Month: March 2025
A reshuffled Lion City Sailors side showed grit and composure to clinch top spot in Group B of the 2024/25 Singapore Cup, following a 1-1 draw with Thailand’s BG Pathum United at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday (30 March) night.
Despite being reduced to 10 men as early as the fifth minute – with Song Uiyoung handed a contentious red card – the reigning cup champions put in a disciplined and mature display.
Abdul Rasaq Akeem opened the scoring with a sensational first-half strike – a goal that looked set to hand the Sailors all three points. But BG Pathum salvaged a share of the spoils deep into stoppage time, as Thanet Suknate’s last-gasp header levelled the match.
Nonetheless, the result was enough for the Sailors to top Group B with three wins and a draw, as they finished two points clear of BG Pathum in second.
The Sailors will next face Group A runners-up Brunei DPMM in a two-legged semi-final.
This draw also extended the Sailors’ unbeaten record against Thai opposition this season to six matches in all competitions, with four wins and two draws.
“Although it’s never easy to play almost an entire match a man down, the boys gave everything and showed tremendous character,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković. “We’ve faced a number of setbacks this season – it hasn’t been easy – but this performance shows how mentally strong we are as a group. I’m proud of my boys.”
With this being the Sailors’ second Singapore Cup assignment in just 72 hours, Ranko opted to ring the changes and named a significantly rotated side, with several key players given a well-earned rest.
Even so, the early numerical disadvantage did little to blunt the Sailors’ momentum, as they carved out the first opportunity of the game in the 8th minute. A delightful ball from Rui Pires picked out Hafiz Nor’s run into the box, but BG Pathum goalkeeper Jung Hyeon-ho was equal to the effort, smothering the shot from a tight angle.
At the other end, Sailors custodian Zharfan Rohaizad was called into action in the 19th minute, reacting sharply to parry away a fierce drive from Seydine N’Diaye inside the area.
Making his first start for the club since a 2-2 league draw against BG Tampines last September, winger Obren Kljajić was then presented with a golden chance after a slick through ball from Sergio Carmona Pérez landed at his feet, but his low effort was gathered comfortably by Hyeon-ho.
With BG Pathum offering little attacking threat, the Sailors continued to push forward and eventually broke the deadlock in the 34th minute courtesy of a moment of individual brilliance from Rasaq.
Refusing to give up on a loose ball, the 23-year-old showed sharp instincts to dispossess the imposing N’Diaye, before unleashing an unstoppable long-range effort that sailed past the despairing dive of Hyeon-ho to hand the Sailors a deserved lead.
The away side saw much more of the ball after the break, but the Sailors remained composed and largely untroubled by their opponents’ increased possession. In fact, they came close to doubling their advantage in the 71st minute, when Toni Datković rose highest to meet Hafiz’s whipped corner – only to see his thumping header crash off the crossbar.
While he had little to do for much of the second half, Zharfan remained alert and reacted smartly in the 73rd minute to claw away a goal-bound cross from substitute Thanakon Papaphe.
However, there was little he could do deep into stoppage time, when Suknate flicked home a header from Kanokpon Puspakom’s corner to snatch what had looked an unlikely point for the visitors.
Reflecting on the match, Sailors skipper Hariss Harun – who was named Man of the Match – said, “It’s great to finish top of the group, and I’m very proud of the team and the effort everyone has put in.
“But now, our focus shifts to recovery, especially with the games coming thick and fast in the second half of the season. We need to stay united, keep doing what we’ve been doing, and continue striving to improve as a group.”
The Sailors return to Singapore Premier League (SPL) action on 6 April, when they face the Young Lions at the same venue. They will then turn their attention to a mammoth Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two semi-final first leg showdown against Sydney FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium three days later.
As Nathan Mao bore down on the Geylang International goal in the 58th minute, it seemed almost certain the 17-year-old would open his senior account for the Lion City Sailors — and become the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer.
But it was not to be, as his shot drifted agonisingly wide of Rudy Khairullah’s post. Frustratingly, it marked the second cup game in a row where he came close to scoring, having previously seen a close-range effort against Balestier Khalsa denied by a heroic goal-line clearance.
Still, the miss did little to deter the hungry young forward, who immediately sprang back into action — pressing and harrying Geylang’s defenders just seconds later.
“I knew the miss was pretty bad — but I couldn’t stop playing and was determined to keep on working,” said Nathan, who also turns out for the Sailors’ Under-21 side. “I had two big chances in the past two games and should have created more opportunities for my teammates, but I’m staying positive. I know I’ll get more chances — and hopefully, I’ll score the next one.”
That game marked Nathan’s 10th appearance for the senior side since joining the club’s academy in June 2020, underscoring his meteoric rise through the Sailors’ ranks. He made history in March 2023 when he was introduced as a substitute against BG Tampines Rovers, becoming the Singapore Premier League (SPL)’s youngest-ever debutant at just 15 years and 5 days old.
“It definitely feels great to be back on the pitch with the senior team after such a long time,” said Nathan, who featured in all three of the Sailors’ Singapore Cup games this season. “I joined our Academy (in 2018 when it was still known as LFA Protectors) when I was ten, and since then I’ve just been giving my best every day in training.”
“My focus for now is to stay hopeful and keep working hard until the chance comes — and when it does, I need to be ready to take it,” he added.
Nathan has also played a key role in the Sailors’ SPL Under-21 league campaign, leading the line in a strikeforce that has racked up an impressive 78 goals in just 21 games — putting his side on the cusp of becoming champions.
The senior league, however, has presented a significant step up for the 17-year-old, who now faces off against far more experienced opposition. But Nathan is embracing the challenge with a level of maturity well beyond his years.
“I think the main difference between the youth and senior leagues is the intensity of the game — and of course, the quality and maturity are significantly higher in the senior set-up,” he explained.
“I don’t think too much about the quality of the players I’m up against. At the end of the day, we’re all just footballers on the same pitch. What matters most to me is my performance and how I can help my team win.”
Constant exposure to different professional environments has played a pivotal role in Nathan’s development, giving him a first-hand taste of what it’s like to live and train in top-tier setups. In October 2022, he embarked on a 16-day training stint at Feyenoord Rotterdam’s Academy, and more recently spent a week in England training with EFL Championship side Burnley.
“These experiences have helped me grow a lot — not just as a player, but also as a person,” Nathan shared. “On the pitch, I’ve become more accustomed to the physicality and intensity of the game. Off it, I’m now mentally stronger and better able to adapt to the lifestyle of a senior footballer.”
Closer to home, training week in and week out with established European stars like Maxime Lestienne and Bart Ramselaar has also provided invaluable lessons for the young forward.
“Being around them and observing how they go about their daily routines has taught me a lot about professionalism,” Nathan explained. “On the pitch, there are so many qualities I can learn from them too — the way they move, how sharp they are — and those are things I really want to add to my game.”
A 3-1 win over Geylang International on Thursday (27 March) meant the Sailors have already sealed progression into the Singapore Cup semi-finals, but Nathan has insisted that there will be no letting up as they wrap up the group stages with a clash against Thai League 1 side BG Pathum United tomorrow (30 March) night.
The Sailors need to avoid defeat to secure top spot in Group B.
“The Singapore Cup is an important objective for the club. Who we face on the pitch does not matter as we approach every game seriously. We’ve got good momentum right now and we want to carry that into the semi-finals,” declared Nathan, who has faced the Rabbits at Under-15 level in the 2023 Lion City Cup.
Unfortunately, this will be Nathan’s final game in Sailors colours for now, as he is set to enlist for his mandatory National Service on 3 April.
“I’ll definitely miss the club a lot — especially the intensity of training and just being around the team every day,” Nathan said wistfully. “I hope the club can go all the way in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two and continue winning trophies.
“As for me, I’m looking forward to returning to play for the Sailors — and hopefully, one day, in Europe.”
The Lion City Sailors are through to the semi-finals of the 2024/25 Singapore Cup after a Lennart Thy hat-trick inspired them to a 3-1 win over Geylang International at Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday (27 March) night.
This marked Lennart’s third hat-trick of the season, having previously achieved the feat in Singapore Premier League (SPL) matches against Tanjong Pagar United and Balestier Khalsa in February.
Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković rang the changes for the match against Geylang – their first since the recent international break – as he rested all six Singapore internationals who had started in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw against Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.
That reshuffle saw the Sailors experiment with a back three, which included Rui Pires being deployed in an unfamiliar centre-back role for the first time.
Meanwhile, Nathan Mao was handed his first start since the 2023 Singapore Cup final – just a day after celebrating his 17th birthday.
Despite the raft of changes, it was the Sailors who came flying out of the blocks, and they duly took the lead in the fourth minute.
Toni Datković notched his fifth assist of the season with a pinpoint long ball over the top of the Geylang defence, which Lennart brought down superbly before rifling a finish into the top corner for his first goal in the competition.
While the remainder of the first half offered little in terms of goalmouth action, Geylang did have a golden opportunity to equalise, but Rio Sakuma failed to hit the target from close range when it looked easier to score.
“In the first half, we were really struggling on the ball,” admitted Ranko. “When you’ve had so many matches and then suddenly don’t play for a while, it’s hard to find your rhythm again.
“But in the second half, we moved the ball quicker, the players put in a bit more running — and of course, that’s when the goals came.”
However, the second half told a different story altogether. Just four minutes after the restart, Nathan had a golden opportunity to net his first senior goal, but fired wide after being played clean through by Bart Ramselaar.
Geylang then had a chance of their own, but Vincent Bezecourt’s effort lacked the conviction to trouble Zharfan Rohaizad in the Sailors’ goal.
But the game’s complexion shifted in the 52nd minute, when Christopher van Huizen conceded a penalty after being adjudged to have brought down Shakir Hamzah in the box.
Geylang’s top scorer Tomoyuki Doi stepped up and rifled home a powerful spot-kick to level the scores at 1-1 and breathe new life into the contest.
“Geylang are a good team and they gave us a lot of trouble,” said Ranko. “They’re sharp on the ball and good at finding players between the lines. Luckily, they didn’t create too many chances — so credit to the team, we did that job really well.”
Song Uiyoung had a good chance to restore the Sailors’ lead soon after, but his effort rattled the crossbar — much to the frustration of the Sailors’ camp.
It did not take long, though, for Ranko to make a shrewd tactical switch, as he brought on Abdul Rasaq Akeem in the 63rd minute — a substitution that changed the flow of the game.
Just minutes after coming on, Rasaq clipped a delightful ball across goal for Lennart to head home from close range, restoring the Sailors’ lead in the 67th minute.
The lively forward continued to trouble the Geylang defence, as he forced a save from Rudy Khairullah before seeing another effort cleared off the line by Keito Hariya.
Ranko was full of praise for the Singapore international after the game, as he said, “Rasaq was excellent tonight, and I told him that after the game. He made crucial contributions to our win. He came on with energy and passion, won his duels — that’s exactly what he needed to do.”
Lennart then completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute, as he brought down a loose ball in the box with his chest, before volleying it into the bottom corner to make it 3-1 and put some daylight between the two sides.
Chris and Takahiro Tezuka had efforts at either end in the closing stages, but the Sailors remained largely untroubled as they comfortably saw out the match to keep their 100 percent record in the competition intact.
The result marked a third straight defeat for Geylang, while the Sailors extended their superb run of form — they have now lost just once in their last 17 matches across all competitions.
“We knew the importance of this match, and that it’s always tough for us against Geylang,” said Man of the Match, Lennart. “But we wanted to secure qualification as early as possible — and with this win, we’ve achieved our target of reaching the semi-finals.”
Next up for Ranko’s side is a clash with Thailand’s BG Pathum United in just three days’ time (30 March) — a showdown that will determine who tops Group B in the Singapore Cup.
The Sailors are relishing the chance to face yet another Thai League 1 outfit, with this remarkably set to be their sixth meeting with Thai opposition this season.
They will, however, take confidence from their strong record against Thai sides, having beaten Port FC and Muangthong United twice in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two, while also holding reigning champions Buriram United to a goalless draw in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
“We love playing against Thai teams — we’ve shown that this season, so it’s another great test for us,” reflected Ranko on the upcoming clash.
“First and foremost, we need to recover over the next two days, then I’ll assess and decide who’s ready to play.”
The final weeks of the 2024/25 season could prove historic and defining for the Lion City Sailors, as they remain in contention on three fronts – the Singapore Premier League (SPL), the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two, and the Singapore Cup.
After all, the Sailors are in the semi-finals of the ACL Two, hold a seven-point lead with a game in hand in the SPL, and are just a point away from booking their spot in the Singapore Cup semi-finals.
Next up for the Sailors is a rescheduled Singapore Cup Group B clash against Geylang International on Thursday, 27 March, following the conclusion of the final FIFA international window of the season.
One player who has been ever-present throughout this campaign is Croatian centre-back Toni Datković. The 30-year-old has already racked up an impressive 38 appearances across all competitions – with only Bailey Wright and Christopher van Huizen featuring more times than him.
“I’m feeling good and excited – my batteries are recharged for the business end of the season,” said Toni. “It’s not easy playing week in, week out for a team that’s expected to win every match, so the break was much-needed ahead of what’s going to be the most crucial part of the season.”
Toni – who spent the recent international break on holiday with his family on the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc – made his Singapore Cup bow in the 4-1 win over Balestier Khalsa on 16 March.
While the Sailors will be gunning for more of the same against Geylang International this Thursday, things will be slightly different this time – with as many as eight Sailors only returning to training a day before the match following their international duties.
Six of those started for Singapore in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Group C opener against Hong Kong on Tuesday night, with captain Hariss Harun, Lionel Tan and custodian Izwan Mahbud playing the full 90 minutes in a match that ended in a goalless draw.
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“I know it was a very important match for the Singapore national team. Many of our players were away on international duty, but it shouldn’t matter too much – we’ve dealt with situations like this before,” said Toni, who featured for the Croatia senior national team in a 2017 match against China PR.
“The boys might be a bit tired, but we’ll see how it goes. That said, we’ve got other players in the squad who can step up and make an impact, so it shouldn’t be a problem against Geylang.”
The Sailors are currently on a six-match unbeaten streak against Geylang – a streak that includes a come-from-behind 2-1 victory in the SPL back in January. On that day, it was Toni who sparked the turnaround, as he headed home a Maxime Lestienne corner to galvanise the Sailors.
“I’ve heard that we only need a point to go through, but of course we’ll be going for the win,” said a determined Toni, who once faced the likes of Villarreal in the prestigious Copa del Rey.
“We always step onto the pitch with victory in mind, and this game will be no exception.”
Of the Sailors’ eight goals in the Singapore Cup so far, five have come from Bart Ramselaar – including a hat-trick in the recent win over the Tigers.
Meanwhile, in the Eagles’ camp, Tomoyuki Doi has been in sensational form this season. The Japanese forward, who is joint-top scorer in the competition with five goals, has amassed a staggering 44 goals and nine assists across all competitions.
Earlier this month, the 27-year-old broke the record for the most SPL goals in a single season – a tally that includes a brace against the Sailors back in August, in one of the rare games Toni did not feature in.
However, Toni remains unfazed by the threat of Doi.
“Personally, I tend not to worry or focus too much about other teams’ forwards,” he said. “Those numbers are great for him (Doi), but I just focus on what I have to do in every match and stick to my usual game.”
Toni has been one of the standout performers for the Sailors, especially during a gruelling run of fixtures. The 31-year-old has not only fulfilled his defensive duties with consistency, but has also made key contributions at the other end of the pitch.
With four goals and four assists in all competitions, he ranks among the top five Sailors players for assists this season – an impressive feat for a centre-back.
“All our players have stepped up to the challenge this season across the various domestic competitions,” said the Pag Island native. “We’ve shown that we can handle pressure in the ACL Two, and we’ve done extremely well in both the SPL and ACL campaigns so far.”
El Sicario knows that knocking out Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the ACL Two was the stuff of dreams – and now, he believes the sky is truly the limit for the club.
The Sailors are the first-ever Singaporean side to reach the semi-finals of a continental competition since 2004, and can now look forward to more exciting challenges on the horizon – including a two-legged tie against Sydney FC, who boast former Bayern Munich and Juventus star Douglas Costa in their ranks.
“This is a very exciting period for the club. These are the times you live for as a player,” said Toni. “We’ll continue to fight and do our part to write a special chapter in Lion City Sailors’ history.”
In connection with the visit of Singapore Prime Minister Mr Lawrence Wong to Hanoi (25-26 March 2025), Lion City Sailors (LCS) Football Club and Công An Hà Nội Football Club (CAHN FC) are pleased to announce a landmark collaboration to commemorate significant milestones in both Vietnam and Singapore, and in the bilateral relationship between both countries and its people.
The highlight of this partnership will be an international friendly match in 2025, bringing together two of the region’s top clubs in a celebration of sport and friendship, further underscoring the deep and expanding ties between Singapore and Vietnam at all levels.
Timed to honour Singapore’s 60th year of independence and Vietnam’s 80th year of independence, this exhibition match also signifies the deepening ties between the two nations, following the recent upgrade of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership this month.
This collaboration reflects the shared aspirations of LCS and CAHN FC to foster greater regional engagement in football and to use the sport as a bridge to strengthen people-to-people ties.
Mr. Forrest Li, Chairman of Lion City Sailors FC, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “Football has the power to unite people across borders, and we are thrilled to work with Công An Hà Nội FC to mark these historic national milestones. This match will not only showcase top-tier footballing talent but also celebrate the enduring ties between Singapore and Vietnam.”
Major general Dương Đức Hải, Chairman of Công An Hà Nội FC, echoed this sentiment: “Sport has always played a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations, and this friendly match is a fitting tribute to the strong and growing friendship between our two countries. We look forward to what promises to be an exciting and meaningful event for our fans.”
Further details regarding the match, including the venue and date, will be announced at a later stage.
The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team made it two wins out of two in the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL), as they secured a convincing 9-0 win over Balestier Khalsa on Sunday (16 March) night at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
Their dominant display was even more impressive given that many of their 11 goals this season have been scored by young talents emerging from the Sailors Girls Academy and Mattar Sailors.
After struggling to find their rhythm early against Albirex Niigata (S) last weekend, the Sailors came out flying against Balestier, and broke the deadlock after just three minutes when Putri Alyiah Seow tapped home from Sarah Zu’risqha’s cross.
“Sarah’s cross was pinpoint. She put it on a plate for me, and I just had to tap it in — so full credit to her. I’m so happy to have scored on my debut,” said the delighted 21-year-old, who previously played for Mattar Sailors in the Women’s National League (WNL) in 2024.
More importantly, the goal gave Alyiah a huge confidence boost and helped settle her nerves, as it proved to her that she belonged at the WPL level.
“I wasn’t expecting to start, so when Coach Daniel (Ong) told me I was in the lineup, I was ecstatic. I was definitely nervous, but I had been looking forward to this for weeks — especially after spending the last few weeks out injured,” said Alyiah.
“One of the biggest adjustments for me in moving from the WNL to the WPL has been working on my confidence. The standard in this team is really high, so confidence is key. Earning my first start and scoring my first goal has really boosted mine, and hopefully, it will only grow from here.”
The Sailors effectively held Balestier at bay, with the Tigresses failing to register a single shot on goal to test goalkeeper Izairida Shakira. At the other end, Balestier had former Mattar Sailors custodian Talia Sachet to thank, as she helped her side endure the Sailors’ relentless onslaught in the opening 20 minutes.
But Balestier’s resistance was finally broken in the 23rd minute when Raeka Ee surged into the box and drove the ball into the net for the Sailors’ second. Just nine minutes later, Liyana Rickit made it 3-0 with a clinical strike from distance.
The floodgates then opened in the second half, with three of the four halftime substitutes introduced by Coach Daniel getting on the scoresheet.
Yuvika Suresh won a penalty just three minutes after the restart after being clipped in the box, which fellow substitute Syazwani Ruzi proceeded to calmly convert.
Yuvika — who scored twice last season — then equalled her 2024 goal tally within just seven minutes. Assisted by pinpoint passes from Qarissa Putri and Syazwani respectively, the 16-year-old struck twice in the 51st and 58th minutes to make it 6-0.
“It felt surreal, as I didn’t score often last season. Scoring twice in a single match is huge for me, and I really didn’t expect it. I’m happy that I was able to find the spaces my teammates created for me and that I had the confidence to take those shots,” Yuvika said with a smile.
The Sailors added three more goals in the final 20 minutes, with Sarah, Nurhidayu Naszri — capping off her 21st birthday with a powerful header — and captain Umairah Hamdan all finding the back of the net to round off an emphatic win.
It was a stark contrast to last weekend, as the Sailors moved fluidly across the pitch, stringing quick passes around Balestier’s defence with ease.
Reflecting on their win against Balestier, Yuvika said, “Our passing was much sharper today than in the last game. We found space well and linked up effectively.”
With their March fixtures complete, the Sailors currently sit atop the WPL standings and will now turn their focus to their clash against Tanjong Pagar United on 9 April at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
The Lion City Sailors took a significant step towards qualifying for the semi-finals of the 2024/25 Singapore Cup on Sunday (16 March) night, as they notched a commanding 4-1 win against Balestier Khalsa at the Bishan Stadium to maintain their perfect record in the competition.
While both sides had their share of missed chances, a hat-trick from Bart Ramselaar and a goal from Song Uiyoung cemented the Sailors’ hold on second place in Group B – they are now just one point behind leaders BG Pathum United, who have played a game more.
Although Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković admitted post-match that the short turnaround between games may have taken a toll on his side, he still felt they should have wrapped up the win much earlier.
“It was a little difficult for us, as we had just played a huge game against Sanfrecce (Hiroshima) midweek, and at times, we squandered one or two chances too easily,” explained Ranko. “Our finishing in front of goal was frustrating — we should have scored six or seven. However, I’m glad that we fought until the end and collected three important points.”
Even without their injured talisman Maxime Lestienne, the Sailors showed no struggles going forward, as Song — who missed both legs of his side’s AFC Champions League (ACL) Two quarter-finals due to suspension — gave the home side the perfect start in the eighth minute.
Picking up the ball in midfield, the Incheon native spotted Shawal Anuar’s run and played him through. Shawal then returned the favour with a pinpoint pass, allowing Song to finish first-time into the net. That marked his 16th goal in 29 appearances against the Tigers — making Balestier the team he has scored against the most in his career.
Despite Balestier enjoying much possession early on, the Sailors absorbed the pressure well and looked to hit the Tigers on the counter. That strategy paid off handsomely, as the Sailors doubled their lead in the 25th minute when Bart drove infield before curling a precise shot into the far corner of the net, leaving Balestier custodian Hafiz Ahmad with no chance.
The Sailors nearly extended their advantage again in the 49th minute, but Hafiz produced a smart double-save — denying Bart before keeping out Lennart Thy’s follow-up.
Three minutes later, the Tigers struck back as Kodai Tanaka — who had been well-marshalled by the Sailors’ defence — sprang into action. Reacting quickest after Masahiro Sugita’s long-range effort cannoned off the crossbar, the ex-Sailor tapped into an empty net to hand the visitors a lifeline.
At the other end, the two Sailors goalscorers nearly combined for a third in the 65th minute when Bart slipped Song through on goal, but Hafiz was quick off his line to smother the shot.
Tanaka then had two gilt-edged chances to level the score late in the second half.
He was first denied by a crucial save from Zharfan Rohaizad in the 82nd minute after latching onto a long ball over the top from Darren Teh. The Japanese forward had another chance four minutes later, when he found space in the box for a clear header at goal, but his tame effort was easily collected by Zharfan.
Tanaka’s missed chances served as a reminder to the Sailors not to be complacent, with Bart emphasising the need to kill the game off when given the chance.
“We needed to finish the game earlier, as we had three or four big chances that we didn’t take. This cannot happen again, as opponents like Kodai are very dangerous in the box, so we were fortunate he didn’t capitalise on them,” he said.
Ultimately, though, those misses proved costly for Balestier, as a fired-up Bart — having been denied multiple times throughout the match — cut onto his right foot in the 87th minute and fired a shot past the despairing dive of Hafiz to put his side 3-1 up.
Young substitute Nathan Mao almost got in on the action, but his close-range effort was heroically cleared off the line by the recovering Abdil Qaiyyim in the final minute of regulation time.
However, Bart would not be denied his first hat-trick for the club, as he rifled a free-kick into the top corner in the second minute of injury time — his fifth goal in just two Singapore Cup matches.
“We’ve played a lot of games in a row, but this was an important win, taking us a big step closer to the semi-finals,” said Bart. “The final months of the season are always crucial, as that’s when trophies are won — and the cup is one of them. It means a lot to us.
“The schedule is going to get even busier, but we are professionals, and it’s always great to be playing football. Other than the national team players, the rest of us now have a few days off, so it’s time to recharge and go again in April.”
The Sailors will face Geylang International next in the Singapore Cup on Thursday (27 March), just after the March FIFA international window, before taking on Thai side BG Pathum in their final Group B clash three days later on Sunday (30 March).
They need just a point from their last two games to secure a second consecutive Singapore Cup semi-final berth, having won the trophy last season.
Since joining Lion City Sailors in June 2024, Nurhidayu Naszri has established herself as a vital presence in midfield for her team.
More commonly known as Ayu, she has impressed with a series of standout performances, which earned her a place in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) All-Stars squad set to face Brisbane Roar on 4 April.
For now, though, the 20-year-old will be focused on helping the Sailors Women’s Team build on their 2-1 win over Albirex Niigata (S) in their opening fixture of the 2025 WPL campaign last weekend, as they take on Balestier Khalsa this Sunday (16 March) at Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
But this weekend’s clash against Balestier will hold extra significance for Ayu.
“It will be the first time celebrating my birthday with the team, and I’m very excited. It means a lot to me, and I hope we will get a good result together on my birthday,” the soon-to-be 21-year-old said with a smile.
While enjoying a season of growth with the Sailors in 2024, Ayu acknowledged that she would not have been able to shine on the pitch without the support of her teammates.
“I wouldn’t call myself a key midfielder, because everyone in the team plays an important role,” Ayu explained. “Controlling the tempo of the game wouldn’t be possible without the support of my teammates. Through the bond we’ve built and the chemistry we’ve developed, we aim to work together to manage the flow of the game this weekend.”
Despite the Sailors’ crucial win over title rivals Albirex last weekend, the victory was far from straightforward, with the reigning WPL champions needing to come from a goal down to secure all three points.
That is why Ayu is adamant that she and the Sailors must step up their performances against Balestier, with a particular focus on teamwork and chemistry.
“Our strength is our ability to read each other. We know who to pass the ball to, but we need to improve our midfield play and make better decisions on when to distribute the ball,” explained Ayu.
“We need to be switched on from the start and learn from the mistakes we made against Albirex. Teamwork is crucial, so everyone must be on the same page for us to take control of the game early on.”
Balestier, however, will be no pushovers. With newly appointed Head Coach Farhan Farook at the helm, the Tigresses boast a youthful squad with an average age of 19.5 years — an asset they are sure to leverage as they look to rebuild from the ground up this season.
“I think one of Balestier’s key threats is their youthful squad. They have several Under-16 and Under-19 national players with valuable experience who could pose a danger to us,” shared Sarah Zu’risqha, who started alongside Ayu last Saturday.
“We focused on refining our execution and consistency this week. After a tough start, the emphasis was on minimising mistakes, improving communication, and sharpening fundamentals on both ends of the field. There was also a strong push to increase intensity in training, ensuring the team brings more energy and discipline into this weekend’s game.”
Both Ayu and Sarah also emphasised the importance of confidence and composure as they prepare to face a determined Balestier side this weekend. However, as with all challenges, the Sailors remain steadfast in taking it one step at a time.
“The key things we need to focus on in this weekend’s game are playing with more confidence, improving communication, and securing a strong goal difference,” shared Sarah.
Ayu highlighted the importance of striking the right balance between confidence and discipline, as she explained, “This year will be different, as everyone in the WPL has stepped up, and we can’t afford to be complacent.
“Balestier remains a strong team in their own way, so we must stay focused and motivated in every match, regardless of the opponent. We constantly remind each other to take it one game at a time and give 100% in every training session to maintain our sharpness and intensity.”
Against all odds and in a dramatic turn of events, the Lion City Sailors stunned the Asian footballing fraternity this past week by overcoming tournament favourites Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two quarter-finals to reach the semi-finals.
The Sailors had been awarded a 3-0 win in the first leg after the AFC ruled that Sanfrecce had fielded an ineligible player. They then secured their place in the last four with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the three-time J1 League champions on a historic Wednesday (12 March) night at Jalan Besar Stadium.
While much of the spotlight may be on Shawal Anuar’s acrobatic assist or Lennart Thy’s inch-perfect finish, credit must also go to the Sailors’ resolute backline for standing firm against Sanfrecce’s relentless attack.
Experienced heads like Toni Datković and Bailey Wright played a crucial role, but local stalwarts Lionel Tan and Christopher van Huizen also stepped up admirably, proving they belonged on this stage.
Lionel, in particular, was one of the standout performers of the night. The 27-year-old centre-back put his body on the line with countless blocks and tackles, delivering a warrior-like performance before making way for Ali Alrina in the 84th minute.
“It was a huge game, and we all knew what was at stake,” Lionel recounted. “To reach the semi-finals, we had to be at our absolute best — or even better. There were some scary moments, but we defended as a unit and ultimately got through together.”
Having witnessed Sanfrecce’s devastating attacking prowess from the bench before coming on for the final 7 minutes in the first leg, Lionel ensured he was both tactically and mentally prepared for the challenge in the second leg.
“Sanfrecce is an amazing team, and they were on a different level,” Lionel admitted. “Even with 10 men, their quality was still superb. However, we studied their strengths and knew they would look to exploit the flanks, so we were well prepared for that.”
Shifting his focus back to the domestic front as the Sailors return to Singapore Cup action against Balestier Khalsa on Sunday (16 March), Lionel is determined to uphold the high standards the team has set — whether against domestic or continental opposition.
The Sailors currently sit second in the five-team table, having kicked off their campaign with a 4-1 victory over Tanjong Pagar United back in February.
“As a team, we know we’re fighting on three fronts, and retaining the Singapore Cup is a key part of that,” he said. “That’s why we need to refocus and be ready for this next challenge. No matter the competition, we want to win every game — for the team and for the fans.
“Coach [Aleksandar Ranković] always reminds us that we need to be at our best to get results, and we cannot afford to drop that level. We’ve now raised the bar and set the standard for how we should be performing, so we must keep pushing each other in training.”
The Sailors will head into this clash brimming with confidence, having won their last seven encounters against Balestier in all competitions — a streak that dates back to October 2022.
However, Lionel remains wary of the threat posed by the Tigers, particularly in attack, where they can rely on the prolific Kodai Tanaka, who has racked up 23 goals and 13 assists across all competitions in 2024/25.
The former Sailor was on target when both sides met in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) three weeks ago (23 February), scoring the consolation in a 5-1 defeat for the Tigers.
“Balestier has developed a distinct style of play under Coach Peter de Roo,” Lionel explained. “We know how they look for penetrative passes through the middle and how they push forward, but our focus is on our own strengths — how we set up and how we execute. Ultimately, we’re going for the three points.”
This Singapore Cup clash marks Lionel’s eighth appearance for the Sailors since the start of February, capping off a demanding stretch of fixtures for both him and the team. With the centre-back also earning a call-up to the Singapore Men’s National Team for the upcoming March FIFA international window, he understands the importance of carefully managing his workload.
“With so many games coming up, recovery is crucial for me, especially since I’ve had some niggling injuries that kept me out — like the match against Hougang, which I missed due to a hamstring issue,” Lionel explained.
“Nevertheless, we want to head into this mini break on a high and carry this positive momentum into the rest of the season.”
Lion City Sailors full-back Akram Azman has been named in Tsutomu Ogura’s 22-strong Singapore National Team squad for the upcoming March international window, alongside seven of his Sailors teammates: Hariss Harun, Hami Syahin, Lionel Tan, Christopher van Huizen, Shawal Anuar, Abdul Rasaq Akeem, and Izwan Mahbud.
The septet was part of Singapore’s ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 squad, and Sailors captain Hariss Harun already boasts 138 caps to his name. Akram, however, is at the opposite end of the spectrum — this is his first senior call-up, having previously been capped at the Under-23 level.
The 24-year-old has been on a steady upward trajectory since joining the Sailors from Tanjong Pagar United in January, impressing with his tenacity and relentless engine as a right wing-back in his five appearances in white and blue so far.
He netted his maiden Sailors goal on his first start for the club in a 4-1 Singapore Cup victory over his former employers on 16 February. He then made his Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two debut, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 4-0 win over Muangthong United that sealed the Sailors’ passage into the quarter-finals.
Three of his five appearances came in the Singapore Premier League (SPL), where he memorably registered two assists in a 5-1 win over Balestier Khalsa on 23 March.
Elated with his breakthrough, Akram is raring to contribute to the Lions’ cause as Ogura’s men take on Nepal in an international friendly next Friday (21 March), before hosting Hong Kong in their opening Group C AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier four days later (25 March). Both matches will be played at the National Stadium.
“It’s a proud moment for me to receive a call-up to the senior Lions squad,” said Akram. “I have to credit my coaches and teammates for creating an environment that allows me to improve day by day. I’ll be working my hardest to showcase my abilities and represent the country with pride.”
