Category: News
The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team are set for an all-ASEAN challenge in their maiden appearance in the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Group Stage.
This was confirmed earlier this afternoon (11 September) after the Official Group Stage Draw in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur.
Daniel Ong’s charges have been drawn in Group A alongside Australia’s Melbourne City, Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC, and Philippines’ Stallion Laguna. The group will be contested in a centralised format in Vietnam from 13 to 19 November.
From the 12 participating clubs in the AWCL, eight will advance to the Knockout Stage. The top two teams from each of the three groups will qualify automatically, while the two best third-placed sides across all groups will also progress.
These eight teams will then contest the Quarter-Finals, which are scheduled for March 2026.
The Sailors arrive at this stage on the back of a dream Preliminary Campaign in Melaka, where they won all three matches to book their place in the tournament proper — a first in club and Singapore football history.
Now, against some of Asia’s most established women’s sides, Daniel is calling on his players to rise to the occasion.
“We have already shown that we have the potential to go toe-to-toe with some of the region’s best clubs, so we shouldn’t be afraid to challenge ourselves in these matches. It’s a rare opportunity to play with teams from higher-ranked nations, so I want the girls to go out and enjoy the occasion,” said the 36-year-old.
“Ultimately, it’s about representing Singapore well on the continental stage, and we’ll make sure to prepare adequately for these matches ahead.”
Echoing her coach’s sentiment, captain Umairah Hamdan insists the team has earned the right to feel confident about their chances.
She said, “Our performances in the Preliminary Stage showed that we belong here. It’ll be tough taking on these top teams from the region, but we’ll endeavour to put up the best showcase, not just for the club, but also for Singapore and Southeast Asian football.”
The Lion City Sailors Women marked their return to Women’s Premier League (WPL) action in confident fashion, picking up a neat 2-0 victory over Hougang United at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Sunday (7 September) night.
The victory will be one to remember for Farah Nurzahirah, whose brace not only propelled the Sailors forward in their WPL title challenge, but also marked a heartfelt milestone — her first goals for the club since joining in August.
“I’m so excited to have been able to score these two goals today. They were my first for the club, and it was a really proud moment for me,” smiled the 21-year-old forward, who arrived as part of a trio of signings from Geylang International.
The Sailors’ victory over Hougang kept their hopes of a fourth consecutive WPL crown alive. They now trail frontrunners Albirex Niigata (S) and Still Aerion by eight and six points respectively, but crucially have two games in hand.
Fresh off a history-making AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Preliminary Stage campaign, they wasted no time and hit the ground running in what was a dominant display of attacking football.
It took only 11 minutes for the Sailors to draw first blood. A ball over the top from Khairunnisa Anwar released Farah, who displayed brilliant pace and control to leave a trail of Hougang shirts behind before slotting home comfortably for her first-ever Sailors strike.
What ensued was a relentless onslaught of attacks launched by Daniel Ong’s charges, leaving Hougang little choice but to lock themselves in their half. Farah then had the opportunity to double the lead four minutes after, but her shot sailed high above the bar.
The Sailors’ improved chemistry was evident, as they often carved out good openings with strings of quick and intricate passes.
“Having more bodies upfront is important since Hougang played quite defensively. We had to play closer to each other so that’s where the one-twos came in,” explained right-back Nisa, who played a significant role in the team’s attack.
“We focused a lot on our attacking movements in the lead-up to returning to the WPL. Our full-backs were inverted today, so we played on the inside more and ran more overlaps. From training to game day, we manage to execute our gameplan.”
Following a string of chances on goal from the likes of Syazwani Ruzi, Sarah Zu’risqha and Putri Alyiah Seow, their closest opportunity came in the 51st minute when Farah’s driven cross into the box skimmed inches past Alyiah’s boot.
Ten minutes later, Farah nearly found the net herself in a tense goalmouth scramble, only to be denied by Hougang custodian Intan Afiqah, who managed to tip the ball away at the last moment.
Farah’s persistence, however, was finally rewarded in the 71st minute. Latching onto fellow new signing Wan Nashirah’s precise delivery, Farah made no mistake as she powered the ball home from close range to double the Sailors’ lead – sealing victory in the process.
Be it a winger’s cross or a teammate threading a pass through the middle, the forward credited her teammates for helping her secure her brace.
“They are really so hardworking and worked for 90 minutes to create chances for me. We instinctively knew where we each were on the pitch, so that showed our chemistry,” shared Farah.
“We kept possession and I think we played well today. It’s important for us to catch up with the top teams so we can’t just win, but also score more goals to give us a better goal difference.”
But even as the Sailors celebrated a victorious WPL restart, Nisa highlighted the importance of seizing every opportunity to rack up the goals in their coming games, especially in light of this season’s fiercely-contested title race.
“Compared to our previous encounter against Hougang (earlier this season), we were better in our attack but in certain areas, there’s still room for improvement. We need to be braver and take more shots from outside the box if the opportunity arises,” shared Nisa.
“We have to constantly think of what comes next and keep trudging forward.”
The Sailors will next take on BG Tampines Rovers this Saturday (13 September) at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
Fresh off a fairytale Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Preliminary Stage campaign, the Lion City Sailors Women return to Women’s Premier League (WPL) duty closer, stronger, and more united than ever.
Currently sitting fourth in the WPL table with two games in hand, the Sailors resume their title defence against fifth-placed Hougang United this Sunday (7 September) at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
A perfect record of three wins in three in Melaka have transformed the Sailors from underdogs into history-makers. Along the way, the squad forged deeper bonds as they celebrated triumphs together, and bid bittersweet farewells to their Japanese teammates who were instrumental to their AWCL journey.
It is this tight-knit spirit that Dhaniyah Qasimah and Anaya Sehgal believe will fuel the Sailors’ push for a fourth consecutive WPL crown.
“The experience in Melaka was one in a million,” said 21-year-old Dhaniyah, who started all three AWCL matches at the right-back position.
“Winning any match feels good, but winning at the AWCL was unlike anything else. Every sacrifice we made suddenly felt worth it. We pushed ourselves out of our comfort zones, and it paid off. Now, we’ve grown so much closer as a team. We know we can count on each other to give everything until the final whistle. The goal is clear: finish the league on a high.”
Echoing Dhaniyah’s sentiments, 16-year-old Anaya added, “After qualifying for the AWCL group stage, our team is brimming with momentum and chemistry.
“It’s a pretty quick turnaround from the AWCL to being back in WPL action, but everyone’s staying focused. We’re hungry to keep the winning streak going and to test ourselves against local teams. We’re going to take it one game at a time.”
The Sailors’ continental adventure meant stepping away from WPL action temporarily, a pause that saw them slip down the standings. But with games in hand, the stage is set for a surge back to the top.
For Dhaniyah, who joined at the start of the season with a mission to help the Sailors reach the AWCL group stages, the focus now is clear: to channel everything she learned abroad into the WPL title chase.
“I learned so much from everyone, especially our five Japanese teammates,” said the 21-year-old.
“What stood out most was staying calm under pressure in high-stakes matches. Keeping intensity high while staying tactically disciplined is something I want to carry into the WPL. That composure will be crucial for us.”
She added: “After the final whistle against Etihad Club, I felt something I’d never felt before. Even though it was only the first match, we knew the result was vital to set the tone. That win gave us belief and momentum. Now, it’s about channelling all of that into the WPL. We’re ready.”
For Anaya, the AWCL was as much about learning as competing. She watched closely from the sidelines, soaking up the standards set by her senior teammates in training and in matches.
“One of the biggest lessons I took was the raised level of intensity, awareness, and composure under pressure,” she reflected. “These are essential in football, and I want to bring them into my own game for the WPL.”
She added with a smile: “Of course we want to win this Sunday and score as many goals as possible, but beyond that, we want to play our style of football.”
The Lion City Sailors wrapped up their AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Preliminary Stage campaign in style with a commanding 3-0 victory over Kyrgyz Republic’s SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal at Hang Jebat Stadium on Sunday (31 August).
Goals from Ami Takeuchi, Miyu Inayama and Sarah Zu’risqha capped a flawless run for the Sailors, who topped Group C with three wins from three.
Having seen his charges dominate throughout, Sailors Head Coach Daniel Ong hailed the strides his side has made since last year’s debut campaign, when they lost both matches.
“Topping the group and finishing unbeaten is not something I expected,” he admitted. “Full credit goes to the girls for applying what we learned from last year and consistently putting in the hard work in training.
“Winning three games out of three against international opposition is a huge confidence booster. This will help them build a positive mentality moving forward.”
With qualification already secured, the 36-year-old rotated his squad against Sdyushor, as he handed starts to Beatrice Tan in goal and Nurhidayu Naszri on the wings.
Just like in the previous two games, the Sailors once again flew out of the blocks and in the 10th minute, Miyu split the defence with a perfectly weighted pass for the in-form Ami, who calmly slotted home her fourth goal of the campaign.
Sdyushor threatened to respond when Kenzhebubu Yrysbek Kyzy found space in the box minutes later, but Beatrice reacted sharply to smother her close-range effort.
The Sailors kept up the pressure, with Miyu and captain Umairah Hamdan both forcing saves from goalkeeper Dilnura Abibulla Kyzy.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 33rd minute, when Ayu’s mazy run led to Sarah’s clever backheel into the path of Miyu, who unleashed a fierce strike that rattled the crossbar, ricocheted off Abibulla, and nestled into the net.
It was a goal that owed much to the brilliance of Ayu, who was deployed in an unfamiliar wide role. She admitted, however, that linking up with close friend Dhaniyah Qasimah down the right side made the adjustment a natural one.
“Even though I’m not used to playing out wide, being alongside Dhani felt natural,” she shared. “We’ve known each other for a long time, so we understand each other’s playstyles very well.”
The Sailors were denied a third before the break only by Abibulla’s heroics, as she pulled off a string of saves from Eri Kitagawa, Sarah and Ami.
The Sailors finally struck again in the 62nd minute, when substitute Nur Ain Salleh whipped in a driven cross for Ami, who unselfishly laid the ball off for Sarah to net her first AWCL goal.
It was a goal that highlighted the growing chemistry between the Sailors’ local core and their Japanese teammates — a partnership that Ayu believes will only help the Singapore players raise their game.
“The quality of the Japanese players has pushed the locals to improve and elevate our game,” explained Ayu. “We’ve grown a lot together, and you can see the progress in how we connect on the pitch. It’s ultimately been a true team effort.”
The Sailors continued to press, with Sakurako Ohashi’s late header drawing another fine save, but Beatrice and her defence stood firm as the latter collected her first-ever AWCL clean sheet.
Reflecting on a historic AWCL campaign for the Sailors, Daniel paid tribute to his squad’s spirit and sacrifice.
“I have to praise their mentality. Despite many of them still juggling school and work, they’ve trained incredibly hard and made sacrifices to pursue the sport,” he said.
“Everyone knew this was a chance to raise the profile and standard of women’s football in Singapore, and they all embraced it.”
Now just one of three remaining Southeast Asian sides in the competition alongside Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City Women’s and Philippines’ Stallion Laguna, the Sailors will learn their fate in the 12-team competition when the Group Stage draw takes place on 11 September.
Flying the Singapore flag high on the continental stage is an honour for Ayu, who believes the Sailors can carry their momentum forward.
“We’ve already shown what we’re capable of. If we’ve done it once, there’s no reason we cannot do it again, and even better,” she said.
“We’ll keep pushing ourselves to give everything on the pitch.”
The Lion City Sailors today bid farewell to Sporting Director Badri Ghent, who has left the club to take on the significant role of General Secretary at the Football Association of Singapore (FAS).
Since the Sailors’ inception in 2020, the 36-year-old has been pivotal in shaping the club’s direction both on and off the pitch. His vision and leadership raised the level of professionalism, strengthened the football structure, and cultivated a culture of excellence that will serve the Sailors well for years to come.
Badri’s journey began with the Sailors’ predecessor, Home United, where he rose through the ranks to become the youngest-ever Team Manager of a professional football club in Singapore in 2014, before being appointed General Manager in 2017.
He was instrumental in the club’s privatisation in 2020, which saw the birth of the modern-day Sailors. In his role as Sporting Director, Badri spearheaded the club’s sporting strategy and player recruitment processes, while continuing to oversee its broader direction.
Under his steady leadership, the Sailors broke new ground for Singapore football and beyond. Notable milestones included the opening of the country’s first integrated football training facility in 2022, and the historic achievement earlier this May of becoming the first Singapore club to reach the final of a continental competition, the AFC Champions League Two.
“It has been a tremendous journey, from the Home United days to the exciting transformation into the Lion City Sailors. I am deeply grateful to everyone at the club – management, staff, players, and fans – for their unwavering commitment and belief in the vision we set out together. It has been a real honour to serve and represent this club, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past few years,” said Badri.
“While I now step into a wider role to serve Singapore football, I am confident that the Sailors will continue to push forward and thrive in my absence, with the solid foundations built on professionalism and ambition.
“I will always cherish the memories I’ve made here, and I wish the club all the best for the future.”
The Sailors are deeply grateful for Badri’s leadership, passion, and tireless work over the years. His appointment as FAS General Secretary comes as no surprise, and reflects the trust placed in him to help steer Singapore football forward.
While we are sad to see him leave, we take pride in knowing that Singapore football will now benefit from his expertise. His new role gives him the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the sport we all love, and that is something worth celebrating.
Badri departs with a strong legacy, and the Sailors remain committed to driving his work forward with the same ambition and dedication, as we continue our pursuit of success both domestically and on the continental stage.
We thank him sincerely for his immense contributions, and wish him nothing but the very best in his new chapter at the FAS.
Technical Director Luka Lalić will now step in as Acting Sporting Director for the Sailors.
Eight Lion City Sailors players have been called up to Gavin Lee’s 26-strong Singapore National Team squad that will face Malaysia and Myanmar in ‘A’ International Friendlies during the upcoming September international window.
Loan signing Safuwan Baharudin, along with Hami Syahin, Song Uiyoung, Akram Azman, Lionel Tan, and custodian Izwan Mahbud, have kept their spots from the previous June window, during which the Lions defeated Bangladesh 2-1 away in Dhaka in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifiers.
Meanwhile, forwards Shawal Anuar and Abdul Rasaq Akeem return to the fold to boost the striking options for Lions interim head coach Lee.
Sailors and Lions captain Hariss Harun misses out on selection due to injury, but will nonetheless link up with the squad in a non-playing role throughout the window.
The Lions will face Malaysia away at the Bukit Jalil Stadium on Thursday, 4 September, before returning home to take on Myanmar in a closed-door friendly five days later (9 September).
The matches are aimed at gearing the Lions up for a crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifying double-header against India in October.
With back-to-back victories that sealed their place in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League (AWCL) group stage, the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team have defied expectations—transforming from underdogs into history-makers.
They now head into their final Preliminary Stage Group C fixture against Kyrgyz Republic’s SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal on Sunday (31 Aug) at the Hang Jebat Stadium knowing their ticket to the AWCL proper is already secured, but are nonetheless determined to finish the round on a high.
Having endured straight defeats in last year’s AWCL, Sailors attacker Dorcas Chu admits it still feels surreal that the team have engineered such a turnaround this campaign.
“I never imagined calling a club from Singapore undefeated, especially when we came into the tournament as underdogs. It’d be amazing to claim that title this year,” she said.
“We made history by being the first club to win a game in the AWCL. Then we made history again by becoming the first from Singapore to qualify for the AWCL proper. In the third game, we want to be the first to go unbeaten.”
Forward Sarah Zu’risqha, who started both victories against Etihad Club and Kelana United, echoed her teammate’s determination.
“Honestly, to start both games has been unreal. I’m just happy to show what I can do,” said the 19-year-old, who came close to scoring on two occasions against Etihad.
“We’re very eager to attain all nine points. We want to wrap this up on a high. It’ll mean a lot to the team and show what we can do not only in Singapore, but on the regional stage.”
Facing quality opposition like Etihad and Kelana has sharpened the Sailors’ play and strengthened their chemistry, according to Dorcas, who is determined to carry that momentum into their next game.
“The victories have boosted our confidence and strengthened our unity. Though we’ve qualified, it’s easy to be complacent, but we haven’t switched off,” said the 23-year-old, who featured off the bench in both matches.
“There are still gaps in how we defend and press as a team. We tend to struggle more in the first half but regroup in the second. On Sunday, I hope we can start strong right from the whistle.”
For Dorcas, the Sailors’ AWCL journey so far has been an incredibly emotional and rewarding experience on a personal level.
“My favourite moment? Definitely the first game. I cried my eyes out when the referee blew the final whistle. All the emotions from last year’s loss to Etihad — feelings of hopelessness and defeat — came rushing back. To finally achieve that win, especially after coming back from a minor injury, was surreal,” she recalled.
“I got emotional because I thought about everything we went through to achieve that result. It was unbelievable.”
For Sarah, the highlight has been more about soaking up the journey with her teammates.
“My favourite part of the tournament has been just being out there with the team — playing together, making history together, and enjoying every moment.”
The Lion City Sailors Women have made history by becoming the first Singaporean club to qualify for the Group Stage of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League (AWCL).
A 3-1 victory over Kelana United on Thursday night (28 August) at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka sealed top spot in Group C, with goals from Miyu Inayama, Ami Takeuchi, and 15-year-old Nur Ain Salleh ensuring back-to-back wins for the Sailors.
Following their 2-0 triumph over Etihad Club earlier in the week, the Sailors are now uncatchable, as they boast a superior head-to-head record over the second-placed Jordanians, who secured a 3-1 win against Kyrgyz Republic’s SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal in the day’s earlier kick-off.
“We are a young team, but the players and backroom staff are always very supportive and give their best for the team,” said Head Coach Daniel Ong, who could scarcely contain his pride. “There are no words to describe the feeling right now, and I’ll always work for the betterment of the girls.”
Another fast start rewarded
Just as they had in their opening fixture, the Sailors Women — unchanged in their starting XI — seized the initiative early against Malaysian champions Kelana United.
Centre-back Sakurako Ohashi nearly opened the scoring for the Sailors in the fourth minute, but her header from a corner flew narrowly wide.
The breakthrough, however, came soon after. In the 11th minute, Ami’s shot was parried by Kelana goalkeeper Nurdiana Syafiqah, only for Miyu to pounce and tap home from close range.
Kelana responded with efforts from Sheva Imut and Helsya Maeisyaroh, but both were comfortably dealt with by goalkeeper Izairida Shakira.
The Sailors then came agonisingly close to doubling their lead when Riari Kitaoka’s strike struck the upright in the 34th minute.
Enter Nur Ain Salleh
Looking to inject more energy and impetus into his side, Daniel turned to the bench early in the second half and brought on 15-year-old Ain in the 53rd minute.
The substitution paid off in style just 10 minutes later.
Capitalising on a goalmouth scramble, Ain swept the ball in from close range to etch her name into the history books as one of the youngest goalscorers in AWCL history at just 15 years, 7 months, and 233 days old.
“I feel very honoured. This will be a memorable goal in my career,” said Ain, who is the first female scholar of the Sailors Football Academy.
But the teenager was not done yet.
Moments later, she showed superb awareness with an intelligent give-and-go with Ami, and the latter proceeded to curl a deflected shot beyond Nurdiana from inside the box to make it 3-0.
“I panicked a bit when the ball came to me, but I knew I had to think fast,” Ain admitted with a grin. “I just played it into space, and Ami finished brilliantly.”
Winger Putri Alyiah Seow then came on in the 82nd minute to a warm reception from her family in the stands as she made her first AWCL appearance, before Viny Silfianus struck a consolation for Kelana in stoppage time with a speculative effort from the halfway line that bounced awkwardly over Shakira.
A night to remember
With the victory, the Sailors Women have joined their men’s side in blazing a trail for Singapore football on the continental stage.
For Sailors striker Raeka Ee, who only made her senior debut last year, the team’s journey over the past year has been remarkable.
“We are very proud and honoured to have represented Singapore positively on the continental stage,” she said. “Coming into this competition, we were seen as underdogs, but we never stopped believing. We pulled this off together, and we’ll keep backing each other to go further.”
The Sailors are the first club from the Preliminary Stage to officially secure progression to the 12-team AWCL Group Stage scheduled for 9 to 23 November, with the draw set for 11 September.
Before that, Daniel’s charges face one final Group C clash against SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal on Sunday (31 August), where they will look to finish with a perfect record.
25 August 2025 will forever be etched in Lion City Sailors Women’s history — and in Izairida Shakira’s memory.
That evening at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka, the Sailors defeated Jordanian champions Etihad Club 2-0 in the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Preliminary Stage clash to become the first Singaporean side to win a match in the region’s most prestigious women’s competition.
Two goals from new Japanese signing Ami Takeuchi sealed the victory, but just as crucial was the team’s defensive resolve, with 18-year-old Shakira marking her AWCL debut with a clean sheet. It was a remarkable turnaround, given the Sailors had conceded five unanswered goals to the same opponents in last year’s campaign.
“It was such a special experience. Being on the pitch for my first AWCL match felt a bit surreal at first, but once the game started, I just focused on giving my best,” Shakira reflected. “Of course, there were nerves, but more than anything, I felt excited and grateful to finally be a part of it.”
Baptism of fire
Despite clinching the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Golden Glove with seven clean sheets last season, Shakira knew her continental debut would be a major step up. After all, Etihad had humbled the Sailors in the previous campaign, and the Jordanians came from a nation ranked 73 places above Singapore in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings.
This time, however, the teenager was determined to make sure history did not repeat itself.
Naturally, she sought guidance from the vastly experienced Beatrice Tan, who had been between the posts for the Sailors in last year’s AWCL campaign as well as many high-pressure international games for the Singapore national team.
“I asked Beatrice for advice during the preparations because she’s been there, done that before. She told me to stay calm, not to overthink, and to enjoy the match. It was simple advice, but it helped a lot,” Shakira shared.
That advice clearly paid off as she looked assured throughout the game, producing key saves and displaying safe handling in the box.
Rock solid at the back
Shakira was also quick to credit the Sailors’ defensive unit, who worked in unison to deny Etihad any clear-cut opportunities. Captain Umairah Hamdan was in imperious form, as she marshalled the backline alongside Syazwani Ruzi (pictured below) and new Japanese arrival Sakurako Ohashi, who impressed on her debut after arriving from Toyo University.
“It was nice to keep a clean sheet. Umairah and Syazwani were rock solid the whole game. They talked to me a lot and made things so much easier at the back,” Shakira said. “Honestly, they gave me a lot of confidence out there.
“Playing with Sakurako also felt quite natural. She was calm with the ball, and I fully trust her abilities.”
Winning the mental battle
At this level of football, mentality often makes the difference, and Shakira admitted it was an area she focused heavily on before stepping onto the continental stage.
“For me, it was mostly about the mental side (of the game),” she explained. “Playing in big games like the AWCL comes down to preparation, so I just tried to calm myself, not overthink, and remind myself to trust what I can do. Getting into that mindset helped me feel ready.”
Her growing confidence was evident in the second half when she pulled off an acrobatic stop in the 58th minute to deny Etihad forward Cidalia Daniel Cuta. It was a stunning save reminiscent of her idol, former England and current PSG goalkeeper Mary Earps.
The Sailors’ landmark win, coupled with Kelana United’s 0-0 draw against SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal in the other Group C fixture, means Daniel Ong’s charges top the group after Matchday One.
Next up for the Sailors is Kelana on Thursday (28 August), with the battle to progress from the group stage heating up.
The Malaysian champions boast several Indonesian internationals in their ranks, but confidence is running high in the Sailors camp.
“We know that Kelana is a strong team, but we are ready,” Shakira asserted. “We will follow what Coach Dan prepares for us and approach the game accordingly.”
History was made in Melaka on Monday night (25 August).
The Lion City Sailors Women etched Singapore’s name onto the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League (AWCL) record books by becoming the first club from the nation to win a match in the region’s most prestigious women’s competition.
And they did it in style.
A brace from Japanese teenager Ami Takeuchi sealed a 2-0 triumph over Jordan’s Etihad Club at the Hang Jebat Stadium — a result that not only avenged last year’s heavy defeat to the same opponents, but also signalled the Sailors’ intent to truly compete on Asia’s grand stage.
“This victory means a lot to the players, especially after losing 5-0 to them in the last campaign,” said Head Coach Daniel Ong. “The team has trained really hard to correct those areas, and most importantly, to believe in themselves and their abilities. As long as they stuck to the game plan and had each other’s backs, I knew they could do it.”
A dream start
The Sailors bolstered their squad for the Group C Preliminary Stage with five Japanese signings – all of whom started the match – while local duo Izairida Shakira and Dhaniyah Qasimah made their continental debuts.
Etihad, by contrast, fielded five players who had featured in their 5-0 win over the Sailors in last year’s edition, though talismanic forward Maysa Jbarah, who scored four goals that night, has since departed for Saudi Arabia.
With a refreshed squad and renewed determination, the Sailors flew out of the blocks, and took the lead inside 10 minutes. From a free-kick on the edge of the area, Ami stepped up confidently and curled the ball home to spark wild celebrations on the Sailors’ bench.
“I expected to score today. I’ve been in good form during our friendlies in Malaysia and Singapore, and I felt good momentum,” said Ami, who had also found the net for Urawa in their 17-0 win over India’s Odisha FC in last season’s AWCL. “The moment the ball left my foot, I was confident it was going in.”
Ami’s compatriot Eri Kitagawa almost doubled the Sailors’ lead in the 18th minute, before Singaporean winger Sarah Zu’risqha forced a fingertip save from Jordanian goalkeeper Sherin Al-Shalabi.
Sarah and Al-Shalabi went head-to-head again in the 33rd minute, but the 19-year-old forward was denied once more from close range.
But the Sailors did not have to wait long for their next goal, and it came just six minutes later, after a flowing move involving both local and overseas recruits: Riari Kitaoka started the play, Syazwani Ruzi combined with Eri down the flank, before Riari’s low cross was turned in by Ami.
It was a goal that showcased the team’s chemistry, despite this being their first competitive outing together. And Ami was quick to credit her teammates.
“The Singaporean players contributed to my goals. They defended well, so I just had to do my job as an attacker,” said the 19-year-old, who recently joined from Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies.
“Everyone here is willing to help each other. It’s a very positive atmosphere, and I wanted to do my best without letting my guard down. I feel included in the team. Even when I cannot fully communicate in English, my teammates are always encouraging and supportive.”
Holding firm
Despite their two-goal cushion at half-time, the Sailors knew they had to stay focused, with Etihad expected to come out stronger after the break.
But it was the Sailors who carved out the first chance of the second half, as Ami rattled the crossbar just a minute after the restart.
Etihad responded quickly, with Rouzbahan Freij striking the woodwork with a looping effort in the 53rd minute, before Cidalia Daniel Cuta forced Izairida into a brilliant save five minutes later.
After weathering the storm, the Sailors nearly extended their lead through Ami once again, but her 61st-minute strike was well-held by Al-Shalabi.
Nur Ain Salleh and Dorcas Chu then came on to give the team some fresh legs in the last half-hour, while captain Umairah Hamdan stood out on the night, as she marshalled the Sailors’ defence with authority to shut out Etihad.
“The marking and identifying of the runners, as well as the composure to keep the ball under pressure, made the difference today,” reflected Head Coach Daniel.
Etihad substitute Lydia Krampah then came close in stoppage time, but sent her volley over as the Sailors stood firm to keep a clean sheet and see out a famous win.
A growing belief
The Sailors’ historic victory, combined with Kelana United’s 0-0 draw against Kyrgyz Republic’s SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal in Group C’s other match of the night, means they sit top of the group after Matchday One.
The Sailors next face Kelana on Thursday (28 August), and Daniel’s charges will head into the clash brimming with belief.
“The new players have lifted the overall standard of the team, and we now believe we’re here not just to participate, but to compete,” he declared. “We’ll play to our strengths and continue to build belief in the squad.”
