As the ball looped over Port FC goalkeeper Worawut Srisupha, making it 3-1 to the Lion City Sailors, Song Uiyoung could not contain his joy.
Wheeling away in celebration, he instinctively slid on his knees and let out a passionate scream on the pristine grass at BG Stadium – raw emotions that have rarely been seen since his return to the Sailors in March.
This marked Song’s fifth goal since rejoining the Sailors, and it was undoubtedly his most memorable yet, as it helped his side secure a historic Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two win over one of the top teams in Thai League 1.
Recalling that moment, Song said, “We were under pressure at 2-1, and Port kept attacking. I was thinking, we need one more goal to close out the game. That’s why I was so motivated to score.
“When Shawal (Anuar) gave me the ball, I knew it was the chance… I had to wait a few seconds to see if the ball went in, and that goal was such a release of all the tension on the field. That’s why I celebrated the way I did, and it was important because the game changed entirely after that.”
The outpouring of emotion made for some brilliant visuals, with Song admitting he’s replayed the moment more than a few times.
“I saw the videos and photos… they really captured the emotions perfectly, and I’m very grateful to the photographers who took such great shots. It’s a special memory,” said Song, who was one of the Sailors’ standout players in their maiden ACL journey back in 2022.
Song’s tally of three goals then helped the Sailors achieve a record-breaking seven points — the highest-ever tally for a Singaporean club in the ACL group stage.
This time, the Sailors’ determination and unwavering commitment to showcase the best of Singapore football have taken them to the top of Group F — above teams from Thailand, China, and Indonesia — at the halfway point, with seven points from three matches.
“I don’t know what others feel, but within the team, we have a very strong mindset,” Song remarked. “We know we can challenge the best and compete at this level, even against some very strong teams.
“The ACL Two is a bigger stage with higher pressure, but it also brings greater motivation, and we’re embracing the opportunity to compete. We love the tempo and quality of these matches — it brings out the best in everyone on the team.”
While the Sailors are often feted for their roster of established European players, Song noted that it is important to recognise the equally vital contributions of the team’s local core, which includes the likes of Shawal (pictured above), Christopher van Huizen, and Hami Syahin.
“It’s a team effort, and I know the local players here are all of high quality. I’m happy to see them performing and proving they are big players who belong on this stage,” said Song, who has earned 25 caps for Singapore.
The Sailors will next host Indonesia Liga 1 side Persib Bandung on Matchday Four at Jalan Besar Stadium this Thursday (7 November), where a win would put them one step closer to securing a spot in the ACL Two Round of 16.
The visitors have only one point from three matches, gained from the 1-1 draw when the two sides last met at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium a fortnight ago.
While the Sailors stand on the brink of making history, Song has urged his teammates to stay grounded and avoid getting ahead of themselves.
“Yes, we’ve achieved good results so far, but that shouldn’t change our mindset. We need to keep focusing on every training session and match, rather than looking too far ahead,” said Song, who will celebrate his 31st birthday after the game (8 November).
“Creating history for the club would be incredibly meaningful, but it’s essential to recognise the importance of continuing to work together and putting in the effort that has brought us this far. If we stay focused, the results will follow.
“Persib are a very strong team; they’re performing well in the Indonesian league and play with a clear identity, so it’s going to be an intense match — and we need to be ready for the fight.”
