Category: News
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.”
When Bailey Wright joined the Lion City Sailors over two years ago, he did so with one clear aim in mind: to win silverware with the club.
It took just five months for the Australian centre-back to achieve that goal. Playing the full 90 minutes in the 2023 Singapore Cup final, Bailey delivered a composed performance at the heart of defence as the Sailors defeated Hougang United 3-1 to lift their first domestic cup trophy since the club’s inception in 2020.
To this day, the 33-year-old still looks back on that milestone with pride.
“Any trophy you lift is memorable,” Bailey reflected. “You remember the game and the people you did it with, and you want to relive that feeling of pride and achievement again.”
Bailey and the Sailors will have the opportunity to do just that when they take on BG Tampines Rovers in this year’s Singapore Cup final at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday (10 January).
The Sailors will be chasing a third consecutive triumph in the competition, having edged the Stags 1-0 in last season’s Final at the same venue. To date, only Albirex Niigata (S) have achieved that feat, having won the competition four times in a row between 2015 and 2018.
Standing in their way once again, however, is a BG Tampines side which won the first encounter of the season against the Sailors in last August’s Community Shield.
Since then, the Sailors have responded emphatically, winning all five of their domestic matches.
“We have a lot of respect for all of the opposition we play, and revenge for the Community Shield is certainly something we’re looking for too,” said Bailey. “Things are a little different with this being a mid-season final, but at the end of the day, it’s about winning the game, and we’re ready to embrace it.”
Seeded directly into the semi-finals based on their finish in last season’s Singapore Premier League (SPL), the Sailors cruised past Balestier Khalsa 5-1 on aggregate to book their place in the final. BG Tampines, meanwhile, overcame Albirex Niigata (S) 5-3 in the other semi-final tie.
Encounters between the two sides are typically tightly contested, with each team claiming two wins from their last six meetings. Bailey, however, believes the rivalry only adds extra edge to the occasion.
“There’s healthy respect between the clubs, but we’re rivals for a reason and we want to beat them every time we get the chance,” he said.
“We won this trophy last year and we want to lift it again. This final is very important for all of us, and it’s our responsibility to deliver that sense of pride to the club.”
Since their last meeting, both sides have strengthened their squads. Noh Rahman’s charges have bolstered their ranks with former Japan international Yuki Kobayashi, alongside the youthful trio of Ong Yu En, Rae Peh and defender Raoul Suhaimi.
The Sailors, meanwhile, have secured the services of Serbian winger Luka Adžić, who brings top-flight experience from the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as Singapore international Kyoga Nakamura.
And while the reigning champions are determined to defend their crown, their focus remains firmly on preparation and performance.
“There is always a bit of added belief and expectation going into a Final, but that doesn’t change how we prepare,” Bailey explained. “Everybody in the team is fit, focused and recharged.”
With the clash set to be the first Cup final staged at the newly re-turfed Jalan Besar Stadium, Bailey also called on the Sailors faithful to once again turn out in force.
“Football is nothing without the fans and the energy they bring. That’s what makes a final feel like a big game,” he said.
“Jalan Besar is a great stadium, and it’s going to be a great occasion that no one will want to miss. We’re really looking forward to the support from our fans.”
The Lion City Sailors are delighted to announce the signing of Japan-born Singapore international Kyoga Nakamura on a two-and-a-half-year contract, which runs until the end of the 2027/28 season.
The 29-year-old midfielder joins the Sailors after terminating his contract with Thai giants Bangkok United, and arrives with a reputation as one of the region’s most cultured and intelligent midfield operators.
Kyoga’s move marks a return to Singapore football, where he established himself after beginning his professional career in Japan’s J3 League. He spent six seasons in the Singapore Premier League (SPL), making his debut in 2019 with Albirex Niigata (S), before clocking up the majority of his 141 domestic league appearances with BG Tampines Rovers over the next five years. He left for Bangkok United in June 2025, where he made 17 appearances in all competitions.
Over the years, Kyoga has endeared himself to the local football fraternity with his relentless work rate, warm personality and deep affinity with Singapore, which is underlined by his desire to represent the national team. The Chiba native – who played for Japan at the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup – was granted Singapore citizenship in October 2024, and has since earned 17 caps for the Lions, playing an influential role in the nation’s historic qualification for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup on merit.
Named in the SPL Team of the Year in 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023, the left-footed midfielder is set to add creativity, vision and composure to the heart of the Sailors’ midfield as the club gears up for a crucial second half of the season, with three competitions still to fight for.
The Sailors are bidding to retain both the SPL and Singapore Cup trophies which they won last season, while also aiming to reach the semi-finals of the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup for the first time.
“Kyoga is a player we have admired for some time. He brings calmness and a strong positional sense in midfield, understands how to control the tempo of a game, and is one of the top players in Singapore football. That level of quality is exactly what we want in our squad. His experience and hunger to succeed are qualities that will boost us as we push on in the coming months,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković.
Sailors Sporting Director Luka Lalić added, “The opportunity to sign someone of Kyoga’s calibre was something we couldn’t pass up. His arrival reflects our intent to build for the long term while continuing to compete at the highest level.
“He is already proven in Singapore football, and his work ethic, leadership and professionalism will raise standards within the team. We’re excited to see the impact he can make in the months ahead.”
Kyoga’s first appearance in Sailors colours could come in a fittingly symbolic encounter — the Singapore Cup final on 10 January against his former club BG Tampines — as he embarks on the next chapter of his storied career.
“I’m very happy to be part of the Sailors. This is a club with big ambitions, high standards and a clear vision,” said the midfield maestro. “Singapore is my home, and I’m delighted to be back here and to represent the Sailors for the next few years.
“I’m going to give my all for this club and help us fight for every trophy. We have a great mix of local and foreign players here, and I’m confident we can finish this season strongly together.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the signing of Serbian winger Luka Adžić, who joins the club on a deal until the end of the season following the mutual termination of his contract with Thai League 1 side Bangkok United.
The 27-year-old wide attacker adds quality and depth to the Sailors’ attacking options, bringing with him flair, creativity, and a consistent threat from set pieces. Comfortable operating on either flank, Luka is known for his direct dribbling, clinical finishing in tight spaces, and a sharp eye for creating chances for others.
Luka comes with a strong European footballing foundation, having come through the famed Red Star Belgrade Academy before making his first team debut for the club in 2016. He subsequently featured in the top-flight leagues of Belgium, the Netherlands and Turkey, turning out for clubs such as Anderlecht, Ankaragücü, FC Emmen and PEC Zwolle, before returning home for a fruitful spell with Čukarički between 2022 to 2024 – one that included scoring directly from corners twice in the same Serbian SuperLiga match in March 2024.
His impressive performances with Čukarički earned him a move to Southeast Asia in July 2024, when he joined Bangkok United. His one-and-a-half-year spell with the Thai side included several continental appearances, notably a goalscoring cameo against the Sailors in a 2-1 victory at Bishan Stadium in the AFC Champions League Two last November.
Luka’s arrival provides a timely boost for the Sailors as they prepare for the Singapore Cup Final against BG Tampines Rovers on 10 January, while also aiming to defend their Singapore Premier League title and reach the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup semi-finals for the first time.
“Luka is a player who gives us something different in wide areas – very strong in one-on-one situations, sharp in tight spaces, and capable of both scoring and creating goals. His playing style fits our philosophy perfectly, and I’m confident he will excel here,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković.
Sailors Sporting Director Luka Lalić added, “This signing reflects our intent to remain competitive on all fronts. Luka’s quality and experience add another dimension to our attack, and we believe he will integrate well into the team both on and off the pitch. We’re delighted to welcome him onboard as we head into a crucial phase of the season.”
Having already played – and scored – against the Sailors, the 1.84m Luka is now eager to help the club achieve its ambitions.
“I’m really happy to be here and grateful to the club for believing in me,” said the former Serbian U21 international, who will wear the No. 28 jersey. “I’ve followed the club’s journey and this is a project that truly excites me. I can’t wait to show my abilities, and I promise to give everything for the badge during my time here.”
It was a night heavy with emotion at Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday (20 December), as the Lion City Sailors sealed their place in a third straight Singapore Cup final, but the result was arguably secondary to the farewell of one of the greatest players ever to wear the badge: Maxime Lestienne.
Taking to the pitch for the final time in Sailors colours, Maxime walked out alongside his wife Kiara and his three children – Gabriel, Rafael and Alizee – before being presented with a specially designed #17 memento by Club Chairman Forrest Li.
The Belgian was also handed the captain’s armband for only the second time in his four-year long Sailors spell, and from the first whistle, every touch of his wand-like left foot drew an extra roar from the stands.
Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković admitted the night carried a unique emotional weight.
“Let’s be honest, this game was played in a different vibe,” he reflected. “I can imagine sometimes it’s tough for the players to focus because we wanted to play for Maxime. Still, reaching the final three times in a row is a great achievement for the club.”
Amid the emotion, however, the Sailors still delivered. A 1-0 victory on the night to complete a 5-1 aggregate win over Balestier Khalsa ensured a repeat of last season’s final against BG Tampines Rovers, who defeated Albirex Niigata (S) 5-3 over two legs.
As the teams marched out from the tunnel, Sailors fans unveiled a giant tifo in the home stands in tribute to Max, setting the tone for an emotional night.
That famous wand-like left foot was on display for one last time when Maxime picked out Shawal Anuar with a teasing cross in the seventh minute, only for Mario Mustapić to punch it clear.
Just two minutes later, Balestier handed the Sailors the breakthrough after a defensive lapse, when Lazar Vujanić’s short pass to Mustapić was intercepted by Shawal, who finished at the second attempt.
Tsiy Ndenge then tried his luck twice from distance, but both efforts drifted off target as the Sailors carried their 1–0 advantage into the interval.
After a slow start to the second half, Maxime sparked the game into life in the 67th minute, taking a deft touch before trying to curl one into the far corner, only for Mustapić to tip his effort away.
Then, the moment Maxime and the home fans had been waiting for arrived six minutes later, when the Sailors were awarded a penalty after a handball by Balestier defender Mario Šubarić.
Up stepped the Belgian, and with his trademark blend of confidence and flair, he attempted a cheeky Panenka. Unfortunately, Mustapić guessed correctly and denied Maxime a final Sailors goal.
“I have scored many penalties in my career but never a Panenka, so I said for the last game if I get a penalty, I wanted to try a Panenka. It didn’t pay off in the end, but honestly we were already in a very strong position to reach the final, so I knew that whether I scored or not, it would not affect the outcome,” explained Maxime.
At the other end of the pitch, Izwan Mahbud dealt calmly with a Vujanić free-kick, before Maxime delivered an exquisite floated cross that Toni Datković headed just over the bar.
Then came the moment that gave Sailors fans the chance to say their goodbyes.
In the closing stages, the fourth official’s board lit up with No. 17 as both teams formed a guard of honour for Maxime, who made his final walk off a Singapore pitch to the applause of supporters who had sung for him all evening before being substituted by fellow Sailors centurion Hafiz Nor.
The outpouring of love for Maxime continued long after the final whistle, as he was tossed into the air by his Sailors teammates before walking out once more with his family for a final lap of honour at Jalan Besar.
A tribute video then played on the stadium’s big screen before Max took to the microphone to deliver his parting message to the fans, with the Belgian visibly emotional and in tears as he spoke.
Many fans also stayed behind long after the post-match proceedings had ended, as they waited patiently outside the stadium to get their final photos and autographs taken with the Sailors icon.
“I’m a bit tired and a bit sad, but I also feel very proud,” said Maxime after the game in an interview with SailorFanTalk. “Even on the pitch, it was difficult for me to focus. I’m very proud of these four years during which I gave my best for the club.”
Meanwhile, Ranko paid tribute to a player he regards as one of the best, if not the best, to have played club football in Singapore.
“He’s unbelievable. And it’s not only Maxime’s legacy at this club, but also his impact on football in Singapore. I don’t think a player of his calibre has played here before, so we are going to miss that kind of quality and personality.”
Maxime leaves the Sailors with an incredible return of 70 goals and 97 assists in 131 matches, a body of work that firmly cements him as one of the club’s most influential players.
As he reflected on his time in Singapore, he recalled several standout moments: his long-awaited first goal against Tanjong Pagar United, two stunning free-kicks against Geylang, an unforgettable hat-trick against BG Tampines, and the rare celebration that followed his goal in the 2025 AFC Champions League (ACL) Two Final.
“That goal in the final… normally, I never celebrate, but I did,” he smiled wistfully. “We all know the story, what happened after. Maybe that’s my only regret. But I won everything collectively and individually. I’m proud of what I achieved with the club, and what we all achieved together.”
The 33-year-old, who has played in the UEFA Champions League with PSV Eindhoven and enjoyed spells in Serie A and La Liga, now heads back to Europe to decide his next step.
“I will talk to my family and make my decision after New Year’s Day. I don’t know yet if I’ll stop or continue somewhere else. It’s difficult to stop playing, but even if this is the end, I’ll be very happy.”
The Sailors will now turn their attention to their showdown with BG Tampines Rovers on Saturday, 10 January, after a short break. Victory would make them only the second side after Albirex Niigata (S) to lift the Singapore Cup three years in a row.
For Maxime, a lifelong Sailor at heart, a new journey now awaits. As for the team he leaves behind, the quest for silverware continues, carried forward by a legacy that will endure long after No. 17 has left the pitch.
He left with one final message for the Sailors: “This club deserves everything. I hope they win the cup final and the league. I wish them all the best and I will try to follow every match now.”
Maxime Lestienne’s glittering spell with the Lion City Sailors will draw to a close on Saturday (20 December) night, as the reigning Singapore Cup holders take on Balestier Khalsa in the second leg of the competition’s semi-finals at Jalan Besar Stadium.
After 10,298 minutes and 130 appearances in Sailors colours, Max will pull on the white and blue for the final time in what is set to be an emotional occasion for the Belgian, who will take to the pitch with his wife and three children before receiving a special memento from Club Chairman Forrest Li.
Speaking ahead of the match, Max was full of emotion and gratitude as he reflected on a four-year journey that brought both team silverware and personal accolades.
“I’m extremely thankful for everything the Club has done for me from day one, and I can see they’re still doing everything for me even as I prepare to leave. From the coaches, backroom staff and players to the media team, everyone is making sure this chapter ends beautifully,” he shared.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing all our fans for the last time and saying a proper goodbye. They’ve played a big part in where the club is today, and I hope they continue their strong support for many years to come.”
Max’s numbers at the club have been nothing short of remarkable, with 70 goals and 97 assists in 130 appearances to date. And he hopes to reach one more milestone on Saturday.
“I’ve got one last chance to hit 100 assists. It’s difficult, but I’ll try,” he said. “The club gave me everything, so it was only right that I gave my best and showed my qualities in every match.
“It’s been an amazing four years. There have been ups and downs, but I hope people recognise that I’ve always given 100 per cent on the pitch. I’m going to do the same in this last game for the Sailors.”
While much of the attention will naturally centre on Max’s farewell, the 33-year-old is keen to emphasise that the team’s objectives come first.
Fresh off an important midweek win over Shan United in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup, the Sailors now return to Singapore Cup action holding a 4-1 advantage over Balestier after a commanding first-leg display. They are well placed to reach a third straight final, though the Tigers will be buoyed by the return of electric winger Jakov Katuša and eager to spoil the party.
“First and foremost, the focus is on the team. I’ve always said that goals and assists mean nothing if the team doesn’t succeed. We know how important the Singapore Cup is, and we want to make sure we reach another final,” he said.
“Hopefully we get the job done. And one thing is for sure – I’ll be watching the final back home in Belgium on 10 January as the club’s biggest supporter.”
The Lion City Sailors kept themselves in the hunt for a place in the knockout stages of the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup with a 3-2 win over Myanmar’s Shan United at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday (17 December).
Lennart Thy struck twice, while Maxime Lestienne chipped in with a goal and an assist as the Sailors steered their Shopee Cup campaign back on course.
The match also marked the Sailors’ return to the newly re-turfed natural grass pitch at the Jalan Besar Stadium in their first home outing of this season’s competition.
“It was not the most beautiful game. If I think back on the last two and a half years, in terms of quality, this was maybe the least nice game to watch. And that’s not only on the two teams; it was also due to a lot of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) moments. All the ingredients were there for a very ugly match, but I’m just happy that we won,” said Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković at the post-match press conference.
Truth be told, despite the five goals on the night, the match was punctuated by missed chances, injuries and repeated VAR stoppages that disrupted the rhythm throughout.
The visitors had the first sight of goal in the sixth minute with Ye Yint Aung firing over, before Lennart headed wide from a Diogo Costa cross moments later.
The Sailors then came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute when Lennart’s cross from the right picked out Maxime, whose sweetly-struck volley crashed off the base of the crossbar.
But the home team did not have to wait long to make the breakthrough. Two minutes later, Maxime drifted into space and clipped a delicate pass into Lennart’s path, and the German showed superb control to bring it down before rifling his shot in off the underside of the bar to give the Sailors a deserved lead.
However, that advantage lasted only four minutes, as a handball call against Toni Datković handed Shan United a penalty, which Matheus Souza duly tucked it away to level the score.
Lennart and Shawal Anuar both had good chances to restore the lead as the Sailors pushed forward, and their persistence finally paid off in first-half stoppage time.
Lennart sparked the move by releasing Diogo down the right, and the full-back’s low cross into the box was cleverly dummied by Shawal, which allowed the ball to roll through for Maxime to sweep home for 2-1.
The goal was the departing Belgian’s 70th for the club, and added to his remarkable haul of 97 assists in 130 appearances since joining from Standard Liège in January 2022.
Despite going into the break with a lead, Ranko acknowledged that the Sailors should have put the game to bed long ago.
“My players should demand a little bit more from themselves. We should have finished this game a long time ago and at least scored one or two more goals,” said Ranko.
Maxime looked to add to his tally after the restart, but his effort flew over in the 64th minute. Anderson Lopes and Lennart then both forced saves from Kyaw Zin Phyo as the Sailors pressed hard for a third goal.
Yet, against the run of play, Shan United hauled themselves level once more in the 66th minute through Ryuji Hirota, who picked up a loose ball at the edge of the area and unleashed a thunderous drive which went in off the post to make it 2-2.
But the Sailors responded almost immediately, as two minutes later, Anderson slipped a clever pass into the box for Lennart, who produced a sublime backheel finish for his 12th goal of the season to restore the lead, drawing a roar from the 1,543 fans in attendance.
“There needs to be more adjustment, but of course I’m a different player on the wings than somebody else. That’s how I like to interpret myself. I think in this match I showed that I can play in a different position,” said Man of the Match Lennart, who impressed in a slightly altered role on the wings and underlined his attacking versatility.
The tempo eventually dipped in the final quarter of the match, but the Sailors managed the game well and closed out the contest without further incident.
By the end of the game, Ranko’s charges had recorded 23 shots to Shan United’s four – a clear reflection of the Sailors’ dominance in what had been billed as a must-win fixture. The result also marked the club’s second Shopee Cup victory, adding to last season’s triumph over Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur City (KL City) FC.
More importantly, the much-needed win keeps the Sailors firmly in the chase for qualification to the next round. They now sit three points behind Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in second place in Group B, with two matches still to play.
“We’re still in the hunt with two matches to go, one away and one at home. It’s not going to be easy, but we’re going to do everything we can to go through,” said Ranko, as his side prepares to face Group B leaders Nam Định on 29 January.
For now, though, the Sailors will turn their attention back to domestic duties, as they look to close out the year on a positive note. Their final match of 2025 comes on Saturday (20 December) at Jalan Besar, where they host Balestier Khalsa in the second leg of the Singapore Cup semi-final, carrying a healthy 4-1 advantage from the first leg.
“It has been a long year, but in terms of matches we haven’t played that many games compared to last season,” said Ranko. “We’re happy to finally be back at this venue, and I would be very pleased if we can finish the year with strong support from our fans in our next match.”
Fresh off their Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two exit, the Lion City Sailors are determined to put things right on the continental stage as they shift their focus to the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup. Their bid to rebound begins with a Group B Matchday Three clash against Myanmar outfit Shan United on Wednesday (17 December).
Back on familiar turf
The Sailors return to the newly returfed Jalan Besar Stadium – now fitted with a natural playing surface – for their first home tie of the competition. The venue holds special significance for the club, having hosted their continental assignments over the past two seasons, including the historic run to the 2024/25 ACL Two Final.
With just one point from their opening two Shopee Cup matches, the Sailors will be looking to tap into those memories and deliver a decisive response on Wednesday in what is shaping to be a must-win encounter.
But the Sailors’ opponents are no pushovers. Shan United are Myanmar’s joint-most decorated club, having won six of the last seven Myanmar National League (MNL) titles since 2017. They have also gone three seasons without a league defeat, with their 83-game unbeaten run standing as the longest in MNL history.
It has been a different story for Shan United on the continental front, however, with back-to-back 3-0 defeats in the Shopee Cup against Preah Khan Reach (PKR) Svay Rieng and Nam Định leaving them bottom of Group B.
Shan United manager Han Win Aung, himself a two-time MNL champion, acknowledged that his side have struggled with the step up in quality at regional level.
“There is a difference in level between our domestic and regional competitions, as there are a lot more foreigners here, so the quality is higher,” he said.
“It will be difficult for us, as most of the teams are champions of their respective leagues, but the team is prepared to give their best tomorrow.”
Interestingly, this is not the first time Shan United have played in Singapore. They came up against Home United – the Sailors’ previous iteration – twice in the group stage of the 2018 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup before the competition was revamped as ACL Two, including a 3-2 defeat at Jalan Besar in April 2018.
Jalan Besar is also familiar territory for six of Shan United’s Myanmar internationals, all of whom featured in a 3-2 loss to Singapore there in December 2022.
Among them is full-back Hein Phyo Win and current captain Nanda Kyaw (pictured below), who was sent off in that encounter against the Lions.
Headlining Shan United’s foreign contingent is forward Jordan Hamilton, a former Canadian international who previously played in Major League Soccer (MLS) for Columbus Crew SC and Toronto FC, and has won two MLS Cups and three Canadian Championships.
He is joined by Japanese full-back Yuki Aizu – who took part in last season’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup with New Zealand’s Auckland City FC – along with compatriot winger Ryuji Hirota.
Completing the cast are the Brazilian trio of winger Matheus Souza, centre-back Maurício and forward Efrain Rintaro. Ghanaian attacking midfielder Mark Sekyi is ruled out due to suspension.
Gunning for the three points
Like Shan United, the Sailors have endured a less-than-ideal start to their Shopee Cup campaign. They fell 3-1 to Johor Darul Ta’zim before holding Bangkok United to a 2-2 draw – both on away soil.
Now sitting fourth in the group, Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković knows his side have little margin for error as they chase one of the two semi-final qualification spots.
“Just like in the ACL Two, we’re in a very tough group with high-quality opposition. These are the kinds of matches we want to be involved in every year to help us improve,” said Ranko.
“We’ve prepared seriously for this game and analysed them thoroughly. The group is still open, so we will do our best to take three points and put ourselves in a strong position to qualify for the semi-finals.”
Back-to-back continental victories against Persib Bandung and Selangor FC in the ACL Two, along with a dominant win over Balestier Khalsa in the first leg of the Singapore Cup semi-finals, have given the Sailors strong momentum heading into the match.
And flying full-back Diogo Costa, who has featured in all but one of the Sailors’ games this season, believes the team are well placed to carry that form into the Shopee Cup.
“We know how difficult the Shopee Cup can be, but we’re used to such challenges and all of us are confident in our qualities. All of us know we are capable of competing and getting the win, so that will be our objective,” said Diogo.
Returning to Jalan Besar will provide a boost for the Sailors, where their form is traditionally strong at. They were also unbeaten in both Shopee Cup matches played there last season, as they beat Kuala Lumpur (KL) City 2-0 and drew 0-0 with Buriram United.
The team will especially relish the stadium’s intimate setting, which brings them closer to their home fans as they look to close out the year on a high.
“We’re very excited to be back at Jalan Besar, as it holds many great memories for us. Playing there gives us an extra boost as its compact nature allows us to be close to the fans,” said Ranko.
“We hope the supporters can come out in big numbers and back us as they always do. The team is ready to give everything on the pitch.”
The Lion City Sailors took a huge step towards the Singapore Cup final with a resounding 4-1 first-leg win over Balestier Khalsa at the Bishan Stadium on Sunday (14 December) night.
Goals from Bailey Wright, Lennart Thy and Shawal Anuar – all created by the irrepressible Maxime Lestienne – along with a close-range finish from Anderson Lopes helped the Sailors overturn an early setback and placed them on the verge of a third consecutive Cup final appearance.
Speaking after the game, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković hailed his side’s character, especially after a demanding midweek trip to Selangor.
“We didn’t start the way we wanted, and perhaps that goal from Balestier served as a wake-up call for us,” said Ranko.
“But the whole team stepped up a gear in the second half, and it was only a matter of time before the goals came. We know the job is only half done, and we’ll approach the second leg with the same mindset.”
The match was played in sombre circumstances following the recent passing of Sailors superfan Tan Shi Cong Jasper. A minute of silence was observed before kick-off, and the team held up a jersey bearing his name in tribute.
In the 17th minute, The Crew led a minute of applause – a gesture tied to Jasper’s favourite number – in a moment that clearly resonated with the players.
“This game carried added importance with the sad news of Jasper’s passing,” said captain Bailey Wright. “We wanted to get the win for him, knowing how much he meant not only to the club and the fans, but to the wider football community.”
Despite the Sailors dominating the early exchanges, it was the Tigers who drew first blood in the 12th minute, when Tin Matić picked out Bogdan Mandic, who guided the ball past Izwan Mahbud to give the hosts the lead.
Shawal nearly provided an immediate response four minutes later, as he rose highest to meet a Toni Datković cross, but Mario Mustapić reacted sharply to push his header aside.
But the Sailors finally equalised in the 29th minute through Bailey, who powered home a header from Maxime’s inswinging corner for his third goal of the season.
Maxime’s influence grew as the half progressed, and eight minutes later, he pounced on a loose ball after Anderson’s initial effort was saved and squared it to Lennart, who produced a trademark swivel before rifling the Sailors into the lead.
While it began to rain after the break, the slippery pitch did little to dampen the Sailors’ momentum and they duly scored a third in the 48th minute.
A stunning team move saw Anderson producing a clever no-look pass into space for Maxime, who raced through before unselfishly teeing up Shawal to tap home for a goal on his 100th appearance for the Sailors.
Meanwhile, by laying on the first three goals of the night for the Sailors, Maxime has now reached 96 assists in just 129 appearances for the club. The Belgian has another two matches to possibly add to that tally before he departs the club later this month.
The reigning Cup champions then extended their lead in the 57th minute through Anderson, who met a Christopher van Huizen cross in the box and steered the ball home from close range.
The Sailors were firmly in the ascendancy and almost added a fifth, but Lennart’s curled effort into the bottom corner was ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
Undeterred, they continued to press for another goal, with Shawal going close in the 71st minute before Anderson forced another sharp save from Mustapić, as Ranko’s charges saw out the match in complete control.
“We now have a good lead going into the second leg, but it could have been better as we were a little slow in the first half,” said Lennart, who was named man-of-the-match. “In the second half, we improved significantly, didn’t give away any chances, and could even have scored more.”
A pivotal week now awaits the Sailors, who have just a couple of days to prepare for their 2025/26 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup clash against Shan United on Wednesday (17 December), before returning to Singapore Cup action in Saturday’s second leg against Balestier.
The winners of the tie will advance to the Cup final on 10 January, where either BG Tampines Rovers or Albirex Niigata (S) await, with the former currently holding a 4-0 lead in the other semi-final.
With a demanding stretch of fixtures ahead, Lennart urged his teammates to stay calm and take things game by game.
“We have a few important games coming up, but we’re taking things one step at a time. Our full focus is now on the Shopee Cup this Wednesday, and then we’ll turn our attention back to Balestier.”
