After a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Indonesia’s Persib Bandung at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium last Thursday (24 October), the Lion City Sailors are back on the road again – this time, to face 2023 Thai League 1 second runners-up Port FC in a rescheduled AFC Champions League (ACL) Two match on Wednesday (30 October) night.
Battle of the top two teams
The encounter at BG Stadium promises to be a fascinating showdown between the two unbeaten teams in Group F. Port FC currently lead the group with six points, two ahead of the Sailors in second place, while China’s Zhejiang Professional trail in third with three points.
Originally scheduled for 3 October, the match was postponed due to adverse weather and safety concerns, causing some frustration among Port fans who had travelled 42km from Khlong Toei to Pathum Thani that evening.
In the pre-match press conference, Port FC coach Rangsan Viwatchaichok emphasised the crucial role of fan support, with many expected to make the long journey once again.
“Even though we’re not playing at our home stadium, we need all our supporters to show up,” said the 45-year-old, whose team currently sits just two points off the top of Thai League 1 after 11 games.
“Of course, the atmosphere won’t be quite the same… They have to travel from Khlong Toei to get here, and while we may not have as many fans as usual, those who come will make a difference. We need them.”
A shift in dynamics
A lot has changed since three weeks ago when the teams were initially set to clash with Port’s two biggest Southeast Asian imports set to miss this encounter; Indonesian right-back Asnawi Mangkualam sustained a Grade 1 hamstring tear during their 3-2 victory over Nakhon Ratchasima on 21 October, while Singaporean centre-back Irfan Fandi is also a significant doubt due to injury.
However, Viwatchaichok remains confident in his team’s depth and resilience.
“We’ve had a busy schedule,” he said. “Some players are at risk of injury, but we’ve checked them, and they’re ready for tomorrow’s game.
“We know that a win here would boost our chances of qualifying for the next round, so we’re fully committed. Preparation has been strong, and we’ll be fielding our best starting XI for tomorrow.”
One key player Port will be relying on is Brazilian attacker Felipe Amorim.
Prior to 3 October, Amorim hadn’t found the net this season and was named among the substitutes on that rainy night. However, the former Fluminense player has since emerged as a crucial asset for Port, scoring in each of the last four matches across all competitions, including the decisive goal in last Thursday’s 1-0 win over Zhejiang.
But Port’s main threat remains Kevin Deeromram. The Swedish-born Thai full-back has amassed nine assists in 13 matches across all competitions, including a league-high seven.
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The connection between Deeromram and Amorim has been superb in recent games, with Deeromram providing identical assists across the six-yard box for Amorim to score against Zhejiang, and again in the 1-1 domestic league draw against Muangthong United three days later (27 October).
The ACL Two tie against the Sailors falls in the middle of a gruelling 15-day stretch, during which Port will play five matches. They will face title rivals Bangkok United just three days later on 2 November, before travelling to China to take on Zhejiang five days after that.
Despite their challenges, Deeromram is confident his side can get a positive result against the Sailors.
“Our target is to win the group and advance to the next stage. Everyone is looking forward to the game against the Sailors; the whole team is ready, and we’re determined to take all three points,” said Deeromram, a former Swedish Under-19 international.
Sailors charting the right course
Port will face a Sailors side who are determined to maintain their positive momentum in ACL Two after a solid start, having earned four points from two matches.
However, the Sailors’ recent away game against Persib left them with mixed emotions; while they showed resilience by coming back from a goal down at half-time to equalise, there was also a lingering sense of what might have been, especially after they played the majority of the second half with a numerical advantage.
The Sailors will need to adjust their lineup for this match, with Dutch midfielder Bart Ramselaar suspended after his dismissal against Persib. Despite the setback, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković remains confident in the squad’s depth to take on one of Thailand’s top teams.
“Port have a lot of quality — not only their foreign players but their local players as well,” Ranko remarked. “They’re leading the group for good reason, and have shown strong performances both in the ACL Two and in their domestic league.”
He added, “We’re excited to play against such quality opposition and prove ourselves on this stage. The team is well-prepared. With some minor issues from injuries and suspensions, other players will have to step up, and I’m confident they will.”
A win would propel the Sailors to the top of Group F at the halfway point of the Group Stage — an enticing incentive that will drive them to push their limits in pursuit of a historic first-ever qualification for the tournament’s last 16.
And Sailors defender Lionel Tan claims the team are fully focused on that objective.
“At this stage, every point is crucial,” said Lionel, who has played the full 90 minutes in each of the Sailors’ two ACL Two Group F fixtures till date.
“Port are a strong side, but each game is different, and we’re committed to preparing in our own way and focusing on what we can control. We play with confidence and stay aligned with the coach’s instructions. Taking it one game at a time is key for us.”
The Sailors will also have the backing of a dedicated group of travelling fans on Wednesday, and Lionel expressed his gratitude for their unwavering support.
“For every away game so far, we’ve always heard our fans cheering us on,” Lionel said. “We’re truly grateful to them for making the effort to be there for us, even though they have to travel for the game.
“We’ll going to do our best to repay their love for us tomorrow night.”
