,” Mamat said. “My teammates were a big part of that too. Guys like Rui Pires and Bailey Wright kept checking in and kept me going in the gym. That kind of support made all the difference.”
After 315 gruelling days, Mamat finally made his long-awaited return to competitive football, earning valuable minutes against the Young Lions in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) U21 League on 3 February. With the long road to recovery finally behind him — at least for a moment — stepping onto the pitch again brought back a flood of emotions.
“Playing just a few minutes in that game made me feel like a child again,” Mamat smiled. “It reminded me of the pure joy I used to feel as a kid — just being able to play the game freely. That feeling had been missing from my life for nearly a year.”
Grateful for the opportunity, Mamat embraced his role as one of the squad’s senior figures.
“It was great to be part of a young, hungry team that really wanted to win. As an overaged player, I did my best to guide the boys, and I appreciated the trust the coaches placed in me to lead by example.”
But, just as things were finally looking up, another cruel twist arrived.
In a match against Hougang United’s U21s on 3 March, Mamat suffered a torn hamstring and, once again, found himself sidelined — this time for another one and a half months.
“I knew I was really close to being back at my best, so this setback hit me hard,” he admitted. “It triggered a lot of thoughts about giving up on the season altogether. But then I reminded myself of everything I’d already overcome. There was no way I could throw in the towel now.
“That mindset pushed me to give everything in the gym once more, just to get back to where I was.”
Mamat’s perseverance would finally pay off.
He returned to fitness just in time to help clinch the U21 League title with the young Sailors, and from April onwards, began featuring regularly on the senior team bench. That eventually led to a long-awaited return to first-team action on 14 May against Balestier Khalsa — 518 days after his last senior appearance in December 2023.
“Getting the chance to play first-team football again was incredibly refreshing after 14 months of rehab,” said Mamat, who looked sharp across 88 composed minutes on the pitch. “I had to readjust to the pace and intensity of senior football, but I think I did pretty well, and most importantly, I was just overjoyed to be back out there.”
While that night marked a major milestone, Mamat remains grounded and is focused not on making up for lost time, but on building steadily, one game at a time.
“I know getting back to my best won’t happen overnight and will take time,” he reflected. “Right now, it’s about getting more minutes, rebuilding my confidence, and just enjoying my football again. The key is to be patient, and to trust the process.”
The Sailors’ final league outing of the season offers the perfect platform for Mamat to continue his comeback, as they take on second-placed BG Tampines Rovers this Saturday (24 May).
With Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković set to rotate his squad, the Sailors remain intent on using the clash to build rhythm and confidence ahead of a crucial Singapore Cup semi-final second leg against Brunei DPMM just three days later.
“We approach every game with the same winning mentality, and this one is no different,” said Mamat. “Ending the season on a high is important for us, so we’ll give everything to take all three points on Saturday and carry that momentum into the Singapore Cup.”
Mamat’s renewed drive to compete comes from months of soul-searching and tireless work behind the scenes.
“Being away from football for so long made me appreciate the game even more,” he reflected. “Recovering from a serious injury isn’t just about physical strength, it’s about mental resilience. You have to stay disciplined, even on the hardest days. And it’s those days that have made me truly grateful for every opportunity to step back onto the pitch.”
The Lion City Sailors displayed grit and character in abundance as they battled from behind to beat Brunei DPMM 3-2 in the first leg of the Singapore Cup semi-finals at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday (21 May).
Despite twice falling behind to strikes from Azwan Ali Rahman and Gabriel Gama, the Sailors held their nerve. Maxime Lestienne pulled the team level, before centre-backs Toni Datković and Bailey Wright stepped up with crucial goals to steer the Sailors a step closer to a second straight Singapore Cup final.
Coming off a physically and emotionally draining Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two Final at Bishan Stadium just three days earlier, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković made three changes, with Lionel Tan, Shawal Anuar, and Zharfan Rohaizad all drafted into the starting XI.
Speaking after the hard-fought win, Ranko lauded his players for the mental strength they showed in bouncing back from Sunday’s heartbreak.
“Everyone who plays football understands just how much that last match took out of the players — physically and emotionally,” said Ranko. “We knew it was going to be a tough game, and we were caught off guard for both of their goals. But I’m really proud of the way the boys responded.
“DPMM are a side in good form, and while we created several good chances in the first half, it was crucial for us to come away with the win. That said, nothing’s settled yet. We have to recover well and be fully focused for the second leg.”
Coming into the match on the back of five straight league victories, DPMM started brightly and took an early lead. In the 8th minute, Nazirrudin unleashed a fierce drive that Zharfan could only parry, with captain Azwan Ali reacting quickest to slot home the rebound from close range.
That early setback jolted the Sailors into action. Just seven minutes later, Song Uiyoung burst down the right flank and picked out Shawal in the box, but the forward blazed his effort over the bar.
The pressure continued in the 22nd minute as Maxime produced a trademark dash down the left to square the ball for Bart Ramselaar, whose instinctive inside-foot flick drifted just wide.
Shawal came agonisingly close to scoring twice around the half-hour mark. First, he glanced a header narrowly wide of the far post, before rattling the crossbar with a thunderous strike moments later.
But the Sailors’ breakthrough finally arrived on the stroke of half-time. A low driven cross from Lionel was met by Maxime at the near post, with the Belgian poking home to net his first goal of this season’s Singapore Cup.
The Sailors nearly ended the half on a high when Maxime curled in yet another teasing delivery for Shawal, but the latter’s close-range effort was well smothered by DPMM custodian Haimie Nyaring.
Just as the Sailors looked to have taken control of proceedings, DPMM struck against the run of play. From a short corner routine in the 57th minute, Gama weaved past his marker and rifled a powerful effort past Zharfan to make it 2-1.
But the Sailors refused to be rattled. Showing urgency and intent, they drew level once again in the 66th minute. Maxime — the architect once more — delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Toni rose highest to nod home beyond a stranded Haimie.
The turnaround was complete just three minutes later. DPMM failed to deal with a Sailors corner, and skipper Bailey Wright was quickest to react, smashing home from close range to hand the hosts the lead for the first time on the night.
As the Sailors continued to press for a cushion, Haimie was called into action again in the 86th minute — this time diving smartly to his right to parry a curling effort from Maxime.
Despite DPMM’s late push for an equaliser, the Sailors held their shape and composure at the back to see out a gritty 3-2 victory — taking a slender but significant lead into the second leg of the semi-final.
“It was a strong performance from the first to the last minute,” said man-of-the-match Maxime after the final whistle. “It wasn’t easy to recover from Sunday, and we conceded two soft goals. But the important thing is we scored three and won. There’s still one more leg to go, so we must give everything again, just like we did today.”
With the Sailors set to wrap up their Singapore Premier League (SPL) campaign against BG Tampines Rovers this Saturday (24 May) at the same venue, Ranko signalled his intent to rotate the squad.
“The nice thing is that there’s no pressure on that game for us, so we’re going to use it to give minutes to players who haven’t featured as much,” said Ranko. “It also gives the rest of the team a chance to rest and focus on preparing for the second leg next week.”
The Sailors will then return to Bishan Stadium next Tuesday (27 May) for the all-important second leg of their semi-final clash against Brunei DPMM, with a spot in the 2025 Singapore Cup final on the line.
As the clock ticked into the final ten minutes of the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two Final, it was all hands on deck for the Lion City Sailors as they chased a one-goal deficit against Sharjah FC.
Having already introduced top scorer Shawal Anuar in a bid to turn the tide, Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković played another card in the 79th minute — sending on young striker Abdul Rasaq Akeem.
Facing a Sharjah defence anchored by South Korean international Cho Yu-min was no easy task, but the 21-year-old was unfazed by the occasion and immediately injected urgency into the Sailors’ game with his tireless pressing and relentless energy.
“We were chasing the game, so Coach Ranko wanted to push more men forward to create scoring chances,” explained Rasaq. “Sharjah are a strong team, but for me, it was just another game. I had to stay confident no matter who I was up against.
“The intensity was high, and I knew I had to stay sharp. The only thing on my mind was helping the team find that equaliser, so I just gave it everything I had.”
Rasaq’s introduction proved pivotal in the Sailors’ late breakthrough, as he calmly brought down a high ball before spreading it wide to full-back Diogo Costa, who squared it across for Maxime Lestienne to fire home the equaliser.
“When Maxime scored, belief came flooding back,” said Rasaq. “Everyone felt energised, and we genuinely thought we could ride that momentum and win the game in regulation time.”
But fate had other ideas.
Just as the Sailors looked poised to take control, Marcus Meloni struck a 97th-minute winner for Sharjah — a cruel blow that silenced the majority of the 9,737-strong Bishan Stadium crowd and shattered the Sailors’ hopes of a historic first continental title.
The dramatic late twist left Sailors players and fans stunned. But amid the heartbreak, Rasaq took heart in the team’s fighting spirit.
“We earned our place in the final, so it was only right that we gave everything until the final whistle,” said Rasaq. “Everyone — the fans, the staff, our families — has supported us throughout the season, so we knew we had to fight for everyone involved with the club. The result didn’t go our way, but I’m proud that every single one of us gave our all.”
Disappointment was clearly etched across the faces of the Sailors as they trudged back to the dressing room. But as the dust began to settle, there was also a growing sense that while the result stung, it had only strengthened the team’s belief, and fuelled their hunger to go even further.
“For all the effort we’ve put in this season, we really wanted to cap it off with the ACL Two trophy,” Rasaq shared. “I could see how disappointed everyone was at full time, but deep down, we’re incredibly proud of the club and how far we’ve come.
“That was also what Coach Ranko told us after the game, that we shouldn’t feel too down because we’ve already made history and brought pride to the nation. This is just the beginning. The defeat will only motivate us to keep pushing forward, and hopefully create even more special moments for Singapore.”
For Rasaq, featuring in a major continental final like the ACL Two still felt almost surreal.
“This was definitely one of the biggest moments of my career,” he reflected. “Finals like these were the kind of games I used to only watch on TV. To actually be on the pitch and part of it all is a completely different feeling. I never imagined playing in a match of this magnitude, so I’m just grateful for the opportunity. I’ll take everything I’ve learned and use it to grow from here.”
There will be little time for the Sailors to dwell on the heartbreak, however, with another trophy still up for grabs. Just 72 hours after the final, they will return to action in the first leg of a crucial Singapore Cup semi-final against an in-form Brunei DPMM side at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday (21 May).
The Bruneian outfit are riding a wave of momentum, and are unbeaten in nine of their last ten outings across all competitions, with five consecutive wins to their name. Their attack is led by Latvian international Dāvis Ikaunieks, who has been in red-hot form with nine goals in his last five games.
With one final push left this season, Rasaq is determined to channel the pain of defeat into fuel for the fight ahead.
“Losing a final is never easy, but we have to stay positive — there’s still one more piece of silverware to fight for,” he said. “Brunei are a very strong team and they’ve been in good form, so we need to be sharp and fully aware of the threats they pose. It’s all about staying focused and finishing the season in the best way possible.
“It’s important that we rest, recover, and prepare for the semi-finals in the best way possible. It was heartwarming to feel the love and support from our fans on Sunday. We still have the Singapore Cup to fight for, and the team is fully focused on finishing the season with more silverware.”
The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team fell to their first defeat of the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season, as they narrowly lost 1-0 to Albirex Niigata (S) at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Sunday (18 May).
It marked just the second defeat in the team’s history since their formation in 2022, with their only other loss coming against Geylang International in the 2024 season.
Despite the setback, the Sailors remain atop the WPL standings with 13 points from six matches, though Albirex have closed the gap to just one point with a game in hand.
“We played according to our game plan today and I’m proud of each and every member of this team,” said Sailors Head Coach Daniel Ong. “We came close to scoring in the first half but didn’t take our chances. We’ll move on from this and take each game as it comes.”
Daniel handed a start to Sailors Girls’ Academy graduate Madison Telmer, who made her return to the starting XI and was quickly involved in the thick of the action.
While Albirex started the stronger of the two sides, the Sailors soon created the game’s first big opportunity in the 12th minute. Albirex goalkeeper Erlinawaty Jaffar failed to claim a high ball, allowing Sarah Zu’risqha a free header — only for her effort to be dramatically cleared off the line by Sun Jie.
The Sailors came even closer just a minute later. Madison whipped in an inch-perfect cross from the right that found Priscille Le Helloco, but her fierce strike cannoned off the woodwork.
Those missed opportunities would prove costly for the Sailors, as in the 22nd minute, Albirex took the lead against the run of play through Ruriko Takashima, who broke free from midfield and finished coolly over the reach of Beatrice Tan.
It was Takashima’s fourth goal in two games, having netted a hat-trick in last weekend’s 7-2 win over Still Aerion.
The Sailors tried to respond immediately, and in the 32nd minute, Sarah’s low free-kick appeared to slip through the grasp of Erlinawaty, but the Albirex custodian reacted quickly to push the ball out for a corner.
The first-half ended with Albirex holding on to a slender 1-0 lead, but the Sailors came out with renewed purpose in the second half.
Umairah Hamdan tried her luck from distance in the 48th minute, but her effort flew off target, with the increasingly heavy downpour posing challenges for both teams.
“The rain actually affected our game today. The long balls weren’t going in the right direction, while the short passes couldn’t reach our players’ feet,” said Sailors captain Umairah.
“Both teams had to deal with the same conditions, but when the pitch is waterlogged and the surface isn’t dry or stable, it definitely affects your performance.”
Just past the hour mark, the Sailors continued to push for an equaliser, with Madison and Dhaniyah Qasimah both having attempts on goal, though neither seriously tested the Albirex goalkeeper.
At the other end, Khairunnisa Anwar came up with a crucial intervention in the 66th minute, producing a heroic last-ditch sliding tackle to deny Albirex a second goal and keep her side in the contest.
Madison later carved out a shot under pressure from three defenders, but it proved to be the Sailors’ final meaningful attempt on goal as Albirex held firm, even with several attacking substitutions introduced in the closing stages.
“Despite the loss, I think there were more positives than negatives for us in this game,” reflected Umairah. “The girls did a good job. Everyone gave their all and tried to play really good football.”
The Sailors will have a chance to bounce back next Saturday (24 May), when they take on bottom-placed Balestier Khalsa.
While the Tigresses have shipped 26 goals in just five matches, they will head into the clash with renewed belief after securing their first WPL victory of the season — a 2-1 win over Tanjong Pagar United.
Looking ahead, Umairah stressed the importance of being more clinical in front of goal.
“One thing we must do better is to be more decisive in the final third,” she said. “Chances will come, but we need to optimise them and seize every opportunity.”
“So that’s something we’ll work on — not just in the next game against Balestier, but moving forward as well if we want to achieve the results we’re aiming for.”
There was to be no Cinderella ending to the Lion City Sailors’ fairytale run in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two, as they fell to a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Emirati side Sharjah FC in Sunday’s (18 May) final at the Bishan Stadium.
Trailing 1-0 to a Firas Ben Larbi strike as the match edged into stoppage time, the Sailors showed remarkable resilience in front of esteemed Guest of Honour, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore, to pull level through Maxime Lestienne.
But just as the partisan 9,737-strong crowd roared them on in hope, Marcus Meloni delivered the decisive blow in the 97th minute to snatch the ACL Two trophy for the visitors.
It was a cruel end to what had been a historic campaign – one that saw the Sailors defy expectations and push the boundaries of Singapore football by reaching a first-ever continental final.
Despite the crushing nature of the defeat, Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković was full of praise for his players as he reflected on the magnitude of their achievement.
“We are very disappointed and upset that we lost in that fashion, but at the same time, incredibly proud of how we presented ourselves,” said Ranko. “It was one of those 50-50 games where a single moment decided the outcome, and unfortunately, it didn’t go our way.
“But I have nothing but pride in my boys – for the way they’ve played and the journey we’ve had. We’ve brought something special to Singapore football, and every single one of them did a tremendous job.”
As rain poured down on the newly refurbished 10,000-seater Bishan Stadium, the final kicked off as a cagey affair, with both sides cautiously probing for the right moment to strike. Aside from a disallowed goal by Caio Lucas in the 10th minute for offside, the Sailors’ resolute defensive structure largely succeeded in containing their highly regarded opponents.
The home side’s first real sight at goal came in the 19th minute when a loose ball from a corner fell to Bart Ramselaar on the edge of the area, but his effort was well-blocked by defender Shahin Abdulrahman.
Flying full-back Diogo Costa – who had already made several marauding runs down the left – then nearly opened the scoring in the 34th minute, with a volley from the edge of the box that ricocheted off Sharjah goalkeeper Adel Al-Hosani’s near post.
Sharjah had a chance of their own just before the break, as Luanzinho rose to meet a David Petrovic cross in stoppage time, but the winger’s header flew wide of Izwan Mahbud’s goal.
The Sailors came out strong after the interval, with early second-half efforts from Song Uiyoung and Bart both sailing over the bar. Sharjah gradually began to assert themselves and created their best opening of the match in the 67th minute, but forward Ousmane Camara could only head wide from close range.
That chance proved to be a sign of ominous things to come for the Sailors. Just six minutes later, Caio threaded a brilliant lofted pass to pick out the run of Khaled Ibrahim, who had ghosted in at the far post. The full-back slid the ball across goal for Ben Larbi to tap home the opener for the visitors.
Now chasing the game, the Sailors searched desperately for a breakthrough, and nearly found it in the 83rd minute. A header from Lennart Thy in the Sharjah box deflected off the heel of substitute Shawal Anuar, but the Singaporean international could only send it wide of the goal.
However, as the match ticked into the second of 11 minutes of stoppage time, star man Maxime produced the moment the home fans had been waiting for. Latching onto a low cross from Diogo, the Belgian struck a precise first-time shot with his left foot that flew beyond Al-Hosani and into the net. It was a stunning equaliser that sent the crowd at the Bishan Stadium into raptures, and briefly reignited the Sailors’ hopes.
But the Sailors’ euphoria was short-lived. With the hosts pushing forward in search of a winner, Sharjah struck a cruel counter-punch in the 97th minute. A delightful reverse ball from Caio released Meloni down the left, and the Brazilian-born Emirati skipped past a challenge before rifling a low shot into the bottom corner to swing the final back in his side’s favour.
As the Sailors stared down the barrel, they threw everything they had at Sharjah in a desperate push for another equaliser. But some resolute last-ditch defending from the visitors denied Shawal during a series of frantic goalmouth scrambles. That would be as close as the home side came, as the final whistle sounded after 103 gruelling minutes of football — and the Sailors sank to the turf, heartbroken but proud.
Speaking after the match, Ranko emphasised that the journey — not just the result — will leave a lasting impact.
“Apart from the defeat, the number one lesson we can take away is that we should never stop dreaming and believing,” said the Serbian. “We were the underdogs in almost every game this campaign, and rightfully so because we come from Singapore. If we can achieve even half of what we’ve done this season — especially in the Champions League Two — I’ll be very satisfied.
“This year showed me that if we believe — and of course, if you have such a group of players — you can go so far.”
There will, however, be little time for the Sailors to dwell on this heartbreak, as they return to action on Wednesday (21 May) in the first leg of a crucial Singapore Cup semi-final tie against Brunei DPMM.
As the steadying presence in the dressing room, club captain Hariss Harun was quick to rally the team and turn their attention to the next objective.
“We have one more competition to fight for, so we need to pick ourselves up,” said Hariss. “We can give each other a pat on the back for what we’ve achieved in this ACL Two campaign, but now, it’s about putting this setback behind us and finishing the season strong with another trophy.”
A historic first continental title beckons as the Lion City Sailors lock horns with United Arab Emirates (UAE) heavyweights Sharjah FC in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two Final 2025 at the Bishan Stadium this Sunday, 18 May.
A sleeping giant
Touted as one of the biggest matches in the Sailors’ short but ambitious five-year history, this final is a golden opportunity for the newly-crowned Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions to carve their name into Asian football folklore.
Victory would not only mark the club’s first major continental title but also a landmark moment for Singapore football.
Standing in their path, however, is a formidable Sharjah side that is equally eager to make history. The final will be the Sailors’ first encounter this season with a West Asian opponent – a new and daunting challenge.
Sharjah’s pedigree is well-established. Once a dominant force in Emirati football, they clinched five UAE Pro League titles and finished runners-up six times between 1973 and 1998. However, success has been harder to come by in recent years, with just one league triumph in the 2018/19 season.
Nevertheless, the club enjoyed a trophy-laden 2022/23 campaign, as they won the UAE Super Cup, League Cup, and President’s Cup to underline their status as a regional powerhouse on the rise.
Now sitting second in the UAE Pro League, Sharjah trail champions Shabab Al-Ahli by 12 points — a gap made all the more painful after losing to the same side in the UAE President’s Cup final on 9 May.
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Sharjah had looked title contenders earlier in the season, racking up 13 wins in their first 14 league games. But a sharp dip in form — with just two victories in their next 10 outings — saw them fall out of the title race. Indeed, they arrive in Singapore on the back of three consecutive league defeats, including back-to-back 3-0 losses to Al Wahda and Al Ain.
However, their continental campaign tells a different story.
In the ACL Two, Sharjah have been a different beast. They topped a tough group featuring Jordanian giants Al-Wehdat and Iran’s Sepahan with four wins from six matches. In the knockout rounds, they edged out Jordan’s Al Hussein and domestic rivals Shabab Al-Ahli — both via penalties — before booking their place in the final with a dramatic 2-1 aggregate win over Saudi Arabia’s Al-Taawoun, courtesy of two stoppage-time goals in the semi-final second leg.
For Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković, the final against Sharjah represents the ultimate test of his side’s continental credentials — but it is a challenge they are relishing.
“Sharjah are a team with not just quality on the pitch, but also a strong winning mentality,” said Ranko. “They’ve shown time and again they can grind out results, with late goals and penalty shootouts.
“They’re a physical side, no doubt, but we’ve faced many teams like that in this competition, so we’re ready. We know it’ll be a tough battle, but we are prepared for anyone.”
In the opposition dugout stands Romanian tactician Cosmin Olăroiu, who is widely regarded as one of the Gulf region’s most respected coaching figures. With a glittering résumé, Olăroiu has led some of the UAE’s biggest clubs to glory, including four league titles with Al Ain and Al Ahli.
His trophy haul also boasts five UAE Super Cups, two League Cups, and two President’s Cups, alongside top-flight league triumphs in Romania, China, and Saudi Arabia.
Under his guidance, Sharjah have lost just twice in 12 ACL Two outings — a testament to Olăroiu’s knack for navigating high-stakes continental competitions.
With all that experience in the opposing camp, Sailors captain Hariss Harun knows his side cannot afford any complacency.
“When it comes to finals, form goes out of the window,” said Hariss. “We can talk about how well they’ve played, or how well we’ve played, but it doesn’t matter. In games like this, there are no favourites. It all comes down to who wants it more on the day.”
Blend of quality and experience
With this match set to be Olăroiu’s final bow as Sharjah head coach before he takes over the UAE national team, the 55-year-old will be determined to end his tenure on a high. Aiding his quest is a star-studded squad valued at €43.63 million (Transfermarkt) — more than seven times the Sailors’ squad value.
Among his marquee names is former Moroccan international Adel Taarabt, who is fondly remembered as one of the most technically gifted players to grace English football. The 35-year-old playmaker has turned out for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan, and Benfica, and even featured in a UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool in 2022.
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Despite being in the twilight of his career, Taarabt remains as influential as ever, and his flair and vision continue to make him a key threat. He has hit double figures in goal contributions every season since his move to the UAE, and has already chalked up nine goals and five assists in all competitions this term.
Leading Sharjah’s attacking line is talismanic forward Caio Lucas. The former Benfica man is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 75 goals in 176 appearances. This season, the 31-year-old has netted 18 goals domestically and added five goals and three assists in 11 ACL Two appearances. Having featured in every edition of the ACL since 2014, Caio’s vast experience will be pivotal in the final.
Olăroiu’s attacking arsenal also boasts talents like left winger Luan Pereira (Luanzinho), who notched five goals and two assists in the ACL Two group stage, and versatile forward Ousmane Camara. Tunisian international Firas Ben Larbi and Brazil youth international Guilherme Biro add further firepower to Sharjah’s formidable frontline.
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Defensively, Sharjah are anchored by South Korean international Cho Yu-min, who memorably registered an assist in a 7-0 victory over Singapore in 2024. Complementing him is Serbian left-back David Petrovic, a tireless 22-year-old who has clocked the most minutes of any outfield player for Sharjah this season.
Their squad depth is further bolstered by six active UAE national team players, including seasoned right-back Khaled Ebraheim and defensive midfielder Majid Rashid — underlining the quality and experience throughout the side.
Embracing the occasion
Even with the obvious quality of their opponents, the Sailors have repeatedly shown they are capable of defying the odds throughout their ACL Two campaign.
Memorable triumphs over Japanese powerhouses Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the quarter-finals and Australian giants Sydney FC in the semi-finals stand as proof. The Sailors have won five of their last seven matches in the competition, a remarkable run that has carried them to the cusp of their greatest achievement since the club’s formation five years ago.
For Ranko, however, this final is not a moment of pressure, but one of opportunity. The Serbian cut a relaxed figure on the eve of the match, as he urged his charges to embrace the occasion and turn belief into performance.
“There is no pressure on the team at all,” said Ranko. “We’ve already made history several times this season, so this is just another chance to prove ourselves, and there’s no better stage than a final.
“Everybody is prepared and focused on getting the win. We’re going to give our best in front of our home crowd tomorrow.”
With a sold-out Bishan Stadium set to transform into a cauldron of noise and colour, Hariss has called on the Sailors faithful to once again make their presence felt.
“Our fans have been a huge part of this campaign,” said the Singapore international. “They’ve followed us home and away, and their support means everything to us. With Bishan’s expanded capacity and the close proximity between players and fans, I’m sure their energy will give us that extra boost tomorrow.”
When Sailors midfielder Nurhidayu Naszri first picked football as a co-curricular activity in Primary 3 at Telok Kurau Primary School, she never imagined that such a simple decision would kickstart an incredible journey.
“I chose to play football because my dad was a huge fan, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” explained the 21-year-old. “Being the eldest in the family, I decided to step up and give the sport a try. But back then, I wasn’t very serious about it — I was quite relaxed and never thought I’d go competitive.”
But that gradually changed over the years. As Ayu grew more involved in the sport, her love for the game deepened. And, with a desire to push herself further, she began attending club and national team trials — a bold step that required a complete shift in her mindset.
“Although I enjoyed football a lot, the journey hasn’t been easy,” she reflected. “The competition was intense and I wasn’t as naturally gifted as many of my peers. So I had to put in double the effort — 200% in every training session and match.”
Her perseverance has since paid off. Ayu is now a regular fixture in Daniel Ong’s Sailors side, which has begun their 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) campaign in dominant fashion — the reigning champions have won four of their first five matches, scoring 28 goals and conceding just three.
Eight of those goals came in a resounding 8-0 victory over Geylang International last Saturday, with the Sailors netting 17 times in their last two outings.
“That win meant a lot to us,” said Ayu. “We came into the game determined to redeem ourselves after last year’s loss. It was a real team effort — everyone was focused and fully committed for the full 90 minutes.”
The midfielder opened the floodgates for the Sailors, tapping in a cross from Sarah Zu’risqha in the 16th minute to give her side an early lead. It was Ayu’s second goal of the season, having also found the net against Balestier Khalsa earlier in March.
“I’m honestly surprised to have started the season with two goals, as scoring was something I struggled with last year,” admitted Ayu. “Throughout my football journey, I’ve mainly focused on creating chances and providing assists. I never really saw myself as a goalscorer — but now, I’m looking to build on this and contribute even more to the team.”
Just over a month ago, the Sailors were handed a timely reminder of how challenging the season would be, after being held to a goalless draw by Hougang United.
“That game was a wake-up call for all of us,” Ayu recalled. “It demanded a response, and we delivered by putting in extra work during training. It really showed the strength of our team mentality. We stayed united, nobody let their heads drop, and we bounced back from that minor setback with purpose.”
Having joined the Sailors from BG Tampines Rovers in June 2024, Ayu is now approaching her first full year at the club — an experience she describes as both challenging and deeply rewarding.
“As a young player, I never imagined myself playing for a big club like the Sailors,” said Ayu, who earned her first senior cap for Singapore at just 17. “From the moment I signed, everyone has been incredibly supportive and helped me settle in. It’s a real honour to be here, and I’m truly grateful to be part of such a fantastic team.”
A major turning point in her career came in 2023, when she suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that kept her out for almost a year. Joining a team stacked with national stalwarts and top local talent, Ayu knew she had to work doubly hard to earn her place on the pitch.
“I signed for the club just after completing nine months of rehab,” she shared. “Having been out for so long, I was definitely behind in terms of fitness, strength, and match sharpness.”
“It was a tough time — both physically and mentally — but the constant encouragement from my teammates and coaches really kept me going. Their support gave me the push I needed to stay focused and keep working my way back.”
Nonetheless, setbacks like these have shaped Ayu into the player — and person — she is today. And now, the 21-year-old is beginning to reap the rewards of her perseverance, emerging as an increasingly influential figure in the Sailors’ midfield.
“Joining the Sailors has really empowered me to believe in myself,” said Ayu. “I’ve grown more confident in my decision-making and in stepping up whenever the team needs me. A lot of that growth is thanks to the coaches, teammates, and staff who’ve played a big part in shaping me as a player.”
Now fully fit and firing, Ayu is ready for a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash against Albirex Niigata (S) this Sunday (18 May). The two sides last met in early March, with the Sailors coming from behind to edge a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the season opener.
With the title race already heating up, Daniel knows how crucial every point will be — especially against a rejuvenated Albirex side eager to reclaim the crown.
“We won the league by just a single point last year, so this game could make a big difference,” said Daniel, who identified Japanese trio Kana Kitahara, Ruriko Takashima, and Manami Fukuzawa as Albirex’s key attacking threats.
“Their frontline is dangerous, so we’ll need to work even harder to track their movements and close down the spaces. And when they press us, we must stay calm, be confident on the ball, and trust in our passing game.”
Recording a second league win over the White Swans would send out a statement of intent from the Sailors. But Ayu knows it will be far from easy.
“They’ll come at us even stronger this time, so it’s crucial we stay sharp and cut out the simple mistakes,” she said. “There’s no room for complacency, as the league is much more competitive this season. But we’re fully focused on the goals we’ve set as a team. For us, every league match is a final.”
The Lion City Sailors fell to a 1-0 defeat against Balestier Khalsa at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday (14 May) night, but the result did little to dampen the celebratory mood as they were officially crowned the 2024/25 Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions by night’s end.
Having wrapped up the title this past weekend with a narrow win over Tanjong Pagar United, the Sailors rotated heavily with one eye on this Sunday’s Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two Final against Sharjah FC.
Despite the result, there were still positives for the Sailors to take. Making his first SPL appearance for the club, goalkeeper Adib Azahari impressed with a superb double save just 13 minutes in to deny former Sailor Abdil Qaiyyim and Balestier’s Cher Garang.
Dutch midfielder Bart Ramselaar also made his return from injury and almost marked it with a bang, as he rattled the woodwork with a powerful free-kick shortly after.
But it was Balestier who found the breakthrough in the 31st minute. Another ex-Sailor, Kodai Tanaka, coolly converted from the spot after Ali Alrina was adjudged to have brought him down in the box — a goal that ultimately settled the contest.
Meanwhile, Zulqarnaen Suzliman looked sharp on his first start for the club since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in March 2024. The 27-year-old showed no signs of rust, and produced a perfectly timed challenge in the 50th minute to deny Anton Fase from doubling Balestier’s lead.
At the other end, Obren Kljajić came close to pulling the Sailors level just four minutes later — his firm header off a Hafiz Nor cross seemed destined for goal, but was kept out by a stunning acrobatic save from Balestier custodian Hafiz Ahmad.
Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković used the closing stages to hand opportunities to the Sailors’ next generation. Sixteen-year-old Andy Reefqy replaced Bart in the 75th minute and slotted straight into central midfield, while Enrico Silveira, Henry Spence, and Danie Hafiy were also introduced late on.
All four are key figures in the Sailors’ Under-21 side, which clinched the SPL Under-21 title with two games to spare last month. They were fittingly recognised at half-time, as they paraded the trophy on a night of double celebration.
The final whistle eventually confirmed just a fourth defeat for the Sailors in 31 league matches this season — but it mattered little. The night belonged to the champions, who toasted their second league triumph since the club’s inception in 2020.
Donning specially designed Champions Tees for the trophy presentation, the Sailors lifted the 15kg, 67.5cm SPL trophy high into the night sky — the reward for a season defined by grit, consistency, and collective belief.
“I said before the game that it was going to be a beautiful night, and it’s a well-deserved title for the club,” said Ranko, who guided the Sailors to glory in his first full season in charge. “I’m proud of the team, proud of my staff, and proud of everyone at the club. It’s something we’ll all remember.”
Reflecting on the match, he added: “Tonight was a game with no pressure, and the boys who played did really well. It’s not easy stepping in with a completely new line-up, so the result doesn’t matter too much. The young players haven’t had many minutes, but I’m glad I could give them a taste — to let them feel what it’s like to be part of a night like this.”
While this marked a second SPL title for seasoned Sailors like Hariss Harun, Hafiz Nor, and Song Uiyoung — all of whom returned to the club at the start of the season after a year away — it was a maiden league triumph for local stars such as Shawal Anuar and Lionel Tan, as well as European stalwarts Maxime Lestienne and Bailey Wright.
But even as the celebrations unfolded pitchside with family members, Bailey was quick to shift the focus to the next challenge — Sunday’s ACL Two Final, where the Sailors are aiming to become the first Singaporean club to win a major Asian football title.
“It’ll be something truly special — no team from Singapore has done this before,” said the 32-year-old, who has earned 29 caps for Australia. “These kinds of games don’t come around often, and we’re relishing the chance to put Singapore football on the Asian map.
“The belief and togetherness in this team has grown so much this season. We’re starting to believe that anything is possible. I’ve played in high-pressure games like the English Championship playoffs and World Cup qualifiers, and this is right up there as one of the biggest challenges of my career.
“It’s exciting knowing that 10,000 fans will be behind us, and we’re determined to put on the best possible showcase of what this club, and Singapore football, is all about.”
After a dramatic climax to the 2021 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season, the Lion City Sailors clinched their maiden league title at Jalan Besar Stadium with a 4-1 win over Balestier Khalsa — albeit in front of just 1,000 fans due to then-imposed Covid-19 safe management measures.
Three seasons on, with restrictions fully lifted and the title already wrapped up, the Sailors will once again hoist the league trophy at Jalan Besar — after facing Balestier on Wednesday (14 May). Only this time, it will be in front of a capacity crowd.
The Sailors were officially crowned 2024/25 SPL champions after a gritty 1-0 victory over Tanjong Pagar United at the Jurong East Stadium, a result that gives them an unassailable eight-point lead over BG Tampines Rovers with two games to go.
They were made to work hard by the resilient Jaguars, but the Sailors’ defence — marshalled by the experienced Bailey Wright and local stalwart Lionel Tan — held firm to secure the crucial three points.
“Looking back, the league has been more of a marathon than a sprint,” said Lionel as he reflected on the year-long campaign. “Just like any race, the start and the end are always the toughest — and that was the case on Saturday. But what’s most important is that we seized every opportunity to earn points, and I’m glad we did that.”
Lionel, who already has two Singapore Cups and a Community Shield to his name, can now proudly call himself a league champion for the first time in his career. Lining up alongside seasoned centre-backs like Bailey and Toni Datković, the 27-year-old has been a key figure in a backline that has conceded just 31 goals this season — the fewest in the league.
“It’s the first league title for me and for some of the other players as well, and it feels amazing,” said Lionel. “We’ve worked incredibly hard all season because, at the end of the day, it’s all about consistency. For a club of the Sailors’ stature, it’s not just about individual growth — we want to push ourselves as a team and win as many trophies as we can.”
But this title-winning campaign did not come without its share of doubts. The Sailors’ credentials were tested early on, most notably in a shocking 5-0 home defeat to BG Tampines Rovers in July 2024, followed by a 3-1 loss to Albirex Niigata (S) just a month later.
“I still vividly remember that 5-0 loss — it was incredibly difficult to swallow,” Lionel recalled. “We had to iron things out quickly, so we came together right after the game and spoke openly, man to man. We knew what had to change and how crucial it was to move forward. If we had let that result define us, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
That turning point proved to be a rallying cry for the Sailors. Following the defeat to Albirex, they went on a 16-game unbeaten run in the league — a stretch that lasted until this April. It was a campaign that demanded more than just consistency; it called for real mental resilience, something Lionel credits as being central to his own growth.
“I’m very happy with how much I’ve grown — not just on the pitch, but off it as well. It’s something not many people would notice, but the ups and downs I’ve faced this season have really helped me mature mentally as a player,” he shared.
“All of us have been fighting and putting in the work day in, day out to achieve our goals. This has been one of the longest league campaigns of my career, so lifting the trophy really is the perfect way to end it.”
But before they lift the SPL trophy, the Sailors will need to navigate past a determined Balestier Khalsa side looking to play party-poopers. Despite the league title already secured, Lionel emphasised that the team would not be easing up.
“No matter the circumstances, everyone who puts on the Sailors shirt must bring that character and winning mentality to the pitch,” he said. “The way we fight for the badge should never change — and we’re confident that whoever lines up on the day will give everything to finish strong and take home the three points.”
And as the final whistle nears on a long, hard-fought SPL campaign, Lionel paid tribute to the loyal group of Sailors fans who have stood by the team through every twist and turn.
“I really hope the fans turn up in full force on Wednesday,” he said. “They’ve been with us at every single game, and we’ve built a strong bond over the season. So it would mean a lot to lift the trophy and celebrate this triumph together with all of them.”
