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.”