Category: News
Having suffered a narrow defeat to Bangkok United in their recent Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two Group G match, the Lion City Sailors will be determined to produce a different outcome when they host the Thai side in the reverse fixture at the Bishan Stadium on Thursday (6 November) evening.
Meeting familiar opposition
With four points from their opening three Group G matches, the Sailors know they can ill afford to drop any more points if they are to keep their qualification hopes in their own hands.
Beating Bangkok United will be easier said than done, however, as the Thai side got the better of the reigning Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions in their last three meetings. Their most recent encounter saw Bangkok United claim a 1-0 win over a 10-man Sailors side, courtesy of a Muhsen Al-Ghassani penalty at the True BG Stadium.
And on Thursday, the Bangkok Angels will be looking to extend their strong run of results against the Sailors and take a big step towards securing their place in the Round of 16.
“The Sailors are tough opponents to play against as they have many quality players. Our focus is not on past results, but on our own team and players,” said Bangkok United Head Coach Totchtawan Sripan.
Bangkok United did show some frailties in recent weeks, needing two stoppage-time goals to scrape past bottom-placed Lamphun Warriors 4-3 in Thai League 1 on 26 October, before suffering a shock 2-1 defeat to Uthai Thani – who currently sit 14th in the 16-team standings – in their most recent league outing.
With his side playing three games in just the space of a week, squad management will be key for the 53-year-old as he aims to navigate a tricky congested schedule.
“Since we are playing a lot of games in a short period of time, we will not make many tactical changes,” said Totchtawan. “Instead, we will rely on the players who are in the best possible condition to help us get the victory we need to reach the knockout stages.”
While former Sailor Richairo Živković is likely to miss the game through injury, Bangkok United still have plenty of quality in attack, including the evergreen Teerasil Dangda — Thai League 1’s all-time local top scorer, who has also earned over a century of caps for the Thailand national team.
This fixture will also see former BG Tampines Rovers stalwarts Kyoga Nakamura and Seia Kunori return to Singapore, with the duo boasting a combined total of nearly 200 SPL appearances under their belt.
Also returning to familiar territory is Montenegrin midfielder Nebojša Kosović, who scored a brace for his country in a 3-2 defeat to a Singapore Under-15 side at the Jalan Besar Stadium during the 2010 Youth Olympic Games.
“I have very nice memories playing in Singapore, and I’m very happy to be back here. It will be a very tough game, especially in the middle of the pitch,” said Kosović.
“We are very clear on the instructions from the manager and coaching staff. Our schedule has been tough, but we are all mentally focused. Now, we just need to be prepared for what will come tomorrow.”
Ready for a response
Though Bangkok United will be tricky opposition for the Sailors, they can take heart from their strong record against Thai opposition in continental competition.
Indeed, the Sailors’ defeat to Bangkok United marked their first loss in their last six meetings with Thai sides, a run which includes memorable home wins against the likes of Port FC and Muangthong United in the ACL Two.
The Sailors will head into the game in high spirits as well, having responded to their defeat in Bangkok with a 3-0 win in the SPL over Albirex Niigata (S). Their previous continental match at Bishan Stadium also saw them put up a dominant display to overpower Selangor FC 4-2 on 1 October.
With the Sailors aiming to secure a spot in the knockout stages for a second year running, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković is confident that his side has the character to deliver a positive result against Bangkok.
“We need to bring the right mentality and determination into every game, and luckily for me, I do not have to remind my players of this,” said Ranko. “Everyone knows the importance of the match tomorrow. They will be a tough opponent, but we will also pose a challenge for them.”
While the Sailors’ task will be made tougher with the absence of experienced figures Hariss Harun and Safuwan Baharudin, the Serbian remains assured that his players have what it takes to rise to the occasion.
“We are going to miss them and the experience they bring, but I know the rest of my players will step up tomorrow like how they’ve been doing for the past few seasons,” he explained.
Ranko’s sentiments were echoed by German forward Lennart Thy, who has already made his mark in the competition this season by scoring a crucial late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Persib Bandung in their opening group game.
“We demand a lot from ourselves in every game. The team showed what we are capable of in the last game against Selangor, and we all know what we need to do tomorrow to get all three points,” explained the 33-year-old.
With the Sailors aiming to produce another memorable performance at home, Lenny has called on the fans to turn up in numbers at the Bishan Stadium.
“I hope that there are many fans at the stadium. It’s always good to have them behind us as they are always very supportive, and that gives us an extra boost on the field. We’re going to give everything to deliver a good result tomorrow.”
Eight Lion City Sailors players have been called up to Gavin Lee’s 26-strong Singapore National Team squad that will face Thailand and Hong Kong in the upcoming November international window.
Lions captain Hariss Harun, along with Safuwan Baharudin, Lionel Tan, Hami Syahin, Song Uiyoung, Shawal Anuar, and custodian Izwan Mahbud, kept their spots from the previous October window in which they drew 1-1 at home and won 2-1 away against India in a crucial double-header.
Meanwhile, there is also a recall for Sailors full-back Akram Azman after strong performances for the club in the past month.
The 24-year-old made two sturdy cameos off the bench in a 4-2 AFC Champions League Two win over Selangor and a 5-1 Singapore Premier League (SPL) win over Young Lions, before putting in an outstanding performance in a 3-0 SPL victory over Albirex Niigata (S) in which he notched up a goal and an assist.
The Lions will take on Thailand in an international ‘A’ friendly at the Thammasat Stadium next Thursday, 13 November, before facing Hong Kong in a crucial Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifier five days later (18 November) away at the Kai Tak Sports Park.
A win will see Singapore qualify for the Asian Cup on merit for the first time in history.
When the full-time whistle blew at Bishan Stadium last Monday night (27 October), Ivan Sušak dropped to his knees, pointing both fingers skyward in a moment of pure emotion.
After all, the Croatian goalkeeper had just played a starring role in helping the Lion City Sailors shut out an in-form Albirex Niigata (S) side in a commanding 3-0 victory, as he made a number of key saves to secure his first clean sheet for the club. In doing so, the reigning Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions became the first team this season to prevent Albirex from scoring in a league match.
“I’m very happy with the win and my first clean sheet,” said the 28-year-old. “However, that wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of the entire team. This win is a big mental boost for us, and it showed that we can bounce back from the loss to Bangkok United.”
Finding his feet in a new team and country
Having only joined the Sailors in July, the 2.03m-tall shot-stopper has begun to forge a good understanding with his defensive teammates. Having already faced tough continental opponents — such as Bangkok, Selangor FC, and Persib Bandung — Ivan believes the backline will only grow stronger as the season progresses.
“I can only speak positively about guys like Bailey (Wright), Hariss (Harun) and Lionel (Tan), both on and off the pitch,” he said. “The relationship we share is important. We depend on each other, and we’re always talking about the little things we can do to keep improving as a team.”
The move to Singapore from Croatian top-flight side Slaven Belupo was a major step in Ivan’s career, and while the transition was initially challenging, the camaraderie within the Sailors’ dressing room has helped him settle seamlessly.
“Singapore is an amazing city. I’d heard a lot about it from my brother, who was here 10 years ago. It’s strange to be here myself, but I’m happy,” he said with a smile.
“I knew Toni (Datković) before I came, and he’s helped me a lot, but all the players and staff have been very kind and supportive. Their help means a lot since I’m far from home, and now that my family is here too, everything is going well.”
With Singapore international Izwan Mahbud also in the squad, the Sailors boast two reliable goalkeepers competing for the number one spot — a dynamic that Ivan believes will only push both to greater heights.
“Izwan is a good goalkeeper and an even better person. We’re professionals and we fight for our spot, but that’s normal in football,” said Ivan. “We have a good relationship and push each other hard in training. That helps us both improve.”
Eyes on the continental prize
With close to 100 appearances in the Croatian top flight, Ivan’s experience and leadership will be vital as the Sailors continue their quest for a Round of 16 berth in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two.
He has already made his mark in the competition, most memorably with a stunning fingertip save in stoppage time to preserve a 1-1 away draw against Indonesia Super League side Persib on Matchday One.
“A goalkeeper can influence the outcome of a game, and I was happy to help the team,” he said. “It was just one save, but it was our collective effort that earned us that point.”
That moment was one of 15 saves Ivan has made in the competition so far — the second-highest tally in the AFC’s player rankings, just behind BG Tampines Rovers’ Syazwan Buhari and has drawn some praise from opposition fans online, though Ivan remains focused on the task at hand.
(Screengrab from the official AFC website)
“I didn’t play much attention to comments, be it good or bad ones. I’m here to help the team because that’s my job and I’m very focused on what I need to do as a goalkeeper.”
A chance to make amends
The Sailors’ qualification hopes took a hit after a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Bangkok United, which left them third in Group G. Despite the setback, Ivan believes the team can still take heart from their battling performance against the Thai outfit.
“We deserved more from that game. It’s hard to play with 10 men, but we still ran a lot and created good chances,” he reflected. “Sometimes you lose even when you play well, and that’s football. But I believe we can still qualify.”
Two weeks on, the Sailors will have the chance to exact revenge when they face Bangkok again this Thursday (6 November) at Bishan Stadium. It is a fixture that Ivan sees as a golden opportunity to get their campaign back on track.
“They’re a strong team, but I believe in our quality and our strong mindset. Our goal is to qualify, so we must stay focused and give everything to get all three points,” he declared.
“It’s important we defend well because we have the players up front who can score. Many of us have experience in big games, and we’re determined to get the job done.”
Securing his first clean sheet for the Sailors has only fuelled Ivan’s hunger to reach even greater heights, though he remains firmly focused on the team’s success.
“Every goalkeeper wants clean sheets, but what matters most is that the team gets the result,” he said. “For me, it’s about making the saves that help us win games.
“I know that playing with this team and staff will help me grow and improve every day. I’m happy here, and I want to stay at this remarkable club.”
And as the Sailors prepare for another crucial continental clash, Ivan has a simple message for the fans.
“We’re very grateful to the fans for being our 12th man. We hope they’ll come in big numbers on Thursday to push us towards our goal of taking all three points.”
The Lion City Sailors sent a strong message in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title race with a commanding 3-0 win over Albirex Niigata (S) at Bishan Stadium on Monday (27 October).
It was the perfect response to last week’s Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two defeat to Bangkok United, as goals from Lennart Thy, Bart Ramselaar and Akram Azman sealed a statement victory for the Sailors. They are now five points clear at the top of the SPL, having won their first five league games of the season for the first time in their history.
After the game, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković praised his side’s composure and control against the six-time SPL champions, who suffered their first defeat of the season.
“We were up against a totally different Albirex side from last season, but we controlled the match right from the first minute,” said Ranko. “We could have scored one or two more, but I’m very pleased with the clean sheet. Apart from the last few minutes, we didn’t allow them many chances.”
Indeed, Ranko’s charges started brightly and immediately caused problems for the Albirex defence. In the sixth minute, Shawal Anuar forced a sharp save from former Sailors custodian Hassan Sunny after meeting a teasing cross from Diogo Costa, before Tsiy Ndenge’s delivery found Lennart, who headed narrowly over.
The Sailors’ relentless pressure paid off in the 19th minute when Akram’s pinpoint cross found Lennart, who sent a looping header beyond Hassan for his fifth league goal of the season.
It was also the fourth SPL game in a row in which the German forward had scored, as he continued to prove himself a reliable attacking presence in Anderson Lopes’ absence.
“It feels good to play, to win, and to score,” said Lennart. “My mentality is that it doesn’t matter how many minutes I get, I just want to make the best of them and show what I can do on the pitch.”
Albirex offered a brief response through Shingo Nakano, whose attempted lob was tipped away by Ivan Sušak. But the Sailors continued to dominate, with Lennart coming close again in the 42nd minute when his effort flashed just wide of the post, before Akram made a crucial block in first-half stoppage time after a goalmouth scramble to preserve the home side’s lead.
The Sailors continued to push on after the break, with Lennart testing Hassan again in the 55th minute, while Tsiy struck the bar for a second successive match two minutes later with a thunderous effort from range.
It was then time for Akram — making his first league start of the season — to shine again, as his long throw in the 62nd minute was flicked on by Bailey Wright for Bart to guide home a composed sidefoot volley.
Ten minutes later, Akram capped a memorable night with a stunning goal of his own, rifling home a brilliant first-time effort after Diogo’s shot was palmed into his path to make it 3-0.
“We stuck to the game plan and the game went well for us. I’m happy to have contributed a goal and an assist, and it couldn’t really get much better,” said Akram, who was a standout performer at both ends of the pitch. “Every match counts, and this win is important as it stretches our lead at the top.”
Substitute Zulqarnaen Suzliman nearly marked his return with a goal in the 88th minute, while Croatian custodian Ivan pulled off several fine saves late on to preserve his first clean sheet for the club.
It was a dominant display that showcased the Sailors’ depth and determination, as they recorded their fifth straight league win with arguably their most complete performance of the season.
“I felt good out there, especially after a tough away trip to Bangkok,” said Bart, who was named Man-of-the-Match. “I’m proud of my performance and even prouder of how the team played. When the team performs well, individuals shine, and Akram definitely deserved Man of the Match too.”
With the SPL taking a hiatus till next January, attention now turns back to continental action. The Sailors will host Bangkok United on 6 November and Persib Bandung on 26 November in two pivotal ACL Two fixtures at Bishan Stadium.
“We’ll take things one game at a time. Our objectives are clear, and our focus is always on the next challenge,” said Akram. “The next home match against Bangkok will be a big one, and we’ll bring everything we’ve got to get the win.”
Coming up against a star-studded Bangkok United midfield in their last outing was always going to be an uphill task for the Lion City Sailors.
But one player that rose to the challenge was midfield lynchpin Song Uiyoung, who battled tirelessly and snapped into duels with his trademark intensity.
While the result did not go the Sailors’ way, the fighting spirit they showed in Pathum Thani in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League Two (ACL Two) fixture gave cause for optimism ahead of a run of several crucial fixtures.
“Everyone prepared well for the game, and we were the better team both individually and collectively in the first half,” said Song. “But even when you dominate the game, the result still may not go your way. That’s football.”
The Sailors’ task was made even harder following captain Hariss Harun’s sending off just after the hour mark. But despite being a man down, the team never stopped pushing forward in search of an equaliser.
“One of the positives we can take from the game is the quality and determination we showed as a team. That will give us confidence moving forward,” Song said.
“But at the end of the day, getting the three points is still the most important. And as long as we can finish the chances we create, I am sure we can achieve that in the next game.”
Their next assignment comes in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) against third-place Albirex Niigata (S) on Monday (27 October), just three days after returning from Bangkok.
“To prepare for Albirex, we first need to recover from this defeat both physically and mentally,” noted Song. “They are a different team from last year. Their Japanese brand of football reminds me of the Albirex of old.”
The White Swans’ revamped squad boasts potent attacking options like the league’s joint top-scorer Shingo Nakano, while new summer additions Katsuyuki Ishibashi and Takumi Yokohata have hit the ground running.
Albirex are also one of three teams, along with the Sailors and BG Tampines, yet to lose a game this term.
Recent history favours the Sailors, who have beaten the White Swans in four of their last five meetings. This includes 7-1 and 6-0 home victories in the 2024/25 season, with Song netting in both games.
However, the Singapore international is taking nothing for granted. After all, six-time league champions Albirex are the last side to beat the Sailors by two goals or more in the SPL, recording a 3-1 win back in August 2024.
“They have a strong team this season, but this is exactly the type of game we enjoy playing and we’re looking forward to a good match. We are going to prepare in the best state of mind and aim to get all three points on Monday,” said Song.
The 31-year-old has started the season in good form, registering one goal and two assists in his three league appearances. But the midfielder remains grounded and focused on the challenge ahead.
“There is still a long way to go in the season. Rather than worrying about the future, our focus is on taking things game by game,” he said.
“What matters most is ensuring that we put maximum effort into each match and with that, the results will follow.”
A 10-man Lion City Sailors side were edged 1-0 by Bangkok United in a closely-contested 2025/26 Asian Football Confederation Champions League Two (ACL Two) Group G encounter at the True BG Stadium on Thursday (23 October) night.
The Sailors were left to rue several missed chances, as Muhsen Al-Ghassani’s second-half penalty following Hariss Harun’s foul on Ilias Alhaft – which earned him a straight red card – consigned them to their first defeat of the campaign.
The result, coupled with Persib Bandung’s 2-0 victory over Selangor FC, saw Bangkok leapfrog the Sailors into second place behind the Indonesian champions, at the halfway mark of the group stage.
Speaking at the post-match conference, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković acknowledged that Hariss’ sending off changed the game, but also credited his players for the fighting spirit they showed right up until the final whistle.
“We played well today, especially in the first half, when we should have converted one of our chances,” said Ranko. “Bangkok started the second half stronger, although they did not really threaten that much in open play until the red card. We tried to chase the game and force something, but it wasn’t enough.”
The home side got off to a fast start, with Al-Ghassani coming close early on with a header that sailed over Ivan Sušak’s goal. They were then awarded a penalty just 12 minutes in, when Safuwan Baharudin was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Up stepped Richairo Živković, but the former Sailor saw his attempted panenka come back off the crossbar.
That seemed to jolt the Sailors into life, with Lennart Thy firing just wide after 25 minutes and Tsiy Ndenge hitting the crossbar with a free kick soon after.
They kept the pressure up on the Bangkok goal as the first half drew to a close, forcing the home side into two last-ditch interventions. Bailey Wright’s 42nd-minute goalbound header was blocked by Nitipong Selanon, before Lennart’s header from the ensuing corner was cleared off the line by Everton Gonçalves.
They carried that intensity into the second half, as Bart Ramselaar curled a shot narrowly past Patiwat Khammai’s post within one minute of the restart.
However, the momentum soon swung massively in the home side’s favour.
Just a minute after Ivan was forced to smother an effort by substitute Teerasil Dangda’s effort, Hariss’ last-ditch challenge on Alhaft saw the Sailors captain receive his marching orders. Al-Ghassani stepped up this time, and made no mistake from the spot as he fired Bangkok into the lead.
The hosts came close to doubling their lead with Al-Ghassani rattling the post in the 78th minute and substitute Guntapon Keereeleang firing just wide in stoppage time, but one goal proved enough for them to claim all three points on the night.
Looking back on the game, Bailey reflected on the missed opportunities that proved costly for the Sailors.
“Football is about moments, and those moments went their way today,” said the Australian. “We put ourselves under unnecessary pressure in the second half and made a few mistakes, which gave them something to hold on to. The team dug deep, but we were not clinical enough tonight.”
Despite the defeat, Ranko praised his side for giving their all in pursuit of an equaliser that ultimately eluded them.
“My team has always shown a lot of character, and that is a positive we can take from the game,” he said. “The result is disappointing as I felt that we deserved a point, but that’s just how football is.”
With back-to-back ACL Two home games – including the reverse fixture against Bangkok a fortnight later on 6 November – still to come, the Serb is keen for his side to make amends.
“This is only our first loss of the campaign, and we are still in the game. We have two games at home next, and we will do our best to get maximum points there,” said Ranko, who also thanked the travelling Sailors contingent for their support.
“We always have a good following wherever we go, so a huge shoutout to the fans who made the trip to Thailand today. I hope they continue to turn up in the following games.”
There is little time for the Sailors to recover from this result, as their focus now shifts to a crucial top-of-the-table clash in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) against Albirex Niigata at the Bishan Stadium on Monday (27 October).
The Lion City Sailors will be looking to build on a decent start to their Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two campaign, which has yielded four points from their opening two matches, as they travel to the True BG Stadium to face 2024/25 Thai League 1 runners-up Bangkok United on Thursday (23 October) night.
Rivalry renewed
Remarkably, this will be the first of three clashes between both sides in the space of 43 days – the Sailors will host the reverse fixture on Matchday Four on 6 November, before returning to Thailand for an ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup encounter on 4 December.
The sides last faced each other in the 2023/24 ACL group stage, with the Thai outfit claiming two narrow victories including a 1-0 win at the Thammasat Stadium on 28 November 2023.
“While we beat them home and away two seasons ago, the Sailors are now a totally different team,” said Bangkok head coach Totchtawan Sripan, who has been in charge of the club since December 2022.
“They were the runners-up in the ACL Two last season; they’ve improved a lot with the addition of a few foreign players although they still have the same head coach. We need to be wary of their strengths, but at the same time stick to our game plan and focus on what we can do.”
A starter for the Sailors the last time the sides met, Richairo Živković crossed the divide to join Bangkok in July 2024. The Curaçaon forward has excelled for Totchtawan’s side, with 19 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances – including four in seven ACL Two appearances last season.
Photo: 2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
And he is not the only familiar face that the Sailors will be coming up against. Thai national number one Patiwat Khammai and long-serving Brazilian captain Everton Gonçalves have remained mainstays of the Bangkok line-up since the sides last met, while former BG Tampines Rovers duo Seia Kunori and Kyoga Nakamura have also come onboard to support free-scoring Omani international Muhsen Al-Ghassani.
Another new addition, Ilias Alhaft, has also impressed, with the former Sparta Rotterdam forward scoring twice in Bangkok’s opening 4-2 win over Malaysia’s Selangor FC.
“Bangkok’s a very good, balanced team,” said Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković. “We already know a couple of players that played in Singapore, Kunori and Kyoga, and their central defenders are also very stable. And if he plays, we know Richi – he’s a top quality player that we will have to keep a close eye on.”
A Bangkok side out to make amends
There is no doubting Bangkok’s calibre – this is a side that finished runners-up to Buriram United in the Thai League 1 for the past three seasons, and is continuing to push the defending champions this term.
A record of five wins, two draws and one loss from their first eight league matches sees them sit two points behind Buriram – albeit having played a game more – although they will rue the two points dropped last weekend (18 October) in a 0-0 away draw with Muangthong United.
Photo: 2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
Their ACL Two campaign has been a mixed bag though, with an opening 4-2 away win over Selangor followed by a shock 2-0 defeat by Indonesia Super League champions Persib Bandung at the True BG Stadium some three weeks ago.
That threw Group G wide open ahead of the Bangkok-Sailors double header on Matchdays Three and Four, with Bangkok now in third place trailing both the Sailors and Persib by a point.
Given the fine margins, Totchtawan is keenly aware of the importance of these two games in his side’s bid to reach the knockout stages of an AFC competition for a third consecutive season; in last season’s ACL Two, they reached the last 16 where they were knocked out by Australia’s Sydney FC over two legs.
“After losing our last group game, we need to have full concentration to get back to winning ways and get an important result to improve our chances of getting into the next stage,” said the former Thai international.
Singing from the same hymn book, Bangkok defender Jakkapan Praisuwan added: “Obviously we do need this important win at home. Our coaching staff has analysed the Lion City Sailors well and done a lot of homework on their team, so I’m sure we’ll be prepared for this game.”
Sailors aim to pick up where they left off
As for the Sailors, Thursday’s clash at the True BG Stadium marks a return to the scene of one of their most memorable ACL Two victories, which took place almost a year ago on 30 October 2024.
That night, a Shawal Anuar brace propelled them to a 3-1 group stage win over Port FC – a result that proved pivotal for the Sailors to finish top of their group and become the first club from Singapore to progress into the competition’s knockout stages.
But despite going unbeaten in six outings against Thai sides across all competitions in 2024/25, Ranko taking nothing for granted going into Thursday’s game.
“It was a nice memory (to beat Port FC last year), but it’ll be a totally different kind of game and different opponent this time round,” said the Serb. “It’ll be a competitive game against Bangkok tomorrow.”
The Sailors will also be buoyed by the fact current ACL Two top scorer Anderson Lopes has fond memories of playing against Bangkok, having converted a dramatic, 122nd-minute penalty for Yokohama F. Marinos to clinch an ACL Round of 16 victory over Bangkok in February 2024.
He will also come up against a familiar face in Bangkok centre-back and fellow Brazilian Philipe Maia, with whom he played five games for Brazilian side Avaí FC in 2015.
But familiar faces aside, Sailors midfielder Tsiy Ndenge insisted that team effort will matter most tomorrow night.
“I know the club was really successful last season and there’s a great team spirit within this group, but to now experience it myself is something else,” said the German-Cameroonian who joined the club from Swiss Super League side Grasshopper Club Zürich in the off-season. “The team is really motivated and really together, but of course we have to show it on the pitch.”
With the group finely poised going into Matchday Three, Ranko is aware of the importance of securing a positive result in Pathum Thani tomorrow night.
“I’ve said it before, this is the only group in the ACL Two this season where all four teams have similar qualities and all four teams can go through. It’s a very tough group and very competitive, so every point is very important for us to get to the next stage.”
The Lion City Sailors return to continental action this Thursday (23 October), as they travel to Thailand to face Bangkok United in their third Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two Group G fixture.
The Sailors — last season’s ACL Two finalists — currently sit top of the group after a 4-2 victory over Selangor FC at the Bishan Stadium earlier this month.
“It wasn’t an easy match because we started well, went ahead, and then had to stop for an hour because of lightning,” recalled Sailors captain Hariss Harun. “Such disruptions can make you lose a bit of that focus, and you start wondering if the game will even continue.”
Despite having fewer shots on target and less possession, Aleksandar Ranković’s men delivered a composed performance as a whole to secure three vital points.
Hariss, who played the full 90 minutes, credited the team’s focus and collective effort in getting over the line.
“Towards the end, it got tough because they came at us, and we could’ve managed the ball better to prevent that,” admitted Hariss. “But credit to everyone, we stayed focused till the end. Overall, it was a strong performance and, most importantly, we got the result we needed.”
Anderson Lopes in the spotlight
But it was Anderson Lopes who shone brightest against Selangor, as the Brazilian forward struck all four goals against Selangor.
Signed from Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos, Anderson showcased his pedigree on the continental stage and what he is truly capable of in a Sailors shirt.
“Anderson is a quality addition. He’s got a big reputation in Asia, and a lot of players and teams know what he did in Japan,” said Hariss of his teammate, who netted his first hat-trick in AFC competitions. “To have him with us is a huge plus, especially in this competition. His experience and know-how are invaluable.
“I’m really happy for him. He needed a bit of time to get into his rhythm, but now we’re starting to see what he is truly capable of. Those four goals would give any striker a massive confidence boost, and he’s buzzing right now.”
With Anderson in red-hot form, the Sailors will head into their clash with Bangkok United brimming with confidence after three straight wins in all competitions.
A familiar adversary
Bangkok United are no strangers to the Sailors, with the two teams facing each other twice in the 2023/2024 ACL group stage. Both matches ultimately ended in narrow defeats for the Sailors (1-2 at home and 0-1 away).
“Bangkok United are definitely one of the top teams in Thailand,” said Hariss. “Every time we’ve played them, it’s been tough. But we love competing on this stage, and hopefully this time we’ll get a result.
“They’ve got quality attacking players and are solid defensively too. Their 2-0 home loss to Persib Bandung (on Matchday Two) was surprising, but we’re not reading too much into that. Our focus is entirely on ourselves and what we need to do.”
Since Bangkok United’s defeat to Persib, they have responded with a 3-1 win over Nakhon Ratchasima and a goalless draw away to Muangthong United in the Thai League 1.
Friends turned rivals
Bangkok’s squad features several familiar faces, including former Sailors forward Richairo Živković, who scored 15 goals in 19 appearances for the club in 2023 before leaving for the Thai side the following year. His memorable brace against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors remains one of the standout moments of the Sailors’ continental campaign that year.
“Richi dropped by to see some of the boys during our pre-season in Bangkok, and it was nice catching up with him,” said Hariss. “He gave us a lot when he was with us, and we know the quality he brings. We’ll definitely need to be wary of him.”
Another familiar face awaits in Kyoga Nakamura, who joined Bangkok United this season after five years with BG Tampines Rovers in the Singapore Premier League (SPL). The Singapore international also started both recent national team qualifiers against India alongside Hariss.
“We were fully focused on those India matches because they were crucial for us, and so we didn’t really talk about this match,” Hariss said with a wry smile.
“But of course, we know what Kyoga brings. Having faced him many times in the SPL, we know his quality. We have a lot of respect for Bangkok United overall, but we’ve got the players to deal with their threats.”
Photo: 2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
Carrying on momentum from the National Team
Hariss and his international teammates return to club duty buoyed by Singapore’s impressive 2-1 win over India, where Song Uiyoung bagged both goals.
Now, the Sailors skipper is eyeing another crucial away victory, this time to take control of Group G. Coincidentally, the Sailors’ last continental away win also came in Thailand, against Muangthong United in last season’s ACL Two Round of 16.
“When you win big, crucial games, it gives you that feel-good factor. We want to carry that momentum back to the club,” said Hariss.
“We’ve shown collective effort all along. That’s what took us to the final last season. So we’ll focus on ourselves, stay organised, and look to take our chances while keeping things tight at the back.”
The Lion City Sailors extended their perfect start to the 2025/26 Singapore Premier League (SPL) campaign with a dominant 5-1 win against Young Lions at the Bishan Stadium on Saturday (October 18).
It was the Sailors’ first league match at Bishan this season, having last played there more than a fortnight ago in a 4-2 triumph over Malaysia’s Selangor FC in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two.
Five different scorers — Maxime Lestienne, Bailey Wright, Lennart Thy, Bart Ramselaar and Shawal Anuar — found the net as Aleksandar Ranković’s men made it four wins from four to begin their SPL title defence.
“It’s not easy to play these kinds of games. We’re the stronger side and that’s fine, but it can be difficult to penetrate opponents who sit deep. I’m very happy with the three points,” said Ranko.
The Sailors made several changes to their starting line-up, with Ranko resting players who had featured in Singapore’s memorable 2-1 away win against India in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers earlier in the week. That opened the door for some fresh faces, including Nur Adam Abdullah, who made his first start for the club since rejoining in September.
The 24-year-old last pulled on the Sailors jersey in August 2023 before he began his mandatory two-year National Service, during which he represented Young Lions.
Despite the squad rotation, the Sailors quickly took control of the game, and in the 17th minute, a sharp team move involving Tsiy Ndenge, Lennart and Bailey ended with Lennart’s effort blocked by Aqil Yazid.
Four minutes later, the German striker’s fierce shot was parried into the path of Maxime, who tucked home from close range to open the scoring — his 68th goal in 125 appearances for the club.
But the Sailors’ lead did not last long, with the Young Lions hitting back through Lucas Agueiro’s long-range effort in the 30th minute. The parity was short-lived, however, as just four minutes later, Maxime’s corner was met by Bailey’s thumping downward header to restore the Sailors’ lead.
Lennart then almost added another goal for the home side when his looping cross kissed the top of the bar, while Young Lions’ Nathan Mao — on loan from the Sailors and just 17 — impressed with a mazy run but failed to get his shot on target.
That was about as good as it got for the visitors as the Sailors found their rhythm and pulled away after the break.
It started when substitute Song Uiyoung picked out Lennart with a lofted pass, and the German forward unleashed a thunderous half-volley to make it 3-1 in what was arguably the pick of the goals.
“We knew it would be difficult as the Young Lions set up in a low block. But we played faster, especially in the second half, and that helped us create more chances and score more goals,” said Lennart, who was named Man of the Match.
“After 17 days without a game, it was important to start this intense week with a strong performance.”
The Sailors continued their relentless assault and came close to extending their lead even further through Tsiy’s dipping strike, which drew a fine save from Young Lion’s Slovenian goalkeeper Benjamin Zerak.
The Sailors’ pressure eventually paid off in the 76th minute when Lennart’s clever cutback found Bart, who slotted home from the edge of the box.
There was still time for another in the closing stages, as Akram Azman delivered a pinpoint first-time cross for fellow substitute Shawal to head home his first SPL goal of the season and complete the 5-1 rout.
For Nur Adam, his return to the Sailors’ first team was more than just another appearance — it was a homecoming.
“It feels great to be back. I love this club a lot, it’s like home to me,” said the full-back. “It was a strong team performance from the start and I really enjoyed myself out there today. I hope to keep this level and maintain healthy competition within the squad.”
Ranko was pleased with his team’s overall display and also offered encouragement to the Young Lions, which features several Sailors loanees under former Sailors Under-21 coach Firdaus Kassim.
“If they continue playing like this, they’ll get many more points,” said Ranko. “For us, it was also good that we have players like Nur Adam, Hami (Syahin) and Lionel (Tan) putting up good performances and showing their level.”
With the win, the Sailors have now stretched their unbeaten SPL run at Bishan to 10 matches. Next up: a midweek trip to Thailand to face Bangkok United in the ACL Two.
While the Thai League 1 side beat the Sailors twice two seasons ago, Ranko’s men will be eager to show how far they’ve come since then, especially now that they have been bolstered by the attacking partnership of Lennart and Anderson Lopes, who started together for the first time in this win.
“Every game, every goal and every win builds confidence ahead of tough continental tests,” said Lennart. “We want to keep the rhythm going and carry this momentum into Thailand.”
Diogo Costa is one of just two players — alongside Toni Datković — to have started every match for the Lion City Sailors in the 2025/26 season so far.
The Portuguese full-back has been a model of consistency, featuring in all seven matches across all competitions and contributing a goal and two assists along the way.
In the Sailors’ previous Singapore Premier League (SPL) outing against Tanjong Pagar United on 22 September, Diogo netted his first-ever league goal since joining the club in January.
Bart Ramselaar displayed some neat, intricate play near the touchline before squaring the ball for Diogo to apply the finishing touch to a flowing team move.
“It’s always good to score your first league goal,” recalled Diogo. “The most important thing is to help the team, whether that’s through goals, assists or defending, but naturally, I’m an offensive-minded player.”
The last time Diogo found the net in league action prior to his move to Singapore was for FC Famalicão in Portugal’s Liga Revelação, when he struck a free-kick winner against SC Braga in November 2024.
Since joining the Sailors, the 22-year-old has earned plaudits for his all-round performances in both domestic and continental competitions, prompting the club to turn his initial loan into a permanent five-year deal at the start of July — a clear sign of faith in his long-term potential.
“This place has very quickly become my new home,” he said. “Settling in after my permanent move hasn’t been difficult. I’m very happy to be spending the next five years here, so let’s see what happens.
“Of course, it’s always nice to get some numbers up early in the season as goals and assists help with confidence.”
Buoyed by back-to-back wins, the Sailors will look to extend their good run of results when they host the Young Lions in this weekend’s SPL fixture at the Bishan Stadium.
It will be the Sailors’ first league match at Bishan this season, with their last outing at the venue ending in a thrilling 4-2 victory over Malaysia’s Selangor FC in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Two Group G opener on 1 October.
Having started the domestic campaign with three wins out of three, the reigning SPL champions will be eager to maintain their perfect record before a midweek ACL Two trip to Thailand to face Bangkok United next Thursday (23 October).
The Young Lions, however, will not be pushovers. Apart from being bolstered by Brazilian duo Abner Vinicius and Sérgio Mendonça, as well as a number of promising Singaporean talents, they also feature several Sailors Academy prospects on loan, including Enrico Silveira, Henry Spence and Marcus Mosses.
“I trained with them quite a few times last season, so I know they have a lot of quality,” said Diogo, who recorded four assists in just two league encounters against the Young Lions last season. “But we’re aware of the job we need to do on Saturday to get the three points.”
Nonetheless, confidence is high in the Sailors’ camp, with seven players recently returning from international duty after featuring in Singapore’s brilliant 2-1 comeback win away against India, which kept their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 qualification hopes alive.
(Photo: Football Association of Singapore)
Song Uiyoung’s brace in Goa saw Singapore go level on points with Hong Kong, China at the top of Group C, with two matches remaining.
“Personally, I don’t like the long international breaks, so it’s great to have the whole squad back together,” said Diogo. “Our win against Selangor at the start of the month was a big one, and it’ll be the same mood in the dressing room regardless of who’s on the pitch.
“We’ll fight together for a common goal again and continue our winning run in the SPL.”
