Category: News
After securing an all-important first win of their ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup campaign against Shan United in mid-December, the Lion City Sailors resume their journey in the competition with a crucial Matchday Four encounter away to Vietnamese champions Nam Định FC at the Thiên Trường Stadium on Thursday (29 January) night.
Up against quality opposition
Nam Định have set the early pace in Group B and deservedly so, having won all three of their matches so far. Their most eye-catching result came in the previous round, when they claimed a stunning 4-1 away victory over Bangkok United to move to the brink of qualification for the semi-finals.
The home side boast an array of attacking options, including South African international Percy Tau, who made three appearances in the English Premier League during the 2020/21 season with Brighton & Hove Albion, and Brazilian forward Brenner, who has already netted five goals in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Two this term. That tally includes a hat-trick in a 9-0 victory over Hong Kong side Eastern SC on 11 December.
Photo: ASEAN United FC
The standout threat, however, is Brazil-born forward Nguyễn Xuân Son (pictured above), formerly known as Rafaelson.
The 28-year-old marked his return from an 11-month layoff following a broken leg in emphatic fashion, as he scored all three goals in a 3-0 win over Shan United, before adding a brace against Bangkok United. Those strikes have propelled him to the top of the Shopee Cup scoring charts after just two appearances.
And despite not having played a competitive fixture since their clash with Eastern some 48 days ago, Nam Định have kept match-sharp with a series of domestic friendlies since the turn of the year, including a 2-2 draw with Công An Hà Nội FC last Friday (23 January).
Victory over the Sailors would confirm a top-two finish for the V.League 1 side, and it is a target that is clearly on the minds of head coach Mauro Jerónimo and his squad.
“Of course, I believe our team can win this match because we work every day towards one objective: to win,” said the former Benfica youth coach, who was appointed last November.
“The Lion City Sailors are a very good team. They dominate their domestic league and have also performed well in international competitions, reaching the final of the ACL Two last season.
“They are strong in transition and have quality players going forward. They have also been under the same coach for the past three years, which makes them a very stable team. For us, it is important to start the game with the right tempo and intensity, but I am confident of our chances.”
Sailors ready to rise to the challenge
The task ahead is undoubtedly a demanding one, but the Sailors head into the contest determined to rise to the occasion, even with chilly conditions expected in Nam Định, where temperatures are forecast to range between 24°C and 15°C.
Currently fourth in Group B and three points adrift of second-placed Johor Darul Ta’zim, the reigning Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions know that a victory would blow the group wide open. It would also set up a tantalising final Matchday Five showdown at home against Cambodian side PKR Svay Rieng next Thursday (5 February).
The Sailors, however, have a slightly thinner squad to call upon for this one, with a number of players unavailable – including new signings Luka Adžić and Kyoga Nakamura who are ineligible for the Group Stage as they have already featured for Bangkok United earlier in the competition.
“The preparation for this game has been a little different from our usual matches. We’ve had some difficulties putting out our strongest squad due to the unavailability of a few players, and that is one of the biggest challenges we have faced this season,” said Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković, who is set to take charge of his 100th match at the helm of the club.
“Nam Định are a very strong side, with quality in both their foreign and local players, but our focus will be on ourselves and what we can do. What is important for us tomorrow is to show resilience, character and the patience to manage the game in a smart way in order to get a result.”
That defiance is echoed by forward Shawal Anuar, who will be aiming to add to his tally of seven goals in all competitions this season.
“It will be a tough challenge for us tomorrow, but we know the coaches will prepare us in the best way possible,” said the 34-year-old, who netted a stunning strike away to JDT last August.
“We just need to trust the game plan, give everything we have and work together as a team. If we can do that, I believe we have the quality to trouble our opponents. Ultimately, we want to represent Singapore football well on this stage and give our travelling fans something to cheer about.”
The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team could hardly have asked for a more emphatic start to their Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 campaign, as they comprehensively beat Balestier Khalsa 16-0 at Bukit Gombak Stadium on Sunday (25 January) night.
This is the Sailors Women’s second-biggest win in history, just behind the record-breaking 18-0 victory over the same opposition in May 2024.
The statement win sent the Sailors to the top of the WPL standings, edging out defending champions Albirex Jurong on goal difference after the White Swans’ 12-0 victory over a day earlier.
The Sailors’ new faces made an instant impression, with Japanese forward Ami Takeuchi leading the charge with a stunning six-goal haul. Eri Kitagawa and Farah Nurzahirah both completed hat-tricks, while Ami Kawase – from the Sailors’ WPL B-team – struck twice, Nur Ain Salleh scored once and Nur Izzati Rosni marked her return with a late goal.
“I know my role is to score, so the goals mean a lot to me,” said Takeuchi. “But this was not about individual effort. Every goal came from the whole team working together.”
Head Coach Daniel Ong was similarly pleased with how his side combined, particularly with the integration of the new Japanese players.
“It was good to see the chemistry on the pitch,” he said. “We brought Eri and Ami in to help raise the level of the team and to give our players benchmarks for where they can improve.”
“My instructions are always clear. We play our football, get the basics right, and focus on movement and positioning. When we do that, the goals will come. Development is always our first priority.”
Having rejoined the Sailors for the WPL season after featuring in last year’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Preliminary and Group Stage campaigns, Takeuchi revealed that the bond within the squad played a key role in her return.
“I’m really happy to be back,” she said. “The team was so kind to me during the AWCL, and that made my decision easy.”
She also highlighted the collective nature of the performance.
“This result belongs to everyone. The players on the pitch, those on the bench, the staff, and the fans all played a part.”
It took just four minutes for Eri to open the scoring after latching onto a perfectly weighted pass from Ain. Takeuchi then made it 2-0 from the penalty spot nine minutes later, before growing in confidence and adding two more goals in quick succession to complete her hat-trick inside six minutes.
Ain continued to pull the strings in midfield, teeing up Farah for her first in the 21st minute, before Kawase got in on the act to make it 6-0 by the half-hour mark.
The goals continued to flow with a brilliant team move involving captain Syazwani Ruzi, Eri and Farah leading to the latter claiming her second, before Kawase and Ain added further goals to put the Sailors nine goals up at the break.
Firmly in control, the Sailors picked up where they left off in the second half with Takeuchi scoring her fourth shortly after the restart. Farah then capitalised on a defensive lapse to complete her hat-trick in the 47th minute, before Takeuchi and Eri added further goals to put the Sailors 13-0 up by the 70th minute.
Takeuchi then signed off with her sixth of the night in the 76th minute, while Eri completed her hat-trick from Raeka Ee’s cutback six minutes later. Substitute Izzati then capped a memorable evening by powering home a header from Eri’s corner to complete the rout.
Meanwhile, 14-year-old Amelia Tan also came on to make her WPL debut when she replaced Takeuchi in the 79th minute — making her the 19th Girls Academy graduate to feature for the senior side.
Attention now turns to a sterner test against Still Aerion on Saturday (31 January) at Choa Chu Kang Stadium, with the opening-day rout providing an early confidence boost.
“There are still many details we need to improve on,” said Daniel. “But this was a good start. Training will be important as we prepare for Aerion.”
“This pre-season was shorter than usual, and we are not yet at our peak fitness levels. Still, this win will help the players build understanding, connect better on the pitch, and push each other as we work towards challenging for the title again.”
The Lion City Sailors issued another statement of intent in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title race, as they came back from a goal down to overwhelm Hougang United 5-1 at Bishan Stadium on Saturday (24 January) night.
Despite the early scare, the Sailors proved to be a class apart with Bart Ramselaar scoring twice, while Shawal Anuar and Lennart Thy both also got on the scoresheet to preserve their perfect start to the SPL season.
Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković stuck with the same XI that had dispatched Geylang International 3-0 a week earlier, while Hougang interim boss Pannarai Pansiri handed Settawut Wongsai a start in place of Jaushua Sotirio after the latter got injured in the warmups.
That change paid immediate dividends for the Cheetahs as in the 11th minute, Settawut rose highest to meet Jordan Vestering’s cross and guide a header past Ivan Sušak, to end the Croatian goalkeeper’s run of three successive clean sheets. It was also only the third goal the Sailors have conceded in the SPL this season.
Rather than unsettling the Sailors, however, the setback sparked the league leaders into life, and it did not take long for them to draw level.
After seeing an earlier effort hacked off the line, Bart found himself at the heart of the equaliser in the 19th minute, delivering a teasing cross that Shawal finished at the second attempt after Zharfan Rohaizad’s initial save.
Eight minutes later, the Sailors were ahead. Diogo Costa’s unselfish work in the box teed up Kyoga Nakamura, whose low effort deflected off Ryaan Sanizal and into the net.
By then, the Sailors were in full flow, and in the 32nd minute, Diogo and Bart exchanged headers before the Dutchman picked out Lennart who steered a brilliant glancing header off the underside of the bar and into the back of the net to make it 3-1.
The quick turnaround in fortunes firmly underlined why the Sailors remain the benchmark in Singapore football.
“I wasn’t pleased with the first ten minutes, and we gave them too much space,” admitted Ranko. “But the opening goal woke us up. We went up a gear, went in two goals ahead at half-time and were in a much better position.”
However, there was a minor blemish before the interval when Hami Syahin was forced off with an ankle issue, with captain Hariss Harun introduced in his place.
“Hami has a minor ankle injury, it’s the same one from a couple of weeks ago,” said Ranko. “We’re glad no one else picked up anything, because it wasn’t easy to play on this pitch.”
The second half followed a similar pattern, with the Sailors firmly in control. Lennart went close after the restart with a deflected shot following a clever Kyoga pass, while at the other end, Akram Azman was able to confidently deal with the threat of Farhan Zulkifli.
And all hopes of an Hougang comeback was erased with two Sailors goals in seven minutes. The first came in the 66th minute, when a clever Sailors corner routine created confusion in the area before Bart reacted quickest to smash home.
Moments later, almost from a carbon copy routine, the ball again fell kindly to the Dutchman, whose powerful strike completed his brace.
“I was thinking before the match that I needed to score more goals, so I’m very happy with my performance tonight,” said Bart, who was named Man of the Match. “It’s a very good team result, especially after going a goal down. We kept the tempo high and did a great job.”
With the outcome beyond doubt, Rui Pires and Luka Adžić were introduced late on as the Sailors comfortably closed out a seventh win from seven league matches. The result meant they maintained a seven-point cushion at the summit, with nearest challengers BG Tampines Rovers holding a game in hand.
“It was important to win because BG Tampines won yesterday,” added Bart. “We have to keep the distance at the top and keep performing in every game.”
Attention now swiftly turns to the regional stage, with the Sailors travelling to face Nam Định FC on Thursday (29 January) in a crucial ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup encounter. Ranko’s side are still in the hunt for a historic semi-final berth, and momentum, once again, is firmly on their side.
“In the next couple of weeks, there’s not much time to recover or tweak things,” Ranković noted. “Games will come thick and fast, so it was important to keep this momentum going ahead of Vietnam.”
With the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) set to kick off this week, the Lion City Sailors Women will begin their campaign with a season-opening clash against Balestier Khalsa this Sunday (25 January) at the Bukit Gombak Stadium.
A new season brings fresh faces, and a new leader at the helm. With regular captain Umairah Hamdan sidelined by a medial collateral ligament injury for at least the first few games, defender Syazwani Ruzi will step up to wear the armband as she leads the Sailors into the new campaign.
For Syazwani, the responsibility is one she has embraced naturally, having long been a vocal and influential presence within the squad.
“With or without the armband, I still aim to help lead the team in one way or another, on and off the pitch,” shared the 24-year-old. “Preparation has been good since pre-season began earlier this month.”
The Sailors have spent the early weeks of January laying the foundations for what will be a short, fast-paced season that will conclude in June, thus leaving little margin for error from the opening whistle. And for a side that relinquished the WPL crown last season for the first time in four years, the motivation to respond is clear.
That reality has shaped Syazwani’s message to her teammates ahead of the opener.
“Take one game at a time, focus on our strengths, keep improving our weaknesses, stay focused, but also remember to enjoy ourselves,” she said.
“We want to regain the title this year, qualify for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League (AWCL) again, and deliver consistent performances throughout the season as a team.”
Beyond the team’s ambitions, Syazwani is also intent on pushing her own standards as the campaign unfolds.
“I hope to win the league, grow in consistency in my performances, and continue developing through every training session and match,” she added.
And when it comes to reclaiming the championship crown, the blueprint is clear.
“We have to focus on our own gameplay and what we can control, such as the pace (of our game), the tempo, and dictating play. Most importantly, it comes down to team spirit and togetherness.”
(Photo: Football Association of Singapore)
Alongside Syazwani’s leadership, the Sailors will also be buoyed by the form and confidence of attacker Sarah Zu’risqha, who heads into the new season fresh off being named the 2025 WPL Young Player of the Year at the recent Football Association of Singapore (FAS) Amateur Leagues Awards Night.
For the 19-year-old forward, the accolade is both a source of pride and motivation.
“I’m really honoured, especially with so many great young players in the league,” said Sarah, who scored 12 goals in the WPL last season. “This award belongs to my coaches, teammates and friends who constantly support and push me to improve.”
“I want to grow in all areas of my game, not just physically, but tactically as well. That will help us build stronger chemistry as a team.”
That team-first mindset carries into her expectations for the season opener against Balestier.
“We should take it one game at a time. I hope this weekend’s match won’t just be about getting the win, but also about strengthening our bonds and igniting our spirit as a team,” she said.
With new leadership, renewed hunger, and a clear objective in mind, the Sailors will be aiming to lay down an early marker as they begin their 2026 WPL title charge this Sunday.
Fresh from lifting the season’s first piece of silverware in the Singapore Cup, the Lion City Sailors have entered 2026 with a spring in their step and are aiming to extend their flawless start to the Singapore Premier League (SPL) campaign.
And with the campaign entering a crucial phase that will see the Sailors contest eight matches in 35 days, squad depth and timely contributions will be key for Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković.
One player poised to play an increasingly important role in the team is new signing Luka Adžić. The Serbian winger arrived earlier this month from Bangkok United to bolster the Sailors’ attacking options and is still settling into his new surroundings in Singapore.
“My first impression of the club is amazing,” said Luka. “I am very happy, the facilities here are like the top clubs in Europe. Everything, from the food to the organisation, is very good.”
Luka could hardly have asked for a better start to life in white and blue, lifting the Singapore Cup trophy in his very first appearance for the Sailors with victory over domestic rivals BG Tampines Rovers in the final.
“It’s an amazing feeling to win a trophy in my first game,” he shared. “It was very important for my career because I had never won a cup title before.”
That triumph marked just the second major honour of his career, following the 2017/18 Serbian SuperLiga title with Red Star Belgrade.
The 27-year-old then made his SPL debut in a 3-0 win over Geylang International last weekend, coming off the bench to deliver a pinpoint corner that was headed home by Shawal Anuar on his milestone 200th SPL appearance.
Indeed, both Luka and Shawal are already forging an encouraging understanding both on and off the pitch, which could prove valuable as the Sailors chase further silverware.
“Shawal made a great jump and scored with a header at the far post,” Luka said. “He’s a special goalscorer. From my first day of training, he spoke to me and helped me a lot. Every player here is very good.”
Next up for the Sailors is a clash with Hougang United, as they look to make it seven wins from seven. The Sailors have not tasted defeat against the Cheetahs in all competitions since March 2021.
This encounter, however, is expected to pose a sterner challenge following Hougang’s recent reinforcements, which include former Western Sydney Wanderers and Wellington Phoenix forward Jaushua Sotirio, as well as Ecuadorian centre-back Washington Jaramillo.
Both players featured as Hougang came from two goals down to defeat Balestier Khalsa 3-2 in their previous outing.
“We already had video analysis sessions about them and I saw their quality,” Luka explained. “But we are a very good team ourselves and we want to win every game in the league. For sure, we are targeting three points to continue our winning run.”
Having made two substitute appearances so far, Luka is eager to take on a bigger role, although he acknowledged the importance of being patient in a star-studded Sailors attack.
“I arrived just a fortnight ago and many things have already happened,” reflected the former Serbia youth international, who featured at the UEFA Euro Under-21 Championship against Denmark in 2019. “I won my first trophy here and delivered my first assist.
“I think very soon I will start games, but I need to be patient. I have to keep training hard, improve day by day and enjoy these moments.”
With the departure of club legend Maxime Lestienne leaving a creative void, Luka has been brought in on a deal until the end of the season to operate in a similar role, and he is determined to carve out his own legacy.
A scorer in the UEFA Conference League group stage just over two years ago, the winger brings his own blend of creativity, delivery and big-game experience.
“It’s too early to talk about numbers,” Luka stressed. “At the beginning, it’s always a bit difficult because you need to adapt. I just want to show my qualities at this amazing club. My family loves it here, and I want to enjoy playing football.”
The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team have laid down a clear marker ahead of the 2026 domestic season by bolstering their squad with a blend of returning title winners, proven foreign quality, and emerging local talent as they set their sights on reclaiming the Women’s Premier League (WPL) crown.
Leading the reinforcements is the return of 2022 WPL Golden Boot winner Nur Izzati Rosni, who is back in Sailors colours after two seasons away. During that spell, the 26-year-old featured for fellow WPL sides Albirex Niigata (S) (now Albirex Jurong) and Still Aerion, before gaining overseas experience with Selangor FC.
Having scored 22 WPL goals across the Sailors’ first two title-winning campaigns in 2022 and 2023, Izzati’s return adds proven firepower and familiarity to the Sailors’ frontline.
A delighted Izzati said, “The opportunity to compete for this club and challenge myself again was something I couldn’t miss. Having been here before, the familiarity has helped make the transition smooth.
“I’m focused on staying consistent and fit, and contributing whenever I’m called upon, whether that’s through performances, work rate or experience. We’re taking things step by step, and if we prepare well and do our jobs properly each day, we’ll put ourselves in a good position to win back the title.”
Also rejoining the club is two-time WPL winner Venetia Lim, who returns after stints in Australia’s second tier with Boroondara-Carey Eagles FC and Eltham Redbacks. The technically gifted midfielder will, however, only be available from February onwards as she continues her recovery from a recent injury layoff.
In addition, the Sailors have secured the services of Japanese attacking duo Ami Takeuchi and Eri Kitagawa for the 2026 WPL season, following their impressive performances during the club’s run in the AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Preliminary and Group Stages last year.
Ami was a standout in the Preliminary Stage, scoring four goals in three matches against top opposition from across the continent, while both she and Eri (pictured below) bring valuable experience from Japan’s top-tier WE League.
Staying true to the club’s commitment to youth development, the Sailors have also promoted a few promising youngsters to the senior squad.
Fifteen-year-old Remi Ogawa earns her step up after a standout campaign in the Women’s National League (WNL) with title-winning Mattar Sailors, where she was crowned the 2025 WNL Young Player of the Year. The versatile midfielder is comfortable both in central midfield and central defence.
Defender Irsalina Irwan and goalkeeper Alysha Nasrina have also been included after first featuring during last November’s AWCL Group Stage campaign, alongside teenage winger Nur Ain Salleh. Free-scoring French forward Priscille Le Helloco returns as well after missing the second half of 2025.
After a frustrating 2025 campaign, the Sailors’ ambition is clear: to wrest back the WPL title and secure a return to the AFC Women’s Champions League stage in 2027.
Head Coach Daniel Ong welcomed the strengthened squad, saying, “I’m very happy to have the full support of the management to secure Ami and Eri for the season. They bring experience from Japan’s WE League, but just as importantly, great character. Their quality and know-how will help elevate our local players.
“Having trained and competed together during the AWCL last season, they will add real value with their movement and ability to create space, both in and out of possession. This is a great opportunity for our girls to learn from them.
“Izzati and Venetia are also important additions in helping us control the tempo, especially in the attacking third. Last season was long, and we lacked depth to compete on multiple fronts. This year, we want to see more confidence on the ball, purposeful passing, and clearer intent in our play.”
Meanwhile, nine players have been de-registered from the 2025 roster.
Mira Ruzana, Anaya Sehgal, Qarissa Putri, goalkeepers Nurul Haziqah Haszman and Hazel Lim have departed the club, while Putri Alyiah Seow is undergoing rehabilitation following surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained late last year. Dorcas Chu has also retired from the sport.
Ho Hui Xin and Amelia Ng have been redesignated to the Sailors’ WPL B-team, led by reigning WNL Coach of the Year Izz Haziq, which will compete in the WNL this season. Both remain eligible for top-flight action, with regulations allowing up to five B-team players to be named in a WPL matchday squad.
Lion City Sailors’ 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) squad
Goalkeepers
Izairida Shakira, Beatrice Tan, Alysha Nasrina
Defenders
Umairah Hamdan, Siti Nurerwadah Erwan, Syazwani Ruzi, Khairunnisa Anwar, Tia Foong, Tyan Foong, Irsalina Irwan
Midfielders
Sarah Zu’risqha, Nurhidayu Naszri, Dhaniyah Qasimah, Wan Nashirah Mohammed, Nur Ain Salleh, Remi Ogawa, Venetia Lim
Forwards
Eri Kitagawa, Ami Takeuchi, Raeka Ee, Farah Nurzahirah, Priscille Le Helloco, Nur Izzati Rosni
The Lion City Sailors resumed their Singapore Premier League (SPL) 2025/26 campaign in assured fashion after a three-month hiatus, as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Geylang International at Our Tampines Hub on Sunday (18 January) night.
An own goal late in the first half set the Sailors on their way, before strikes from Tsiy Ndenge and Shawal Anuar sealed a sixth win from six league matches to maintain their perfect start.
“I think we played very maturely and controlled the match from the beginning till the end,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković. “There was one period where we were a little reckless with the ball and gave them a few opportunities, but overall we controlled the majority of the game.”
Ranko made two changes from last weekend’s Singapore Cup final triumph over BG Tampines Rovers, with Akram Azman and Hami Syahin coming in for Christopher van Huizen and Song Uiyoung respectively, while Kyoga Nakamura was handed his second straight start since joining the club earlier this month.
Geylang, meanwhile, were without the injured Shodai Yokoyama, but handed a debut to new signing Kim Tae-Ho, who had previously played for the FC Augsburg youth team as a centre-back.
The opening half was a cagey affair with few clear-cut chances, though Bart Ramselaar tested Rudy Khairullah twice inside the first 30 minutes.
But the Sailors’ pressure eventually told, and their breakthrough arrived in the 43rd minute when Lennart Thy’s low delivery into the six-yard box was inadvertently turned into his own net by Nazrul Nazari.
“They (Geylang) defended very deeply and very well,” Ranko reflected after the match. “It was difficult to find players between the lines. Maybe we were a little lucky with the first goal, and after that things became easier.”
The second half initially followed a similar pattern, with chances few and far between.
Ryoya Taniguchi, however, came close for Geylang with a free-kick that drifted wide. It was a moment that appeared to spur the Sailors into life as they began to play with greater intensity.
That shift paid dividends in the 64th minute when Tsiy’s brilliant effort from distance took a bounce off the turf before arrowing into the bottom left corner for his first SPL goal of the season.
Luka Adžić was then introduced for his league debut and quickly made his presence felt, delivering a corner that Toni Datković headed narrowly wide in the 74th minute. Geylang then went close to reducing the deficit a minute later with former Sailors playmaker Shahdan Sulaiman rattling the crossbar with a side-footed effort from the edge of the box.
But the Sailors duly put the result beyond doubt in the first minute of stoppage time when Luka’s pinpoint corner found Shawal, who outjumped Kaisei Ogawa to power home a thumping header — a fitting way to mark his 200th SPL appearance, having made his league debut with Geylang back in 2014.
“The second goal really sealed it for us,” admitted Ranko. “I cannot ask for more from my players. Sometimes it’s difficult for both teams to play on a dry pitch like this because the ball doesn’t move as quickly as you want it to, but we got the job done.”
The Sailors will look to extend their winning run when they face Hougang United on Saturday (24 January) in pursuit of a seventh straight league victory. Hougang, however, will be full of confidence after coming from two goals down to beat Balestier Khalsa 3-2 on Sunday.
A sterner test is expected, but the Sailors will back their defensive solidity and growing momentum to carry them through once again.
After suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat to BG Tampines Rovers in the Community Shield at the start of the season, the Lion City Sailors arrived in the Singapore Cup Final with redemption firmly on their minds.
That intent was clearly reflected on the pitch, as the Sailors produced a commanding display and collected a deserved victory over the Stags after extra time to secure their third consecutive Singapore Cup title.
Central to their dominant display was full-back Akram Azman, who was tasked with containing BG Tampines’ main threat Trent Buhagiar. It was a test the 25-year-old passed with maturity, as he produced a disciplined and assured performance to nullify the winger’s threat.
“Winning my second Singapore Cup title felt great. That is why I joined the Sailors – to win trophies,” said Akram. “The team put in a dominant display, and I’m happy we came away with a win that we fully deserved.”
That early setback against the Stags made this triumph all the more satisfying, and underlined how much the team had progressed since the Community Shield defeat.
“Losing the Community Shield was very disappointing for all of us. We were caught by surprise by the way they played and attacked in that game,” Akram recalled. “But we learned from it and adopted a different approach in the cup final. Both matches were played for silverware, so any victory in games like these is hugely important.”
Introduced at half-time for the injured Christopher van Huizen, Akram was immediately thrown into the thick of the action, with Buhagiar’s nine goals and five assists this season making him a formidable challenge for any full-back.
“I was very clear on what the coach wanted me to do. We all knew how dangerous Trent and his runs in behind can be, but we were already well prepared for that thanks to the work on the training ground,” said the Singapore international.
“The whole backline did well to limit the spaces he could exploit, and that came down to everyone carrying out their duties effectively.”
With the Sailors adding a host of new signings during the transfer window, including winger Luka Adžić and midfielders Kyoga Nakamura and Lucas Agueiro, the battle for places has intensified.
That, in turn, has pushed the local contingent to raise their game, with Hami Syahin providing a prime example by coming off the bench to break the deadlock in the 115th minute.
“The new signings have added a lot of quality on top of the players we already have, so we’re looking forward to building on that,” said Akram. “All of us are working hard to earn our place in the team. Rather than turning it into a competition, we want to uplift one another and make sure whoever plays gives their best.”
After a three-month hiatus, the reigning Singapore Premier League champions return to league action against Geylang International at Our Tampines Hub on Sunday (18 January). Recent meetings have been closely contested, with the Sailors recording one win, two draws, and losing once across the four league encounters last season.
“We are very determined to defend our title this year, and it starts with this game,” declared Akram. “It doesn’t matter who we face. Our goal is always to take the three points and move closer to the title.”
The Eagles have bolstered their squad with former FC Augsburg youth centre-back Kim Tae-Ho, as well as young Japanese goalkeeper Yu Kanoshima, who featured for Japan at the FIFA U-20 World Cup and the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup.
“We know Geylang has technical players like Vincent Bezecourt who have caused us problems in recent seasons,” Akram noted. “But as long as everyone fulfils their responsibilities on the pitch, we should be able to handle them.”
Having notched one goal and two assists in his previous two SPL outings, Akram is eager to further develop the attacking side of his game.
“I want to be more present in the final third and contribute more to our attacking play,” he explained. “That takes time, but it’s something I’m actively working on.”
Buoyed by the energy of the Sailors’ faithful in the cup final, Akram called on the fans to once again bring that same passion for the run-in.
“I hope the fans can come down to all our matches. We need the unwavering support they showed during the final, because our 12th man always gives us that extra boost.”
The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team will begin their push to return to the summit of domestic women’s football on Sunday, 25 January, when they face Balestier Khalsa at Bukit Gombak Stadium.
Fixtures for the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) were officially released by the Football Association of Singapore on Tuesday (13 January). The new campaign will start earlier than in previous years and run through to 28 June, aligning strategically with key international commitments for the Singapore women’s national teams, including the AFF Women’s Cup 2026 in July.
Following their opening game against Balestier, Daniel Ong’s charges will take on Still Aerion on Saturday, 31 January at Choa Chu Kang Stadium, before a run of three further fixtures in February.
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After lifting three consecutive WPL titles between 2022 and 2024, the Sailors endured a frustrating 2025 campaign, finishing third behind eventual champions Albirex Niigata (S) — now rebranded as Albirex Jurong — and Still Aerion.
The Sailors will then take on Albirex on Friday, 13 March at Choa Chu Kang, before facing them again on Friday, 12 June at the same venue, with the two fixtures potentially proving pivotal in shaping the title race.
With the league retaining its 16-match double round-robin format with matches to take place at either Choa Chu Kang Stadium or Bukit Gombak Stadium, the Sailors will wrap up their season against Hougang United in late June, with the exact date and venue to be confirmed.
The full fixtures list for our 2026 WPL season can be accessed here, while squad details will be announced in due course.
The Lion City Sailors began 2026 on a triumphant note, as they clinched their first trophy of the season after a 2-0 victory over BG Tampines Rovers over 120 minutes in the 2025/26 Singapore Cup final at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday (10 January).
The result was subsequently amended to a 3-0 forfeit after a substitution-related regulatory breach by BG Tampines, who failed to maintain the minimum requirement of four Singaporean players on the pitch in the second half.
However, the match was allowed to run its natural course, with extra-time goals from substitutes Hami Syahin and Anderson Lopes delighting a 3,767-strong crowd and ensuring the Sailors completed a Singapore Cup hat-trick in emphatic fashion.
The victory also meant the Sailors became the first local team in Singapore football history to win three Singapore Cups in a row.
Despite the unusual circumstances, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković was keen to underline the manner in which his side earned the trophy.
“The decision to continue the game was perfect. All the fans did not come here for nothing, and we were eager to win the game and show that we are the better team,” said Ranko.
“For the Singapore Cup, I’m emotionally attached to it. It’s the trophy I value the most in my career. Winning it for the first time in 2023 was the start of something great for us as a club, and I would never have imagined winning it three times.”
The Sailors set the tone from the opening whistle and immediately pinned BG Tampines back with their attacking intent. And they fashioned the first real chance of the game just three minutes in, when Bart Ramselaar’s pinpoint delivery picked out Shawal Anuar, whose header forced an early save from Syazwan Buhari.
Song Uiyoung went even closer moments later, crashing a first-time volley against the crossbar, before testing the BG Tampines goalkeeper again from range five minutes after that.
Tsiy Ndenge then grazed the roof of the net with a dipping strike in the 14th minute, while the Stags’ only proper chance in the first half came three minutes later with Takeshi Yoshimoto’s audacious long-range effort landing just off-target.
Unfazed by the incessant boos from the BG Tampines faithful, former Stag Kyoga Nakamura, who was named in the starting XI just two days after being unveiled as a new Sailor, dictated proceedings in midfield, though neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval.
With the contest remaining cagey after the restart, Ranko decided to freshen things up for his side by introducing Anderson Lopes and Hami Syahin in the 75th minute.
Then came the moment when BG Tampines breached competition regulations, when Joel Chew was replaced by Yuki Kobayashi in the 81st minute, leaving just three local players on the pitch. Although they subsequently introduced Ong Yu En three minutes later to replace Japanese midfielder Koya Kazama, it was too late to negate the breach.
Nonetheless, play was allowed to continue, and Bart forced Syazwan into a sharp near-post save late in regulation time, before new signing Luka Adžić almost made an instant impact with a dipping free kick that was tipped over the bar.
While the earlier breach led to a lengthy pause before extra time, the delay did little to disrupt the Sailors’ momentum. Bailey Wright’s header forced another save in the 101st minute, before the breakthrough finally arrived in the 115th.
Luka’s outside-of-the-boot pass released Diogo Costa down the left, and his driven cross was met emphatically by Hami, who rifled the ball into the roof of the net to spark wild celebrations.
Not long after, in the 123rd minute, another substitute delivered the finishing touch for the Sailors, as Ivan Sušak’s long punt found Anderson, who outmuscled Dylan Fox before smashing a powerful effort home to seal the victory on the pitch.
“We were very cautious with our substitutions because we knew the game might go into extra time,” Ranko added.
“I’m happy with all the players who came on because they all made a difference. This is exactly what we want from our squad.”
At the other end of the pitch, Bailey produced a commanding display at the heart of defence and anchored a backline that kept BG Tampines quiet all night.
“You never want to win a final like that, as we didn’t want the trophy to be handed to us,” said Bailey, who was named Man of the Match. “We wanted to earn it on the pitch, and we’ve done that.”
The Sailors will return to league action against Geylang International on Sunday (18 January), before facing Hougang United on 24 January and travelling to Vietnam to take on Nam Định FC in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup five days later.
“I’m very proud of my team,” Ranko said. “This win gives us real momentum. We’re hungry, and our aim is to win the remaining trophies this season.”
