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The Lion City Sailors continued their unbeaten run in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two as they came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Indonesia Liga 1 champions Persib Bandung at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on Thursday (24 October) night.
Tyronne del Pino opened the scoring for Persib in the 43rd minute, but just four minutes into the second half, Bailey Wright equalised for the Sailors with a brilliant header.
Moments later, Persib’s night took a turn for the worse as they were reduced to 10 men when Dimas Drajad was sent off for headbutting Bailey.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Persib were able to hold on for their first point of the ACL Two campaign. And Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković admitted it was a missed opportunity for his side to secure another win in the competition.
“We can be a little disappointed because the opponent played with a man less for a long time, and we couldn’t break down their defence,” Ranko said in the post-match press conference. “We had most of the possession, but I feel we could have done a little more.”
The Sailors – who defeated Zhejiang Professional 2-0 in their opening ACL Two match last month – entered the game on the back of a successful run in the Singapore Premier League (SPL), where they extended their lead at the top of the table to six points.
Persib, on the other hand, were still searching for their first point in ACL Two after losses to Port FC and Zhejiang. However, they are unbeaten in the Indonesian Liga 1 this season, and were buoyed by a 2-0 victory over league leaders Persebaya Surabaya over the weekend.
Despite the raucous home support, it was the visiting Sailors who started brightly, with Maxime Lestienne forcing Kevin Ray Mendoza into a save from a tight angle just a minute into the match.
Neither side managed to create any clear-cut chances in the opening quarter, with Persib’s first notable effort coming in the 27th minute with captain Marc Klok attempting to catch Izwan Mahbud off guard with a corner. The Sailors’ goalkeeper, however, remained alert and tipped the ball over the bar.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 43rd minute when Indonesian international Drajad escaped his marker and played a perfectly weighted through ball to Del Pino, who coolly chipped the ball over the onrushing Izwan.
Feeling that his side had largely controlled the first half, Ranko was understandably frustrated to go into the break a goal down.
“I think we controlled the match quite well in the first half. We didn’t allow any shots on goal and created a few promising breaks. I wouldn’t call them clear chances, but there were some opportunities. Then we conceded at the worst possible moment, which can’t happen — especially with the experienced team we have.”
But the Sailors tactician did not have to wait long for his charges to respond in the second half.
Following a short corner routine, Maxime delivered a superb cross, and Bailey ghosted in at the back post with a header in the 49th minute to level the scores and silence the 2,111 Bobotoh fans in attendance.
It was the Australian centre-back’s seventh goal for the Sailors since his arrival from England in July last year, and he was pleased with his contribution.
“First of all, a lot of respect for the opposition — they made it tough for us. As a group, as a team, as a club, we’re getting stronger with each passing day, and I think today is another example of that,” said Bailey, who has represented Australia in the 2014 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.
“We’re a good side, we’re a tough team to beat, and we showed that today. We’ll just keep growing, and we’ll see where that takes us.”
Bailey was in the thick of the action again just two minutes later, when Persib’s Drajad lost his cool and headbutt the Sailors defender, leaving Iranian referee Bijan Heidari no choice but to show him a straight red card.
In the 63rd minute, the Sailors almost broke through the Persib defence with Rui Pires’ pass finding Song Ui-young, but the Incheon native misdirected his shot from a promising position.
Just a minute later, Persib had a chance of their own as Ciro Alves was denied at the near post by Izwan, who bravely stood his ground and took a knock to the face in the process.
Ranko then made several changes, introducing Shawal Anuar, Sergio Carmona Pérez, and Abdul Rasaq Akeem, but the game eventually fizzled out into a draw.
There was, however, one last moment of drama in the final minute, with Bart Ramselaar being sent off, as both teams ended the game with 10 men.
In the other Group F match, Port overcame Zhejiang 1-0, thanks to a second-half goal from Felipe Amorim.
The Thai side now tops the group with six points, while the Sailors sit second with four points. The two sides will face off next Wednesday (October 30) in their rescheduled ACL Two clash in Pathum Thani.
As the Sailors prepare for their trip to Thailand, Bailey has urged his teammates to focus on the positives ahead of what promises to be another crucial away match in the continental competition.
“Away fixtures in this tournament are always challenging,” he said. “We aimed for a win and felt we could have taken all three points, but a draw is the next best outcome.
“It’s a draw on the road, along with a solid performance, and those are the positives we’ll carry forward.”
Sailors fuelled for feisty Persib challenge
The Lion City Sailors are aiming to make it two wins out of two in the 2024/25 Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two, but reigning Indonesia Liga 1 champions Persib Bandung stand in their way in what should be a tough encounter at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on Thursday (24 October) night.
The only unbeaten team in Indonesia Liga 1
After winning the league last season via the Championship Series, which pitted the top four teams of the regular season in a two-legged knockout format, Persib are well-positioned for another title challenge this campaign, which has now reverted to a full league format.
After eight matchweeks, Persib sit third in the 18-team table, just one point behind joint-leaders Bali United and Persebaya Surabaya.
A 2-0 victory over Persebaya on Friday (18 October), which ended the latter’s unbeaten record, along with Borneo FC Samarinda’s first loss of the season the following day to Persis Solo, means Persib are now the only remaining undefeated side in the 2024/25 Indonesia Liga 1.
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However, their fortunes differ starkly in the ACL Two, where they currently sit at the bottom of Group F with zero points after back-to-back 1-0 defeats at home to Thailand’s Port FC, and away to China’s Zhejiang Professional.
Reflecting on the two defeats, Persib coach Bojan Hodak highlighted inexperience as the key factor behind their losses.
“We lost both matches in the final stages due to individual mistakes, but this comes down to experience,” Hodak noted. “At the international level, the teams are stronger, and if you make errors, they will punish you — something that may not happen as often in the local league. To improve, we need to play more consistently.”
He also pointed out the need for better scheduling to allow for adequate preparation, as he said, “We need help from the Indonesian league to provide a schedule that allows us to prepare properly. In the first round, we played six matches in 22 days, and it’s impossible to get good results under those conditions.
“We entered matches tired, couldn’t field our best XI, and injuries occurred due to this packed fixture list. Some of the injuries we have are directly linked to the tight schedule. We do everything we can and always aim to win, but players aren’t machines — they need proper rest to perform at their best, and for that, we need a better schedule.”
However, Hodak believes the upcoming match against the Sailors is the perfect opportunity to turn the tide.
He said, “It will be a tough match. The Sailors are one of the best teams in the region, having invested heavily, and you can see the results. They have already beaten a Chinese team (Zhejiang) who were favourites on paper, so they’re definitely strong.
“They’re top of the league in Singapore and don’t concede many goals, which makes them hard to beat. But I hope, in front of our fans at home, we can secure a positive result.”
Persib’s squad boasts several players who pose a serious threat to the Sailors. Captain and midfield maestro Marc Klok came through the ranks of FC Utrecht, while defender Nick Kuipers made 28 appearances in the Dutch Eredivisie between 2017 and 2019. Dutch-born Cape Verdean winger Mailson Lima also has experience in the Dutch second division.
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With last season’s Liga 1 top scorer, David da Silva, likely to miss out due to injury, the Sailors will need to be particularly cautious of former Brazil Under-20 winger Ciro Alves, who currently tops the Liga 1 assists chart with six.
Ex-LaLiga 2 playmaker Tyronne del Pino also poses a significant threat, ranking second in both goals and assists, with four each.
This foreign contingent is well-supported by a strong local core, including midfielder Rachmat Irianto, who has earned 31 caps for Indonesia at just 25 years old, and forward Dimas Drajad, who has netted six goals in 15 international appearances.
A hostile atmosphere expected
Notably, Persib’s win over Persebaya at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium was played behind closed doors, as they served the first of a two-match sanction imposed by the PSSI (Football Association of Indonesia) Disciplinary Committee. This came after a failure to maintain order and security during their 2-0 home win over Persija Jakarta on 23 September.
However, the sanction does not extend to ACL Two matches, so the Bobotoh (Persib’s fans) are expected to fill the stadium and enthusiastically support their beloved team in person.
“When the stadium is full, the atmosphere is fantastic, and it’s not easy for the opponents to play,” said Persib goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza, who has 10 caps for the Philippines national team.
“The Sailors are a strong team. They already have three points while we have none, so they’re the favourites. But at home, we’re better, and we have to win. Offensively, they’re dangerous, especially Maxime (Lestienne), who can shoot with both feet.
“But it’s not just him — they have several players who can score stunning goals from outside the box, so we need to be mindful of that.”
Hodak also called on Persib’s fans to fill out the stadium, adding, “When opponents step onto the field and hear the crowd, maybe their legs will start to shake. Their support also gives extra motivation to the players, and they can perform better. So, I hope we have a full stadium for this match tomorrow.”
Sailors’ full throttle for ACL Two
Meanwhile, the Sailors come into this match in equally strong form, having extended their lead at the top of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) to six points with a solid 3-1 win over Hougang United.
That marked their final domestic game of 2024, allowing them to now fully focus on the ACL Two, where they will play five more group-stage matches between now and December.
With adverse weather and safety concerns leading to the rescheduling of their Matchday Two clash against Port FC, the Sailors are eager to build on the solid platform set by their opening 2-0 victory over Zhejiang.
When asked about the prospect of playing in front of a hostile, sell-out crowd, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković was adamant that his team would relish the challenge.
“I think it’s great to have a full stadium — this is what football is all about. I believe my players are also looking forward to these types of matches. Unfortunately, we don’t often get this kind of experience in Singapore, so playing in a packed stadium is added motivation,” said the Serb.
“We’re happy to be here, playing against one of Indonesia’s top clubs. We thrive on these challenges, and now that we’ve wrapped up our last league match for 2024, we can fully focus on ACL Two – and we can’t wait.”
One player that the Sailors can call upon to give a bit of an insight into Indonesian football is midfielder Song Uiyoung, who spent half a season with Persebaya in 2023 before re-joining the Sailors this March.
And the 30-year-old, who played against Persib last October in a 3-2 defeat for Persebaya, is anticipating an intense encounter on Thursday.
He said, “I know the players in Persib, I know the quality they have and the coach as well, so I’m sure it will be a good, competitive game. But we’re well prepared for the challenge, and we’re going to do our best.”
It might have taken some time, but with 11 goals in 14 Singapore Premier League (SPL) matches, it is safe to say that Lennart Thy has fully integrated into the Lion City Sailors team.
Off the pitch, the German forward has also settled into life in Singapore, especially now that his family has joined him in the country, cheering him on from the stands at every game.
“For sure, it wasn’t easy initially. The first month here was about getting used to everything – a new country, new weather, and new teammates,” said the 32-year-old, who arrived in the Lion City some five months ago in late May.
“But everything goes fast. After one and a half months, I feel settled. My wife and two kids (aged four and two) are here with me, which is very important. On the footballing side, I now understand the league and the players a bit better.
“In the beginning, I wanted to be everywhere and be a part of everything. But now I know what matters and where to position myself to be even more beneficial to my team. It’s been good, and I want to keep this momentum going.”
Lennart arrived in Singapore after a long season in Europe, having played 32 league games for Dutch Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle from August 2023 to May 2024.
Ever the consummate professional, he is keen to downplay any excuses related to fatigue, and insists instead that he is eager to play a more pivotal role for the Sailors.
“Fatigue is definitely not an issue. We’ve got some rest in between matches, and we have everything at the club to ensure we recover properly. I feel physically sharp and ready to contribute,” said the former German Under-20 forward.
“So far, my efforts have been good, but I’ve missed some chances, and I know I can do better at finishing them. I set high expectations for myself, and I’m committed to being in the best possible shape to help the team achieve success this season.”
Now, he is eager to carry that momentum into the continental arena, with a crucial AFC Champions League (ACL) Two away game against Indonesia Liga 1 side Persib Bandung coming up on Thursday (24 October) night.
The Sailors currently lead Group F after an opening 2-0 victory over China’s Zhejiang Professional, and they are determined to make a breakthrough in their third consecutive season representing Singapore in AFC club competitions.
“These are the types of games that the team is clearly very pumped up for, as we want to challenge ourselves against these top teams in Asia and represent the country well,” said Lennart.
“Against Zhejiang, we were disciplined and compact – we executed the game plan, and it was a well-deserved win.
“That’s the benchmark for us. If we can perform at this level and give nothing less than 100 percent in every game, I believe we have a good chance to qualify for the last 16.”
Despite his goal scoring prowess, Lennart’s game goes beyond just putting the ball in the back of the net. Against Zhejiang, he delivered a classic target man performance, consistently holding up the ball and creating opportunities for his teammates.
And Lennart revealed that he aims to replicate that display against Persib, as the Sailors’ No. 9 said, “At this level, it’s crucial to have someone who can hold the ball and invite pressure, allowing the team to push forward and find more passing options.
“My role is extremely important in these games, and I will do everything I can to help the team, even if I can’t score.”
The upcoming encounter with Persib also pits Lennart against a familiar foe from the Eredivisie — Nick Kuipers. The two faced off back in March 2019, when Lennart scored twice to secure a 3-0 victory for PEC Zwolle over FC Emmen, in which Kuipers played as a central defender.
“It’s a nice little memory and I still remember this game. He’s a good player and I’m looking forward to the duel again,” he said.
The Lion City Sailors are now unbeaten in five Singapore Premier League (SPL) games, following a 3-1 win over Hougang United at the Bishan Stadium on Saturday (19 October) evening.
A goal from Song Uiyoung, along with a brace from Lennart Thy, secured the valuable three points for the Sailors against a resilient Hougang side.
More significantly, the result, combined with BG Tampines’ 2-3 defeat to Albirex Niigata (S) at the Jalan Besar Stadium in the night’s other game, means the Sailors have now extended their lead at the top of the SPL to six points.
The last time these two teams met in the SPL back in July, the Cheetahs took a surprise early lead before the Sailors mounted a comeback to secure a comprehensive 7-1 victory.
Once again, it was Hougang who struck first on Saturday, when Stjepan Plazonja sent a cross in from the left to Shodai Yokoyama, who then squared the ball for Dejan Račić to tap the ball into the net from close range.
“I’m not happy that we conceded a goal again, especially as it was almost the same way that we conceded in our previous game against them,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković. “It wasn’t our best start, but maybe the international break slowed our momentum down.”
However, the Sailors did not take long to respond. In the 17th minute, Sailors captain Hariss Harun released Maxime Lestienne down the right with a chipped pass, and the Belgian delivered a perfectly-weighted cross for Song to score his first goal in eight matches across all competitions.
Just two minutes later, the hosts made it 2-1 through Lennart. Maxime Lestienne threaded a superb pass between two defenders for right-back Hafiz Nor, who delivered a low cross across the Hougang goal that the German forward comfortably slotted home.
With the wind up their sails, Ranko’s men pressed forward in search of a third goal. Hougang, however, proved a threat on the break, with Plazonja, in particular, proving a handful for the Sailors defence.
And Plazonja who came close to equalising in the 22nd minute when he latched onto a through ball and rounded Izwan Mahbud. But just as the Croatian was about to pull the trigger, the Sailors’ goalkeeper made a remarkable recovery and got his fingers to the ball to tip it out for a corner.
The Sailors responded almost immediately with a golden opportunity of their own. Maxime slipped a through ball to Song, who unselfishly tried to set up an onrushing Lennart, but the Hougang defence did just enough to clear the danger before the Sailors’ forward could get his shot away.
After a frenetic first half, the Sailors sought to control the tempo in the second 45 minutes, while also neutralising Hougang’s main threat, Plazonja.
Ranko explained, “Hougang was playing nine balls out of 10 to Plazonja, so knowing that, we had to be prepared to run and give him a bit more space when defending, rather than getting too close, because he’s very strong and fast. I think in the second half, we managed to control him better — he had one or two moments against us — but overall, I think the boys did a good job.”
Indeed, Plazonja was arguably fortunate not to see red after appearing to elbow Hariss in the box during a corner, with VAR ultimately deciding that the action did not warrant a sending-off.
The Sailors then secured a crucial third goal in the 68th minute, with Maxime delivering a precise curled cross that Lennart expertly finished past Hougang goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam. It marked Lennart’s 11th goal in Sailors colours and incredibly, Maxime’s 19th league assist of the campaign.
Maxime nearly completed a hat-trick of assists in the 76th minute when he dribbled past three defenders on the left before laying the ball off for Bart Ramselaar, whose powerful shot sailed over the crossbar.
Aside from a few half-chances, Hougang struggled to truly test the Sailors’ defence in the second half, with their most notable opportunity occurring in the 79th minute when Plazonja forced Izwan to make a save with a low shot to the near post.
Ultimately, the Sailors managed to see out the game with minimal fuss as they now turn their attention to the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two – in which they will play five matches between now and December.
Reflecting on the win, Lennart, who was named Man of the Match, said, “We had a tough start going 1-0 down; it wasn’t our best game, but we showed character to come back and secure the win. We’re happy with the three points — that’s what matters. Overall, our performances could be better, but we’re at the top now, and this is where we want to be.
“We have exciting games coming up in the ACL Two, and we look forward to them. Everyone will need to be at 100%. We need to focus and work hard, as these matches will be more challenging, but hopefully, if we prepare well, we can achieve some positive results.”
The Sailors will next take on Indonesian side Persib Bandung at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in the ACL Two on Thursday (24 October) night.
Although the Lion City Sailors faced a challenging schedule of five games in just 16 days in September, this intense run presented a valuable opportunity for certain players to prove themselves and stake their claim as key members of the team, as Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković rotated his squad to keep everyone fresh and injury-free.
One player who seized the opportunity with both hands was Haiqal Pashia. The 25-year-old started the Sailors’ last two Singapore Premier League (SPL) matches, as he helped his team to a 3-1 win over Balestier Khalsa and a hard-fought 2-2 draw with title rivals BG Tampines Rovers.
With the Sailors set to return to action this Saturday evening (19 October) after a two-week international break, Pashia hopes that his strong performances in the last two games will earn him another start against Hougang United at the Bishan Stadium.
“It’s been going well for me, and I’m feeling really good right now,” shared Pashia, whose previous 10 appearances in all competitions this season have come off the bench.
“After this match against Hougang, we have important away fixtures in the ACL (AFC Champions League) against Persib Bandung and Port FC coming up. There’ll definitely be opportunities for everyone to get involved, and it’s up to us to show Coach what we can contribute to the team.”
However, Pashia acknowledges the fierce competition for places in this Sailors team, which features several Singapore internationals and seasoned European campaigners. Yet, he insists that this only fuels his determination to prove his worth.
“I know getting minutes here is really tough because of the calibre of players we have, but as long as I train hard and keep myself fit, there’s a role for me in this team,” the former Singapore youth international said.
“During training, it’s always go-time because everyone’s fighting for their spots in the team — including myself. I’m always on my toes, ready to step up whenever I’m called upon.”
Patience, versatility, and words of encouragement from Ranko have all played a crucial role in Pashia’s quest for more game time. After starting on the left wing against Balestier, he was deployed in the unfamiliar position of right wing-back during a high-stakes clash with BG Tampines — and he rose to the challenge admirably.
“I was surprised when Coach put me there, especially since it’s been a while since I last played in that position — the last time was in a friendly against Borussia Dortmund back in November 2022,” Pashia revealed. “But I consider myself a versatile player, so I made sure to prepare thoroughly in the days leading up to the game.”
Reflecting on his performance, he added, “I thought I did okay, and Coach was a big part of that. He told me he was proud of how I played and encouraged me to keep it up.”
Pashia is now aiming to secure his third consecutive league start this weekend, but he’s well aware of the need for a rock-solid performance to overcome the rejuvenated Cheetahs, who have lost just once in their last six league matches, including three consecutive draws that have helped lift them out of the bottom two.
“We can’t take anything for granted, even though we’ve beaten them twice this season. They have physically imposing foreign players who can cause us problems, so we need to stick to our game plan — attack and defend as a unit, be clinical in front of goal, and make sure we finish our chances to get the win,” he emphasised.
With the Sailors currently holding a three-point lead in the SPL over second-placed BG Tampines, Pashia is urging his teammates to maintain their momentum before the league takes a break next month for the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup.
“The team spirit has been really high following some positive results in September, and we just want to keep our good run going. We’re focused on regaining our intensity and fitness for the important matches ahead,” he said.
Rasaq earns deserved maiden Lions call-up
Lion City Sailors striker Abdul Rasaq Akeem has been named alongside three other Sailors – Hariss Harun, Hami Syahin, and Izwan Mahbud – in Tsutomu Ogura’s 30-strong Singapore National Team squad that will travel to Japan for a training camp during the upcoming October international window.
This is Rasaq’s first-ever senior call-up, with the 23-year-old previously making appearances for the nation at the Under-23 level.
Rasaq has returned strongly from a year-long layoff due to a meniscus injury, and has scored two goals in three league appearances so far – with those strikes helping the Sailors to 6-0 and 3-1 wins over Tanjong Pagar United and Balestier Khalsa respectively.
Rasaq said he was honoured to get his first Lions call-up, and has vowed to go all out for the national cause.
“It’s every footballer’s dream to represent their senior national team, and I’m extremely honoured to get this call-up. I’ll work hard and show everyone further about my abilities,” he declared.
The Lions will play training matches against three J1 League clubs as part of their training camp as they continue preparations for the upcoming ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup in December.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that the 2024/25 Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two Group F match between the Lion City Sailors and Thai League 1 side Port FC at the BG Stadium tonight (3 October) was unable to take place due to adverse weather conditions and safety reasons.
The match has been rescheduled to take place at the same venue on Wednesday, 30 October at 8.00pm SGT.
After kicking off their 2024/25 Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two campaign with an impressive 2-0 win over China’s Zhejiang Professional two weeks ago, the Lion City Sailors are aiming for another three points as they face 2023 Thai League 1 second runners-up Port FC at the BG Stadium on Thursday (3 October) night.
An established Thai League 1 side in Port
The Sailors’ task is easier said than done, however, as Port are one of the most established teams in the Thai top flight, having finished in the top-three in five out of their last six campaigns.
Last season, Port scored the most goals in the Thai League, netting 72 in 30 matches — two more than eventual champions Buriram United, despite finishing 12 points behind them.
This season, Port are among the frontrunners for the Thai League 1 title, currently sitting second in the table, four points behind league leaders Buriram, with four wins, three draws, and one loss.
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However, all their victories came in the first four games of the season. Since then, their domestic form has faltered, and they are currently winless in four matches, including a 2-1 defeat to fellow title contenders BG Pathum United.
Nonetheless, Port have started their ACL Two campaign with a gritty 1-0 win away at Indonesia’s Persib Bandung, secured by an 89th-minute goal from Brazilian forward Willen Mota. They currently sit second in Group F, trailing the Sailors on goal difference.
That win has fuelled belief among the Port ranks that they can achieve a historic qualification for the tournament’s last-16.
For now, however, Port’s Head Coach Rangsan Viwatchaichok — who has achieved 18 wins, 11 draws, and just four losses in 33 matches since taking over in November 2023 — is focused on what he anticipates will be a tightly contested encounter against the Sailors.
He said, “We’ve done our homework and know that the Sailors are the top team in Singapore. Both Thai and Singaporean football have progressed over the years, particularly at the club level. I believe it won’t be an easy game for either side, but it should be an enjoyable one. Since we’re playing at home, we hope to secure three points to boost our chances of qualifying.”
The Irfan Fandi factor
The immediate reaction from the wider Singapore football fraternity to the ACL Two draw was the prospect of Irfan Fandi facing a Singaporean side and reuniting with some familiar teammates from the national team on the pitch.
The 27-year-old admits he is looking forward to a tantalising battle with his compatriots.
“For me, playing in these types of big games is very important,” said Irfan, who has made six Thai League 1 appearances and one ACL Two start since signing for Port from BG Pathum in June.
“I won’t lie… When the draw came out and I saw the Sailors in the group, I was really happy. I’ve been joking with my friends and (national team) teammates from their team that we’d face each other one day, so it feels like a dream come true. It’ll be a really good, exciting game, and a great occasion — but importantly, I want to get the three points.”
Apart from Irfan, Port boasts several other top stars from Southeast Asia, including Indonesian right-back Asnawi Mangkualam, who played for three seasons in South Korea’s K League 2 from 2021 to 2023 before joining Port last year.
However, their biggest scoring threat is likely to come from Mota, who was signed after finishing last season as the Thai League 1’s second-highest scorer with 20 goals for Bangkok United.
The 32-year-old faced the Sailors twice in last year’s ACL, playing the full 90 minutes in both of Bangkok’s narrow victories: a 2-1 win and a 1-0 win against the Sailors.
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Port also have other options upfront, including former Buriram and Shanghai Shenhua forward Lonsana Doumbouya, and rising local prospect Teerasak Poeiphimai, who is the current joint-second highest scorer in Thai League 1 with five goals.
At the other end, their defence is marshalled by Danish-born Iraqi international Frans Putros and Swedish-born Thai full-back Kevin Deeromram, who is the league’s joint-second highest assist maker with four.
Sailors up for the fight
Despite Port’s quality, the Sailors are prepared to take the fight to their more favoured opponents, especially with the added motivation from their successful Matchday One performance.
Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković also believes his team can draw on their experiences from last season’s matches against Bangkok United to help them prepare for another strong Thai opponent in Port.
“Port and Bangkok are two different teams, but we can take some lessons from those games,” said Ranko.
“Some of the players they have are similar, and both sides have a lot of quality, especially their local players, who are mainly national team members. If we perform at the same level as last year, I think we can get a good result.”
As the Sailors wrap up a gruelling stretch of six matches in 20 days, defender Bailey Wright has backed his team to maintain the same commitment and desire they have displayed in recent weeks, as they look to head into the October international break on a high.
“We’re excited for the game. The ACL Two is a big stage, and we understand the level of competition we’re facing,” said the 32-year-old, who represented Australia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“But we’re confident after our strong start. Despite a tight schedule, we’ve refreshed ourselves both mentally and physically, and we’re ready to show what we’re capable of in this match.
“We’re representing the Sailors and Singapore, and that’s a massive motivation for us. With that comes the expectation, hunger, and desire to win. We know what we’re capable of, and it’s up to us as a team to make sure we work hard and compete because we have the quality.
“These are the moments you play football for – to face strong opponents in meaningful games, and we’re looking forward to it.”
It has been two weeks since the Lion City Sailors’ impressive 2-0 victory over China’s Zhejiang Professional in the 2024/25 AFC Champions League (ACL) – a result which saw them go top of Group F after Matchday One – but the encouragement and confidence that the team took from that result is still fresh in their minds.
This Thursday (3 October), the Sailors will be hoping to build on that momentum when they face Thai League 1 powerhouse Port FC at the BG Stadium on Matchday Two.
Port FC, who are currently second in Thai League 1 after eight rounds of matches, also won their opening ACL Two game with a gritty 1-0 victory against Persib Bandung.
Though many consider the Thai side favourites for the upcoming match, Sailors midfielder Hami Syahin has backed his team to take the fight to the more-fancied hosts.
“It was so important for us to start the campaign with a win – it boosted our morale tremendously, and we just want to keep this momentum going,” said the 25-year-old.
“Port will be another tough challenge for us; Thai teams generally have great technical ability and love to keep possession. But given our recent performances and results, we’re confident in ourselves, and hopefully, we can spring a surprise on Thursday night.”
As a key member of the Sailors squad competing in an AFC club competition for a third consecutive season, Hami firmly believes that the team is ready to take the next step in their progress.
Indeed, the 25-year-old is determined to help the Sailors make history by qualifying for the last 16 of the ACL Two — a feat that requires them to finish in the top two of their group.
“Quite a few of us have played in the ACL already over the past two years, where we took on and even beat some of the best teams in Asia. It’s a privilege for us to be competing on this prestigious stage, and as a team, we have the belief that we can get out of this group,” said Hami, who has started 17 of the Sailors’ 20 games in all competitions this season.
“All we have to do is follow our coach’s tactics, be more compact as a team, and compete for every point with everything that we have. We want to show everyone that we’re serious about this competition.”
Having started all three of the Sailors’ continental matches so far this season – with two appearances in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup, and one in the ACL Two – Hami is looking forward to continuing playing an integral role in the heart of his team’s midfield.
The 74 minutes Hami completed in the victory against Zhejiang also meant that he has already surpassed the total playing time he accumulated across the 2022 and 2023 ACL campaigns combined, where he logged just 58 minutes.
And Hami is determined to seize this opportunity on the continental stage to learn as much as possible.
“To play at the highest level possible is what every footballer aspires to,” Hami, who has 23 caps for the Singapore national team, elaborated.
“Obviously, I was disappointed not to contribute more to the Sailors’ past ACL campaigns. So, I’m grateful for the chance to play more this season, and I’m not taking it for granted. I’m relishing every moment on the pitch, as it helps me become a more accomplished player.
“For example, the Zhejiang game was an eye-opener in terms of seeing first-hand how they were able to play out from the back with a much higher intensity. Playing against the best teams in this region also means that not much time is given to you as a midfielder. You always have to think two or three steps ahead and play with a quicker tempo.
“Also, in terms of physique, I’m quite a small player, so I have to be smart in knowing how to get away from the challenges, while continuing to play my game to help the team.”
An unused substitute in the Sailors’ 2-2 draw against BG Tampines Rovers in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) this past weekend, a well-rested Hami is eager to help the team secure a positive result against Port, allowing them to head into the October international break on a high.
“It was good to get a breather, especially with so many games in a short period recently,” Hami said. “But as Head Coach Ranko (Aleksandar Ranković) mentioned, he needs everyone in the squad, and we’re all ready to give our best when called upon.”
A brace from Shawal Anuar and a penalty save by Izwan Mahbud helped the Lion City Sailors secure a point against BG Tampines Rovers in a 2-2 draw in the Singapore Premier League (SPL)’s top-of-the-table fixture at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday (September 29) evening.
The Sailors forward both opened and finished the scoring on the night, with his stunning long-range strike in the 8th minute being a strong contender for goal of the season.
The draw maintains the Sailors’ three-point lead at the summit, and Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković, who made eight changes to his starting lineup, was proud of the players who made their opportunity count.
“It was a tough match against a good opponent,” said Ranko. “Of course, when you look at the starting lineup, there were many changes, including some positional adjustments.
“For example, (Haiqal) Pashia played as a right full-back, a position which he had never played before. I told my players I was proud of them — the way they performed and fought until the end. I believe it’s a well-deserved point.”
The Sailors came into this match with less than 72 hours of preparation time following their 5-0 away defeat to Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup on Thursday (26 September) night.
Izwan, Bailey Wright, and Toni Datković were the only players to retain their spots in the starting lineup from the defeat in Hanoi, while Bart Ramselaar and Lennart Thy were left out of the matchday squad for this crucial fixture.
In contrast, BG Tampines – winless in their previous five matches in all competitions – named what was arguably their strongest starting XI for the match.
But it was the Sailors who drew first blood in the 8th minute, and in some style.
Shah Shahiran’s effort was charged down by Shawal, who accelerated past the Stags midfielder to reach the rebound, before striking the bouncing ball with his weaker foot from just beyond the centre circle, sending it flying over Syazwan Buhari in the BG Tampines goal.
The goal – Shawal’s 10th in the SPL this season – got the Sailors fans off their seats, but the forward insisted after the game that he is more focused on the team’s overall performance, rather than his individual achievements.
“I always strive to contribute in any way I can on the pitch. I’m happy for my teammates. To be honest, I don’t keep track of my goals; once the final whistle blows, I tend to forget about them,” remarked Shawal, who was named Man of the Match.
BG Tampines came close to finding the equaliser in the 32nd minute, but Seia Kunori’s effort was cleared off the line by Bailey.
Eight minutes later, Gavin Lee’s men had another golden opportunity to level the score when they were awarded a penalty following a foul on Kyoga Nakamura by Bill Mamadou.
Up stepped BG Tampines’ top-scorer Boris Kopitović to take the penalty, but the Montenegrin’s spot-kick was well-saved by Izwan.
As such, the Sailors went into the dressing room with a slender 1-0 lead after an intriguing opening 45 minutes.
However, just four minutes after the restart, BG Tampines found themselves level – Glenn Kweh drove forward from the left before slipping a through pass for Faris Ramli, who slotted home from close range.
Just six minutes later, BG Tampines took the lead when Kunori’s shot deflected off Kopitović’s shoulder to wrong-foot a helpless Izwan in the Sailors goal.
Ranko’s immediate response to going behind was to bring on Maxime Lestienne, who nearly made an impact right away with two attempts that went over the bar, much to the frustration of the Sailors’ faithful.
At the other end of the pitch, Izwan was called into action once more, getting down smartly to tip away Kunori’s low attempt in the 84th minute to keep the Sailors in the game.
It was a stop that ultimately proved crucial for the Sailors, and Ranko was quick to praise the Singapore international for stepping up whenever he was called upon.
Ranko reflected, “I think the match could have gone either way today. But credit to our goalkeeper for stepping up to save a crucial penalty and making a few other good saves.
“When you consider the chances from both sides, particularly Maxime’s opportunities in the second half, those moments could have made a significant difference.”
Just three minutes later, the Sailors secured the crucial equaliser when Shawal leapt highest to head the ball just over the goal-line, despite Syazwan’s best efforts to stop it and the goal was eventually given after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check.
With 11 goals and 10 assists to his name, Shawal is the best-performing domestic player in the league this season and has already achieved career-best figures.
“Definitely, I will strive to assist or score even more goals to help my team make better decisions,” said the 33-year-old.
Given their recent fixture congestion and the tough run of games they have endured, claiming a draw against their closest title rivals was an acceptable result for the Sailors, according to Ranko.
“This draw was very important. We led 1-0, but they came back with two goals. We also saved a penalty in the first half. So, getting a draw keeps the points difference at three. That was our goal — not to lose this game,” he explained.
The Sailors will play their sixth match in 20 days when they travel to Thailand to face Port FC in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two on Thursday (3 October).
