Category: News
Having gone two goals down inside 22 minutes of their Singapore Premier League (SPL) season opener against Hougang United, the Lion City Sailors found themselves with an immediate mountain to climb.
But what followed was a firm display of their character, as new recruits Antonio Mance and Bobby Adekanye both found the net to cap a stirring fightback and rescue a 2-2 draw. In doing so, they preserved the reigning champions’ unbeaten opening-day record.
Central to the Sailors’ comeback was Kyoga Nakamura, as the tireless midfielder threw himself into every duel and pulled the strings as the Sailors clawed their way back to secure the point.
“It was a tough result to take because we set out to win,” Kyoga reflected. “Opening games are always tricky, and the league is very competitive this year.
“We made individual and collective mistakes that led to their goals, and once Hougang went ahead, they sat deep to make space tight. We could have pressed better and managed transitions more cleanly, but we will learn from it and make sure we are sharp for the next challenge.”
The Sailors will now turn their focus to continental glory, as they prepare to kick off their Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) Two campaign against Thai powerhouse BG Pathum United at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday (17 September).
For Kyoga, the clash carries extra significance.
“I’m really excited for BG Pathum. Having played in Thailand last season, I know how good their squad is,” said the former Bangkok United man. “They have quality foreign signings and top local players, including good friends of mine like Sarach Yooyen and Chanathip Songkrasin. It’s always special to go up against them in midfield, but we have a fantastic team here and we are ready.”
For the Sailors, it is a chance to right past wrongs in the competition. Last season, the team narrowly missed out on the ACL Two Round of 16 on head-to-head record, despite amassing 10 points in the group stage.
Ironically, it was Kyoga’s Bangkok United that edged the Sailors out. Now that he is donning the blue of the Sailors however, the midfielder is determined to drive the club into the knockout rounds.
“Qualifying from the group is the target, so getting off to a winning start at home is massive,” Kyoga stated flatly. “We want all three points to build early momentum. The club won the domestic double last season, but we haven’t taken that next step to claim a regional or continental title like the ACL Two yet. That’s what we are fighting for.”
Navigating the pressure of Asia’s elite is second nature to Kyoga. During his tenure in Thailand, he featured in high-stakes fixtures, including an ACL Elite qualifier away against Chengdu Rongcheng, as well as hostile away trips against Persib Bandung and Selangor FC.
“I’ve played in huge stadiums under immense pressure,” Kyoga shared. “The atmosphere in Bandung, for instance, was intense. But those experiences build resilience. I know what to expect and how to handle it. We just need to stay composed, play our football, and count on our fans to fight alongside us.”
BG Pathum arrive in Singapore with a heavily bolstered squad, which include former Ligue 1 midfielder Anthony Belmonte, clinical forward Ashley Coffey, and 200-match Bundesliga 2 veteran Fabio Kaufmann.
“Continental football brings a different kind of pressure,” Kyoga acknowledged. “BG Pathum are strong, but if we stay tactically disciplined and mentally sharp, we have every capability to secure a massive result.”
Beyond the points at stake, Kyoga views every ACL Two matchday as a chance to fly the flag for his adopted home.
“It’s a privilege to represent Singapore on the Asian stage,” he said proudly. “Whether it’s for club or nation, bringing joy to the fans here means everything to me. Now that I finally have the chance to play for the Sailors in Asia, I want to deliver a performance everyone can be proud of.”
The Lion City Sailors showed resilience to come back from a two-goal deficit and salvage a 2-2 draw against Hougang United in their 2026/27 Singapore Premier League (SPL) opener at the Bishan Stadium on Saturday (12 September) night.
New signings Antonio Mance and Bobby Adekanye both opened their goalscoring accounts for the club, as the team displayed the sort of fighting spirit that Interim Head Coach Varo Moreno insists will define the Sailors’ campaign.
“We had plenty of chances to score more than two goals, but in the end, we had to be content with a point,” said Varo. “This is just the first game of the season. There’s still a long way to go, and the big positive for us was that the team never gave up.”
Varo made five changes to the side that lifted the Community Shield with a 2-0 win over Tampines Rovers last weekend, as he handed first starts to Antonio and Jorge Karseladze, but it was another new signing, Matthias Phaëton, who set the early tempo, unleashing the game’s first effort just three minutes in.
However, the heavily revamped Cheetahs, which featured nine debutants, gradually found their footing and broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ayman Kassimi cut inside to fire a low effort past Ivan Sušak.
Five minutes later, the visitors doubled their lead when former Sailor Zulqarnaen Suzliman embarked on a brilliant solo run before setting up Oakley Cannonier to make it 2-0.
“The difference was those opening 25 minutes,” Varo reflected. “I know many people expect us to win every match, but other SPL teams have strengthened significantly. The league is getting better, which is great for Singapore football.”
The reigning champions responded immediately, and Matthias thought he had halved the deficit in the 26th minute after finishing off a sublime outside-of-the-boot pass from Song Uiyoung, but VAR ruled the goal out with Diogo Costa adjudged to have made a foul in the build-up.
Nonetheless, the Sailors kept pressing, and the breakthrough finally arrived six minutes before the break. Diogo did brilliant work down the flank before crossing to Antonio, who showed wonderful composure to control the ball on his chest before tucking it home to make it 2-1.
The Sailors dominated the remainder of the half, with Bart Ramselaar and Ilhan Fandi both coming close in stoppage time, only to be denied by Hougang custodian Takahiro Koga.
Varo then injected fresh legs in the second half, introducing Bobby, Ryhan Stewart, Giovanni Haag, and Captain Hariss Harun in a bid for the equaliser, and the positive changes eventually made the difference in the 86th minute.
Matthias threaded a precise pass into the box for Bobby, and the former Liverpool youth winger made no mistake with a deft finish over the advancing Koga to restore parity.
Ivan then produced a spectacular flying save in added time to push Kassimi’s curling effort around the post and ensure the Sailors secured a point in their first SPL game of the new season.
“I’m happy to get my first goal, but as a team, we want to win every game,” said Bobby, who arrived in Singapore with top-flight experience in Serie A and the Eredivisie. “We have high standards here, but it’s early in the season and we’ll refine our play.”
Off the pitch, the 27-year-old Dutch forward revealed that he is settling in seamlessly to life in the Lion City. “This is my first time in Asia, and both my wife and I are loving every second of it. I hope to be here for a long time.”
While not getting the win was disappointing, there is little time for the Sailors to dwell on the result, as they now turn their focus to continental action. The team will host Thailand’s BG Pathum United at the Jalan Besar Stadium in their AFC Champions League (ACL) Two Group F opener on Thursday (17 September).
BG Pathum will come into the clash with a similar season record as the Sailors (one win, one draw) after opening their Thai League 1 campaign with a goalless draw against newly promoted Pattani FC, followed by a 3-2 victory against fellow newcomers Rasisalai United on Saturday.
Raniel Santana’s early brace had given the Rabbits a 2-0 lead, only to be pegged back in the first half itself before João Magno struck an 88th-minute winner and the Sailors will be well aware of the threat posed by Thai clubs.
“We have to analyse what happened in this match (vs Hougang), but our preparations for the next match are already underway,” revealed Varo. “Our team is used to playing every three or four days, as all our focus will now shift towards a very important AFC Champions League (ACL) Two match in midweek.”
Back in November 2022, Farhan Zulkifli etched his name into Hougang United history by helping the Cheetahs defeat Tampines Rovers in the Singapore Cup final to secure the club’s first-ever trophy.
Almost four years later, Farhan was once again on the winning side against the Stags. This time, however, the winger was making his Lion City Sailors debut and playing a crucial role in his new team’s Community Shield triumph.
Two goals from Ilhan Fandi made the difference, but the 23-year-old was also among the Sailors’ standout performers, proving a constant threat down the right flank with his energy and direct running.
“I’m very thankful and blessed to be part of this Sailors team. Being able to contribute an assist and help the team win the Shield on my debut was a special feeling, and hopefully it will be the first of many,” said Farhan.
“To start such an important game for a big club gives me belief and confidence. I just have to keep taking my chances as they come and prove my worth.”
Farhan’s best moment of the game came in the 26th minute, when he made a well-timed curved run to meet Bart Ramselaar’s return pass before squaring the ball for Ilhan to score his second.
“Bart and I have a very good relationship on the pitch,” said the fleet-footed winger. “All I did was give him the ball and run into space, and his pass put me in a good position to square it for Ilhan.
“We had spoken about it in training. If he gets the ball, I’ll make that run and trust that he’ll find me.”
Farhan was one of 11 players who made their Sailors debuts that night, with fellow new signings such as Matthias Phaëton, Giovanni Haag, Hugo Gomes and Ryhan Stewart also making their first appearances for the club.
“All the new additions are quality, professional players, so it’s easy to play alongside them. I think we performed very well as a team, and you could see on the pitch that we are already well connected,” said Farhan. “We just want to keep improving and win every game.”
The team’s two-week pre-season training camp in Spain gave the players valuable time to bond both on and off the pitch.
“Although the national team players joined us only later in the camp, it was still a very good experience,” said Farhan. “We were able to build strong connections, which will certainly help us understand one another better and be on the same page on the pitch.”
The Sailors have also remained united amid a period of transition in the coaching department, with the close-knit bonds within the squad helping to maintain a positive atmosphere.
The club moved swiftly to appoint Mark Jackson, a serial winner who guided both A-League outfit Central Coast Mariners and Thai powerhouse Buriram United to treble-winning campaigns, as the new Head Coach earlier on Wednesday (9 September).
“Even with everything that has happened at the club, we have remained very positive. In fact, I think these situations have brought us even closer and made us stronger as a group,” said Farhan.
“I know Coach Jackson was with Buriram United and enjoyed great success there in both domestic and Asian competitions. I’m really looking forward to working with him, and I just have to give my best in every training session and match.”
Having made the leap to join the reigning champions in July, Farhan is relishing the opportunity to begin a new chapter in his career. With plenty of quality within the Sailors’ ranks, he sees the move as a chance to challenge himself and continue developing as a player.
“I was with Hougang for six years, so taking the next step was never going to be easy. However, I felt it was time for me to make a move to improve my game further, and this was the step I wanted to take,” he said.
(Photo: Singapore Premier League)
“The environment at the Sailors, as well as the quality of the players I’m training and playing with, will be very important for my development. Hopefully, this move can help me become a better player.”
Fittingly, the Sailors’ opening game of the 2026/27 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season will see Farhan face his former club Hougang at Bishan Stadium on Saturday, 12 September.
The Cheetahs have also significantly revamped their squad, bringing in the likes of forwards Oakley Cannonier and Connor Flynn-Gillespie, defender Miloš Drinčić and goalkeeper Takahiro Koga, as well as former Sailor Zulqarnaen Suzliman and Sailors loanee Khairin Nadim.
“I’m excited to see some familiar faces, but once we step onto the pitch, I’ll put all ties aside,” said Farhan, who ironically scored against the Sailors on last season’s opening day. “It’s important for us to start the league strongly because that will give us confidence going into the rest of the season. Our full focus is on our performance, and we will give everything to get the three points.”
Having experienced the fervour surrounding the Singapore National Team’s recent ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 campaign, Farhan is keen for the Sailors to forge a similarly strong connection with their supporters as they embark on their title defence.
“We’ve all seen the incredible atmosphere the fans can create when they turn up in numbers. We hope the Sailors fans can bring that same support and energy to our league games and push us on throughout the season.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Jackson as our new Head Coach, subject to employment visa approval.
The 48-year-old Englishman has signed a deal until 30 June 2027 and arrives with an outstanding record in Asian football, having led both Australia’s Central Coast Mariners and Thailand’s Buriram United to historic trebles.
His proven ability to deliver success both domestically and on the continental stage aligns with the Sailors’ ambitions to improve our standing in Asia and challenge for honours in competitions such as the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two and ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be joining this fantastic football club. I’m looking forward to getting started, meeting the players, staff and supporters, and becoming part of the club’s journey,” said Jackson.
“The ambition and vision of the club were major factors in my decision to join, and I’d like to sincerely thank the owner, board and Director of Football for the trust and confidence they have shown in me to lead the team.
“There is a huge amount to look forward to, with an exciting season ahead. We’ll work together, push the standards every day and give everything to achieve our ambitions.”
Jackson will be joined at the Sailors by Assistant Coach Cameron Toshack, who will also commence his duties subject to employment visa approval.
Jackson enjoyed a remarkable 2023/24 campaign with Central Coast, leading the Mariners to the A-League Men Premiership and Championship double, as well as the AFC Cup title. It was the final edition of Asia’s second-tier club competition before it was replaced by the AFC Champions League Two.
He joined Buriram last October and delivered another treble in the 2025/26 season, winning the Thai League 1, Thai FA Cup and Shopee Cup. The Thunder Castle defeated Malaysia’s Selangor FC over two legs in the Shopee Cup final in May, while Jackson also led the club to the AFC Champions League Elite quarter-finals.
Sailors Executive Director Bruce Liang believes Jackson’s track record and extensive experience in Asian football make him well suited to lead the club forward.
“Following last week’s change in the First Team’s coaching leadership, we moved swiftly and carefully to identify the right coach for the Sailors,” said Liang.
“Mark’s proven record of success in Australia and Thailand, together with his experience of competing at the highest levels of Asian club football, made him an excellent fit for our ambitions. We are delighted to welcome him to the club.
“We are also grateful to Varo Moreno and the coaching staff for stepping up at short notice and ensuring continuity for the First Team during this transition.”
Jackson will officially assume his duties as Sailors Head Coach upon receiving his employment visa, with Varo Moreno remaining in interim charge of the First Team until then.
Just 112 days after lifting the Singapore Premier League (SPL) trophy at Our Tampines Hub to complete a second consecutive domestic double, the Lion City Sailors are ready to go again in their quest for silverware.
And their first trophy of the new season could arrive as early as this Sunday (6 September), when they kick off their 2026/27 campaign with an enticing Community Shield clash against familiar rivals Tampines Rovers at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Bolstered by 11 new signings and the return of Academy graduate Nur Muhammad Asis, the Sailors are raring to lay down an early marker ahead of a demanding campaign across four competitions.
“With a new season, the ambitions and expectations at this football club remain as high as ever, if not higher. To match those ambitions, we’ve got an even stronger squad than we’ve probably had in previous seasons,” acknowledged vice-captain Bailey Wright.
(New signings Antonio Mance and Giovanni Haag)
“We’ve added some real quality, including local players whom we already know well and a good group of foreign players from different countries. The varied experiences they bring really strengthen us as a group.
“After a positive few weeks of pre-season and getting to know everyone, I have to say this is a great group of human beings. It already feels like we know one another quite well. All the new guys have enjoyed coming into this environment and felt comfortable being themselves.
“Everyone settled in pretty quickly, and that’s probably down to the good culture we have here. It’s now about performing on the football pitch, and we’re excited to see what possibilities lie ahead.”
The Sailors spent two weeks in Spain during the off-season, where they underwent an intensive training programme and played three friendly matches against high-quality opposition.
Beyond building fitness and sharpness, the trip also helped strengthen the bonds within the new-look squad.
“The benefit of going away for pre-season is that you’re all in one place without any distractions,” explained Bailey. “You have a lot of meals and coffees together, share plenty of laughs and, of course, go through some gruelling sessions on the football pitch.
“I also got to know a few people’s golf swings. Some were good, some weren’t so good, while others picked it up really quickly. Little things like that were a laugh and gave us a sense of the human being behind each footballer.
“Everyone connected really well. Spain is an amazing country, with good food and a nice change in weather and atmosphere. The matches also gave us a taste of the tiki-taka style of Spanish football.
(Bailey with new signing Bobby Adekanye)
“There were plenty of positives to take, and ultimately, pre-season is about making sure we’re ready for the next 10 months.”
Every season brings its own challenges, and the Sailors underwent a coaching change earlier this week after parting ways with Jesús Casas.
Assistant Coach Varo Moreno has since stepped in to take interim charge of the first team until further notice. While the timing has presented the squad with an early test, Bailey believes the situation has only brought the Sailors closer together.
“Situations like this can show you the strength of the group, and I think we’ve emerged from it even stronger. From the staff to the players, we feel really united,” he shared.
“We all want what’s best for this football club and for one another. Ultimately, we want to enjoy what we do, win football matches and embrace the journey together as a team.”
Bailey has experienced contrasting fortunes in the past two Community Shields. He played the full 90 minutes as the Sailors defeated Albirex Niigata (S) to lift the trophy in 2024, before missing last year’s heavy defeat by Tampines through injury.
But the Australian, who has made 94 appearances for the club since arriving in July 2023, is determined to help the Sailors reclaim the Shield on Sunday.
“It’s a unique situation when your first match of the season gives you the chance to win a trophy,” he said. “We know the expectations on us as individuals and as a group are to lift trophies and finish the season with as many of them as possible.
“There’s no doubt Tampines are a good team with good players. We’ve had some good battles with them over the years, and I’m sure this will be another exciting game of football. But we know what we have to do to get the win.”
With anticipation building ahead of the season opener, Bailey is eager for the Sailors to bring more joy to their faithful in the campaign ahead.
“It’s a new season, a fresh start and an exciting time to be part of this football club, with such a strong group of players and big ambitions. So come down, get behind us and be at your loudest,” he urged.
“You’ll see a team that is 100 per cent committed to giving everything for this football club and for one another. We know how much this game means to the fans, and we’ll give our all to bring the Shield back to the club.”
adidas and Lion City Sailors (LCS) kick-start Year Two of their three-year partnership with the launch of the club’s brand new 2026/27 Home and Away kits.
The new season’s jersey builds on the foundation from the partnership’s launch in 2025, bringing together the latest performance technologies from adidas and a new design language rooted in the club’s narrative, inspired by landmark achievements since their inception in 2020.
The new jerseys also feature a bespoke design created specifically for the club, moving beyond a standard template to celebrate the club’s unique identity.
Chen Ruiyuan, Country Manager of adidas Singapore, said: “We are proud to be entering year two of our partnership with Lion City Sailors. This season, we want to put the fans and community at the heart of our partnership, creating more opportunities to experience the game beyond the pitch, from fresh fanwear designs and access to meaningful moments that bring the Sailors and their supporters closer together. We are also committed to supporting the next generation of football through LCS’ youth ecosystem, combining their expertise in youth development with adidas’ football and product knowledge to create meaningful opportunities for young players to learn, develop and experience the game.”
The Sailors’ Journey
Every element of the 2026/27 kit collection is drawn from The Sailors’ Journey, a narrative that charts the club’s course with purpose – navigating tides, enduring storms, and steering toward greatness. Each match is treated as a voyage; each season an expedition that the Sailors command and return from with pride. The new jerseys are a testament to that journey and the evolution of both LCS and Singapore football: determined, dynamic, and dignified.
Stripes of Home: The new Home kit
For the 2026/27 season, the Home kit receives a cleaner, more prestigious look. The new design is anchored in white with a subtle stripe print across the fabric; a nod to the nautical theme of the new kit. This lends the jersey a timeless, understated authority that lets the crest and the players take centre stage.
The Course Ahead: The new Away kit
Where the Home kit is restrained, the Away kit is progressive and experimental. Wave patterns ripple across the chest, symbolising movement, momentum, and mastery over unpredictable waters. The kit is built on an oceanic blue base that reflects the club’s identity – deep, steady, and commanding. Subtle gold accents on the crest and sail motifs glide across the fabric as a nod to the club’s namesake and spirit.
Both kits are built on adidas’ AEROREADY technology, a high-performance fabric engineered to manage moisture in Singapore’s climate. Combined with side mesh inserts for enhanced airflow, the adidas AEROREADY kit is built to keep the Sailors feeling dry and comfortable, so they can focus on being the best version of themselves.
Hariss Harun, captain of the Lion City Sailors said: “Having played a full season in the 2025/26 kit and lifted the championship trophy while wearing it, the team is excited to wear the new 2026/27 kit on the pitch. The adidas AEROREADY technology has kept up with the demands of our training and matches, keeping us cool even in Singapore’s tropical climate. Knowing that we are wearing the same calibre of kit worn at the highest levels of the sport gives us real confidence to push ourselves on the pitch.”
Bringing fans closer to the action
A central goal in the partnership’s second year is a continued focus on bringing LCS fans closer to the club. Building on the ambitions set in 2025, adidas and LCS are working on a new season of fan and community engagement initiatives, from matchday experiences to community programmes, designed to deepen the connection between the Sailors and the fans who follow them. Further details on these plans will be announced in the coming months.
Fanwear
To commemorate the Sailors’ successes since its inception in 2020, fans can look forward to the addition of two new fanwear t-shirts. Both designs will build on the fanwear collection from 2025, offering two designs that are inspired by the Sailors’ Journey and their unwavering fans who stand by them as they navigate their next championship title.
Ole Allez Allez Tee
Bringing the iconic “Ole Allez Allez” chant to life, this tee celebrates the people, places and energy that make up the Sailors’ matchday experience. Look closer, and you’ll discover details that bring the Sailors’ world to life, from their club mascot, Helix, and the Training Centre to Aisyah from the Crew, and a hidden Helix signature tucked away on one of the lockers.
Varsity Tee
Giving Helix a fresh new look, the Varsity Tee reimagines the Lion City Sailors mascot in a bold collegiate-inspired design. With its classic varsity feel and unmistakable Sailors spirit, this tee is made for fans who want to wear their colours with pride, both on matchday and beyond.
A season of excellence, and more ahead
The new kits launch off the back of one of the most successful periods since the club’s inception. In the 2024/25 season, they achieved a domestic clean sweep, including the Community Shield. In that same season, they became the first Singaporean club to reach the final of a major Asian club competition, the AFC Champions League Two. The Sailors followed it up by retaining the Singapore Premier League (SPL) and Singapore Cup title for a second straight season.
With the new season underway, LCS will look to build on that momentum and continue their pursuit of excellence domestically and on the continental stage, with the 2026/27 kits designed to carry that ambition into every match.
Be the first to shop the new kits
The Home and Away kits, available in men’s and women’s sizes, start at $99 for adult sizes, with short- and long-sleeve options, and $75 for kids sizes. The fanwear t-shirts are available at $59.
To celebrate the launch, the first 100 adiClub members who purchase a jersey at participating adidas stores will receive a complimentary SPL Champions Badge, which is available via heat press in stores. While stocks last.
The Home and Away kits will be available at selected adidas retail stores, adidas.com.sg/lion_city_sailors, the adidas app, the official adidas and LCS Shopee store, weston.com.sg, at stadiums on Sailors’ home match days, and selected retail partners and concept stores islandwide.
Long-sleeve variants of both kits will be exclusively available at adidas and Weston stores, while fanwear will be exclusively available at adidas stores.
Keep a lookout for more exclusive designs dropping in the upcoming seasons.
For more updates and details, follow adidas Singapore @adidasSG on Instagram and Facebook, and Lion City Sailors @lioncitysailors.fc on Instagram.
Store availability from 2 September onwards:
- adidas Brand Centre Orchard
- adidas Jewel Changi Airport
- adidas Marina Bay Sands
- adidas VivoCity Performance (L1)
- Weston Corp Jewel Changi Airport
- Weston Corp 313@Somerset
- Weston Corp Queensway Shopping Centre (L3)
Club Statement: Jesús Casas
The Lion City Sailors have parted ways with Head Coach Jesús Casas.
In the interim, Assistant Coach Varo Moreno will take charge of the Sailors’ first team until further notice.
The Lion City Sailors’ match schedule for the 2026/27 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) Two Group Stage has been confirmed, with all six matches to be played on Thursday nights.
Jesús Casas’s men will kick off their Group F campaign with a home game against Thai League 1 side BG Pathum United on 17 September, before travelling to Hong Kong to face Tai Po FC at Mong Kok Stadium on 15 October.
A double-header against Adelaide United then beckons, with an away day at Coopers Stadium on 29 October, before the Sailors play hosts to the A-League powerhouse a week later on 5 November.
The Sailors will then jet off to Thailand to play BG Pathum away at the True BG Stadium on 26 November, before wrapping up the group stage with a home game against Tai Po on 3 December.
All three of the Sailors’ home ACL Two group-stage fixtures will be played at the Jalan Besar Stadium and are scheduled to kick off at 6.00pm SGT.
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The Lion City Sailors will face opposition from Australia, Thailand and Hong Kong in the group stage of the 2026/27 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) Two competition.
The Sailors were drawn into Group F in the East Region following the Official Group Stage Draw held in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday afternoon (18 August).
They will come up against A-League powerhouse Adelaide United, Thai League 1 side BG Pathum United, and reigning Hong Kong FA Cup winners Tai Po FC as they look to mount another strong campaign on the continental stage.
The draw meant the Sailors will play a Thai team for a third straight season in the ACL Two, after facing Port FC in 2024/25 and Bangkok United in 2025/26.
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The 2026/27 tournament will retain last season’s format, with 32 teams divided equally between the West and East regions. The eight groups will each feature four teams, who will play one another home and away between 16 September and 3 December.
The top two sides from each group will advance to the Round of 16 in February 2027, with the tournament culminating in a one-off final on 15 May.
The Sailors have experienced contrasting fortunes in the past two editions of the ACL Two.
In 2024/25, they captured the imagination of the region by reaching the final, becoming the first Singaporean club to contest the showpiece of a major Asian club competition.
Their campaign last season, however, fell short of their lofty standards.
Drawn in a fiercely contested all-Southeast Asian group, the Sailors remained in contention until the final matchday and finished with 10 points — the same number they accumulated when topping their group the previous season. An inferior head-to-head record ultimately saw them edged out by Bangkok United for the second qualification spot.
“The ACL Two is a very tough competition with many strong teams fighting to win it. As a club, our core memory of this competition is no longer about having reached the final in 2024/25, but how we failed to make it out of the group stage in 2025/26,” said Sailors Executive Director Bruce Liang.
“In preparation for 2026/27 and beyond, we’ve strengthened significantly and we’re determined to go much further this new season.
“We’re a club from Singapore and we’re determined to deliver performances that bring joy and pride to the nation.”
