Group F of the 2024/25 Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two is set for an exciting finale, as second-placed Lion City Sailors host already-qualified Port FC in a crucial clash at Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday night (5 December).
An interesting Head Coach U-turn at Port
Much has happened at Port since their last meeting with the Sailors in Pathum Thani, Thailand, where the Sailors earned a commendable 3-1 victory on 30 October.
One major change was the departure of Willem Mota, the 2023/24 Thai League 1’s second-highest scorer, who parted ways with the club last week.
The biggest development, however, was when Head Coach Rangsan Viwachatchok abruptly resigned following a 2-0 defeat to Bangkok United on 2 November. Remarkably, just 10 days later, Rangsan reversed his decision and returned to take the helm at the club.
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Since Rangsan’s return, results have been mixed. They suffered a 2-1 loss to BG Pathum United in the Thai FA Cup Round of 64, recorded league and ACL Two draws against Uthai Thani (1-1) and Persib Bandung (2-2), and finally returned to winning ways on 1 December with a 2-1 victory over Nongbua Pitchaya, thanks to Teerasak Poeiphimai’s 89th-minute goal.
The draw against Persib, however, secured Port’s spot in the ACL Two last 16, and they now need just a draw to finish as Group F winners.
However, Rangsan insists that his side will aim for all three points when they face the Sailors.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the 45-year-old said: “We want to win this game because we lost to the Sailors at our home in the last match, so this is our chance to make amends and get the three points to finish top of the group.
“The Sailors have many good players, both locals and foreigners, so it won’t be easy if we try to play for a draw. We’ve analysed the video of the game we lost to the Sailors to study their shape, and I don’t think we need to change much. We just need to prepare ourselves, and I want to see my players perform well tomorrow.”
Return of key personnel for the visitors
Port will be without first-choice goalkeeper Worawut Srisupha, who is sidelined with a torn Achilles. However, they will be able to call on the services of three key players who missed the previous encounter with the Sailors.
Southeast Asian stars Irfan Fandi and Asnawi Mangkualam look set to feature, having started together in defence in Port’s last two matches across all competitions.
Rangsan believes that Singapore international Irfan, in particular, will be eager to impress as he returns to the Lion City.
“Over the last few months, he (Irfan) was injured and not fit to play,” he said. “But now, he’s returning to full fitness, and you can see that in every game — he’s back in the first team and performing very well. I’m confident he’ll be at his best tomorrow and will play well.”
Meanwhile, club captain Bordin Phala has returned to action, starting the last three games after missing eight matches due to a torn muscle fibre.
The Sailors will also need to keep a close eye on in-form striker Lonsana Doumbouya. The former Shanghai Shenhua forward has scored eight goals this season, six of which have come in his last five outings — including both goals in the 2-2 draw against Persib.
With their strengthened squad and firepower up front, Port are determined to avenge the defeat inflicted by the Sailors in their last meeting.
Playing on the unfamiliar artificial pitch at Jalan Besar Stadium could pose a challenge to the Thai team’s quest for three points, but Port midfielder Worachit Kanitsribumphen remains confident in his side’s ability to adapt.
“We need to adjust to the artificial pitch because in Thailand, we don’t train on such surfaces. But if we are able to adapt to the conditions tomorrow, we shouldn’t have any problems at all,” said the 27-year-old, who has earned 21 caps for the Thai national team.
Sailors remain in control of destiny
Meanwhile, the Sailors still have their fate in their own hands despite back-to-back defeats to Persib and Zhejiang Professional in November — both of which came after holding two-goal leads.
Strong performances in the first three matches have ensured that the Singaporean side remains in second place with seven points, one ahead of third-placed Zhejiang, and two clear of Persib.
Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković hailed the mental strength and resilience of his players and believes they can deliver on Thursday night.
“The past two games were definitely disappointing, but if someone told me at the start of this campaign that we’d be fighting for the knockout stages — and even the top spot in the group — in the final game, I would have been very happy,” Ranko said.
“As much as those games were disappointing, they also gave us confidence that we can compete against these teams. That’s something I’m very proud of, and I’m proud of my players for bringing that fighting spirit into every game against tough opponents.
“The mentality of the team is great. We’re motivated, we’re ready and we’re ready to put on a good show.”
While the Sailors’ preparations for the game have been hampered by heavy rainfall in Singapore, Ranko has backed his team to deliver in this ‘must-win’ match.
“It’s the first time we’ve experienced so much rain since I’ve been here, but as frustrating as it’s been, it’s no excuse,” declared the Serb.
“This is a must-win game, so we have to improvise. When it rains here, it pours, and the pitch wasn’t ready for training.
“We’ll adapt and do alternative things, but what gives me confidence is that my team is both tactically and physically prepared. Missing one or two training sessions won’t make much of a difference.”
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to Group F, with the Sailors among three teams vying for progression to the next round.
While certain permutations could allow the Sailors to qualify with a draw or even a loss, they are not entertaining such scenarios. Their focus is clear: defeat Port FC and claim the top spot in Group F.
As this marks their final game of 2024, Hami Syahin is hopeful of a strong home crowd to spur them on and help create history.
“We need every supporter for our game tomorrow. It’s a big game for us, and we need their support to push us toward securing all three points,” said Hami, who has started in all seven of the Sailors’ regional matches across the ACL Two and ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup this season.
“As a team, we’re looking forward to this game. We want to create history — for ourselves, for the club, and for Singapore football. The mindset is clear — we’ll go out there and give everything to get the three points.”
