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When Lion City Sailors playmaker Bart Ramselaar’s stunning curling effort cannoned off the crossbar and into the back of the Sydney FC net, the Jalan Besar Stadium erupted, with the majority of the 4,213-strong crowd leaping to their feet in sheer jubilation.
The eruption spilled over to the home bench, where the Sailors substitutes burst forward to mob the Dutchman, who had sprinted over to celebrate with them. It was a powerful moment that encapsulated the unity and spirit fuelling the Sailors’ fairytale run in Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two – a campaign that has seen them defy the odds time and again.
Among those on the bench was midfielder Hami Syahin, who kicked every ball from the sidelines as he watched his teammates go toe-to-toe with one of the most decorated sides in Australian football.
“Watching from the side was certainly very nervy for me – we didn’t get much of the ball in the first six minutes,” Hami recalled. “But when Bart scored that screamer and ran toward us, the entire bench just exploded. We were all jumping and shouting – it was an indescribable feeling. The atmosphere was absolutely electric, and we were just so happy to see the team get that first goal.”
As Sydney ramped up the pressure in the second half, Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković turned to his bench, and called upon Hami to help protect the two-goal cushion.
The 26-year-old slotted seamlessly into midfield, bringing composure and control to a tense encounter. His ability to dictate the tempo proved crucial, helping the Sailors navigate the storm and secure yet another famous win on the continental stage.
“When Coach Ranko sent me on, I knew my job was to keep the midfield compact and make sure there were always bodies in there,” said Hami. “Even though I didn’t start the game, I was fully ready to give my best when called upon. We’ve got a packed schedule across all competitions, so every single player has to be prepared to step up.”
While it was two moments of brilliance – a Bart belter and a composed finish from Lennart Thy – that ultimately made the difference, Hami was quick to highlight the collective spirit that carried the Sailors through.
“We have plenty of quality individuals like Maxime (Lestienne) and Bart, but the real strength of this Sailors side lies in our unity,” he emphasised. “This is a squad that’s willing to run, cover, and fight for one another – and that was clear yesterday, from our goalkeeper all the way to our striker. Everyone dug deep to get the result we needed.”
That collective spirit is exactly what Hami and the Sailors will be counting on next Wednesday (16 April), when they head to Sydney for the decisive second leg – with a first-ever spot in the final of an Asian club competition hanging in the balance.
Having already battled through tough away fixtures in Japan, China, and Indonesia during this spectacular ACL Two campaign, Hami knows the job is far from done.
“Yes, this win is a huge boost – not just for the club, but for Singapore football,” said Hami. “But it’s only half-time in the tie. Playing away is never easy, but we’ve learned our lessons – especially from the tough away game against (Sanfrecce) Hiroshima.
“The bond within this squad can take us to another level. As long as we stay united and play as one, we believe we can get the result we need.”
Before that all-important clash in Sydney, though, the Sailors return to domestic action in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) this Saturday (12 April), as they host seventh-placed Brunei DPMM at the Bishan Stadium.
Despite a short turnaround of under 72 hours from their intense midweek victory, Hami insists there will be no let-up in focus as the Sailors look to strengthen their grip on the league title.
“DPMM will definitely make things tough for us – players like Farshad Noor and Dāvis Ikaunieks can hurt any team,” he acknowledged. “But the mentality we’ve built this season drives us to treat every game with the same hunger.
“Nothing will stop us from giving everything. We’re determined to take all three points and move one step closer to the title.”
Beyond the tight-knit bond shared among the players on the pitch, Hami believes it is the Sailors’ special connection with their loyal supporters in the stands that continues to drive the team forward.
“As a team, we couldn’t be more grateful for our 12th man,” he shared. “The atmosphere they create – especially in big games – gives us that extra push to keep going.
“The turnout against Sydney was incredible, and it’s not something we see often in Singapore football. We’re truly blessed to have such passionate and unwavering support from our fans.”
The Lion City Sailors have given themselves a strong chance of qualifying for the 2024/25 Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two final, following a stellar 2-0 victory over Australia’s Sydney FC in the first leg of the semi-final tie on Wednesday (9 April) at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Coming up against one of the A-League’s most decorated sides, the Sailors produced a performance that proved they belonged on this stage – with a touch of magic from Bart Ramselaar and a clinical finish by Lennart Thy giving them a crucial two-goal advantage ahead of the return leg in Sydney.
Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković hailed his side’s collective spirit in the post-match press conference, as he praised the unity and discipline on display from the first whistle to the last.
“Every game we’ve played this season has been a team effort,” said Ranko. “Tonight was an amazing performance – every player, whether starting or coming off the bench, understood the assignment and executed our plan perfectly. That makes my job much easier, and I couldn’t be prouder of the boys.”
Both teams started the match tentatively, but it was the Sailors who found the breakthrough in spectacular fashion in the 18th minute.
Receiving the ball on the edge of the box via a Diogo Costa pass, Bart needed no second invitations to unleash a stunning strike that crashed off the underside of the bar and into the net to send the 4,213-strong home crowd into raptures.
“It was an amazing goal – definitely one of the best I’ve seen this season,” said Ranko. “I’ve been encouraging Bart to take more shots like that…if you give him space, he can produce moments of real quality – and that was one of them.”
That wonder strike capped off a near-perfect first half for the Sailors, who not only limited a Sydney attack which featured the likes of Douglas Costa to barely a sniff at goal, but also looked dangerous every time they surged forward.
Buoyed by the momentum in the first 45 minutes, the Sailors picked up right where they left off after the break – and it took just eight minutes to double their lead.
A delightful ball over the top from Diogo was expertly brought down in the box by the in-form Lennart, who rifled an unstoppable effort into the roof of the net from a seemingly impossible angle for his 10th goal in his last six outings across all competitions.
The introduction of the returning Maxime Lestienne on 59 minutes gave the Sailors a further lift, but it was Sydney who nearly pulled one back seven minutes later, when the ball fell invitingly to substitute Adrian Segecic in the area – only for the forward’s effort to flash narrowly wide of Izwan Mahbud’s post.
Lennart then had the chance to kill the tie in the 80th minute when he burst clear on goal, but Sydney’s Harrison Devenish-Meares produced a last-ditch save to deny the German striker a brace.
Nonetheless, the Sailors’ resolute backline held firm to see out their third clean sheet of the ACL Two campaign, as the hosts recorded another memorable continental night at Jalan Besar.
With this latest result, the Sailors have now scored two goals or more in eight of their 11 ACL Two matches, taking their tournament tally to an impressive 25.
Nonetheless, while the Sailors hold a strong two-goal advantage heading into the second leg, man-of-the-match Lennart was quick to keep things in perspective.
“We can all be happy with the performance we put in today,” said Lennart. “We stayed compact and played to our strengths on the counter-attack, but there are still 90 minutes to go in Sydney. None of us are thinking about easing off – it’s important that we stick to our game plan like we did today and keep doing what’s been working for us.”
The Sailors will now shift their focus back to domestic duties, with a Singapore Premier League (SPL) clash against Brunei DPMM on Saturday (12 April), before making the 6,300km journey to Sydney for the decisive second leg next Wednesday (16 April), where a place in the final awaits.
The Lion City Sailors’ fairytale run in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two continues as they gear up to face Australian giants Sydney FC in the first leg of the semi-finals on Wednesday (9 April) at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
A historic meeting
This match marks a historic occasion – the first-ever competitive meeting between a Singaporean and Australian club side. And what a clash it promises to be.
Widely regarded as Australia’s most successful club, Sydney have racked up an impressive haul of silverware, including five A-League Men Championships, four A-League Men Premierships, and two Australian Cup titles.
While they may not have hit the same heights in recent years, the Sky Blues remain a formidable outfit. They finished fourth in the 2023/24 A-League season and reached the Championship semi-finals, eventually bowing out to champions Central Coast Mariners. They also lifted their second Australian Cup after a 3-1 victory over Brisbane Roar.
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Sydney have yet to find top gear in their domestic campaign, having registered just nine wins in 22 league games. However, their recent dramatic 3-2 win over Adelaide United has kept their finals hopes alive, and more importantly, provided them with a timely morale boost ahead of this trip to Singapore.
While Sydney have been inconsistent on the domestic front, they have looked imperious in the ACL Two — winning seven of their 10 matches en route to the semi-finals. Only Group E winners Sanfrecce Hiroshima have managed to get the better of them — and even then, only by narrow margins of 2-1 and 1-0.
Sydney also displayed their grit and spirit in the knockout rounds, as they overturned a 2-1 deficit to edge Thailand’s Bangkok United 5-4 on aggregate in the Round of 16, before staging another thrilling fightback against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the quarter-finals, which saw them recover from two goals down in the second leg to clinch the tie.
They are also the most prolific side in the competition so far, racking up 27 goals — underlining the attacking threat the Sailors must be wary of.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Sydney head coach Ufuk Talay lauded his side’s resilience on the continental stage, while also acknowledging the quality that the Sailors bring to the table.
“We’re super excited to be playing in the semi-final of an Asian competition. As Australians, we like to have a go, and we’ll definitely push to go all the way,” said the 49-year-old. “We’ve got the mentality and drive to succeed – and that’s rubbed off on our foreign players as well. The boys know how to dig deep and push right till the final whistle, and that’s helped us get results in many games.”
Talay also made it clear that his side are under no illusions about the challenge that awaits them at Jalan Besar.
“We’re very aware of how the Sailors play and the threats they pose. They’ve got some very talented foreign and local players,” he added. “But if we play the type of football we’re capable of, that’ll give us a good chance of coming away with a positive result tomorrow.”
No lack of pedigree and experience
Talay, a former Socceroos assistant coach, has a squad brimming with talent — and no shortage of attacking firepower.
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Sydney’s headline act is undoubtedly Brazilian star Douglas Costa, who was once dubbed by Pep Guardiola as “one of the best wingers in the world”. With his trademark flair and one-on-one wizardry, the 34-year-old – who brings a glittering CV that includes three Serie A titles with Juventus, three Bundesliga crowns with Bayern Munich, and a FIFA Club World Cup medal – very much remains a match-winner on his day.
But he is far from being Sydney’s lone threat.
English winger Joe Lolley has been one of the team’s standout performers this season, and has recorded nine goals and seven assists in 20 A-League appearances. A veteran of over 200 games across the English Premier League and English Championship, the 32-year-old was Nottingham Forest’s Player of the Season in 2018/19, and continues to be a key creative outlet down the flanks.
Leading the line for Talay’s charges is Polish striker Patryk Klimala, who has hit red-hot form in this competition. The former Celtic man has chalked up six goals and three assists in eight ACL Two outings, including a clinical three-goal haul across the two legs of the quarter-finals.
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Talay can also call on other foreign stars, including ex-Eredivisie playmaker Anas Ouahim and former Serie A midfielder Léo Sena, both of whom bring technical quality and continental experience to the side.
Apart from their foreign contingent, Sydney’s local talents are just as prominent and key to the team. Mercurial forward Adrian Segecic has been a revelation, and currently leads the club’s domestic scoring charts, while Socceroos call-ups Alex Grant and Anthony Caceres lend steel and composure in defence and midfield respectively.
Sydney captain Rhyan Grant knows just how much is at stake — and he is determined to lead from the front.
“This game is massive for us — it’s the best chance we’ve had to win silverware outside of Australia,” said the long-serving fullback at the pre-match press conference. “Wearing the armband is something that really motivates me, and I’m determined to lead the boys to something special tomorrow.”
Sailors fuelled by national pride
Having already defied expectations to reach the final four of ACL Two, the Lion City Sailors are relishing the opportunity to pull off yet another upset – even if the challenge ahead is a formidable one.
Their continental home form offers plenty of encouragement. Jalan Besar Stadium has been a tough hunting ground for visiting teams, with the Sailors losing just once in their past seven continental matches – in both the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup and ACL Two – on home turf. That run includes statement victories over Thai powerhouses Port FC, Muangthong United, and China’s Zhejiang Professional FC.
On the domestic front, the Sailors are flying high. Unbeaten in their last 17 league and cup outings, they have racked up 13 wins and dropped points on just two occasions since the start of the year.
Yet, head coach Aleksandar Ranković remains laser-focused on the task at hand.
“We’re not reading too much into recent results – not ours, not theirs,” he said. “Sydney are a quality side with experience at this level, but we’ve shown that we can compete with the best. It’s now about doing our talking on the pitch.”
The Sailors will be buoyed by the timely return of key men Maxime Lestienne and Song Uiyoung — the former is back in contention after recovering from injury, while Song returns from a three-match suspension. Their availability will provide a significant boost as the Sailors prepare to face a star-studded Sydney side stacked with attacking talent.
Despite the calibre of opposition, Ranko is staying calm and composed.
“Of course, they have a world-class player in Douglas Costa, but our focus won’t be solely on him — they’ve got others who can hurt you as well,” said the Serbian tactician. “That’s something we’ll have to manage. But we have quality players of our own, and I’m expecting a good match.”
For the Sailors, this semi-final is about more than just club glory — it is a chance to fly the Singapore flag high on the continental stage.
Ranko’s men are fully aware of the responsibility they shoulder, and for midfield dynamo Song, playing in front of a sell-out crowd at the Jalan Besar Stadium adds an extra layer of meaning.
“I would say this is the biggest game of my club career, and the whole team is very motivated to face Sydney tomorrow,” said Song, who has five goals and one assist in seven ACL Two appearances.
“We’re not just playing for the Sailors — we’re playing for Singapore football. I’m going to give everything I have to help the team get the best possible result.”
When a young Yuvika Suresh stepped into her first training sessions with the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team in early 2024, she was gripped by a wave of nervous anticipation.
After all, the Sailors Girls Academy graduate was about to rub shoulders with Singapore internationals and some of the top talents in the local game – players she had long admired from afar.
“Joining the Sailors’ Women’s Team is quite surreal for me,” shared the 16-year-old. “But it was also initially daunting, as many of them were from the national team. I was especially nervous about making mistakes during my first season.”
That anxiety, however, quickly began to melt away as Yuvika got to know her new teammates. Their warm welcome and unwavering support helped her settle into the squad and slowly feel at home – not just as a player, but as part of the Sailors family.
“As I got to know each of my teammates, I realised it was okay to make mistakes – they never put me down. Instead, they were always encouraging me,” said the forward. “This team spirit and the cohesiveness within the camp is what makes this team extra special to me.”
Reflecting on a journey that has taken her from the Academy to the bright lights of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League (AWCL) last season, Yuvika admits she never imagined things would unfold the way they have.
“When I joined the Academy back then, I didn’t think much of it – I simply wanted to gain game experience,” said the forward. “But I never thought that this journey would take me this far, so this means a lot to me and I’m happy to be here.”
Now a Secondary 4 student at Cedar Girls’ Secondary School, Yuvika has already made a statement in the 2025 Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL) season. Coming off the bench, she won a penalty and scored twice in a commanding 9-0 victory over Balestier Khalsa – matching her goal tally from the entire 2024 season in just seven minutes of action.
“Overall, it was a good match for me,” she recounted. “When I came on, my goal was to use my fresh pair of legs as an asset to run at the tiring defence. That worked out well – I managed to press, win the ball back… but scoring two goals was definitely unexpected!”
“Last season, I didn’t even score that early on – I only managed two goals across the whole campaign,” added Yuvika, who netted her first senior goal against BG Tampines Rovers in 2024. “So I’m really thankful that my teammates created those chances for me with such good passes – all I had to do was tap the ball into the net.”
It has been a good start to the season for the reigning champions, with two wins from their opening two fixtures setting the tone for another strong campaign. But Yuvika remains focused and grounded, and is committed to improving with each game.
“I think winning our first two matches is a great start, but we definitely cannot let our guard down,” she emphasised. “Coach Daniel has specific tactics planned for each opponent, so we need to keep pushing – not just to win, but to play well throughout the process.”
The Sailors’ next assignment is a midweek clash against Tanjong Pagar United on Wednesday (9 April) – a side that also started their season brightly with a 4-0 win over Balestier. Aware of the challenge that lies ahead, Yuvika is determined to play her part in keeping the Sailors’ early momentum going.
“It’s going to be hard to break down their defensive block, so I hope we can stick to controlling possession and creating different passing combinations to score the goals we need,” she said. “I know it’ll be a tough game, but I’m confident and motivated to give my 100% to help the team get all three points on Wednesday.”
Now in her second WPL season, Yuvika is thriving in the intensity of senior football – and embracing every opportunity to test herself against the league’s finest.
“The WPL brings a different kind of intensity compared to the (second-tier) WNL (Women’s National League), and that pushes me to give my best every single game,” she reflected. “I get to compete against fantastic players – some of whom have played in the World Cup – and the experience they bring amazes me. As a young player, these are the role models you look up to in order to become better.”
The confidence Yuvika now carries is clear to see – both on and off the pitch – as she sets her sights on bigger goals in the season ahead.
“Now that I’m more confident with the ball, I want to make a bigger impact – not just by scoring, but also by creating more chances for my teammates,” she said. “Our goal as a club is to win the league title again, so we can return to the AWCL and gain more experience playing against overseas teams.”
The Lion City Sailors made a resounding return to Singapore Premier League (SPL) action with a commanding 8-0 demolition of the Young Lions at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday (6 April).
Lennart Thy stole the show with a sensational five-goal haul, while Bart Ramselaar and Song Uiyoung also found the net in a dominant display that saw the Sailors take control from the first whistle against a Young Lions side that went down to 10 men midway through the first half.
The result equals the Sailors’ second biggest-ever winning margin in the SPL — matching their 8-0 triumph over Geylang International back in April 2021.
“I wouldn’t call it domination, especially since they were a man down for a large part of the game,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković.
“We were already 3-0 up and in control at that point, and of course, the red card helped us. But credit to them (Young Lions) — they still tried to play football despite being a man short. Overall, I’m happy with the three points.”
Ranko named a full-strength Sailors side to face a confident Young Lions outfit coming into the clash on the back of a 7-1 Singapore Cup victory over Albirex Niigata (S).
But the Sailors quickly asserted themselves – just eight minutes in, Lennart got on the end of a Diogo Costa free-kick and sent a header narrowly wide to signal the Sailors’ attacking intent.
However, it did not take long for the breakthrough to arrive. In the 12th minute, Shawal Anuar’s intelligent movement in the box forced an own goal off Young Lions defender Ikram Mikhail to give the Sailors a deserved 1-0 lead.
That advantage was doubled three minutes later, when Bart opened up his body and curled a delightful effort into the far corner from the edge of the box.
The Dutchman was at the heart of the action again in the 25th minute, as he slipped in Diogo Costa down the right flank. The Portuguese’s low cross was met by Lennart, who clinically swept home the Sailors’ third goal of the night.
Things went from bad to worse for the Young Lions shortly after, as goalkeeper Umayr Sujuwandy was shown a straight red card for handling the ball outside the box.
Aizil Yazid came on for his brother Aqil to take over between the sticks, but there was little he could do as the in-form duo of Diogo and Lennart combined once more to make it 4-0 before the break.
“We just want to keep playing the way we have been recently, and I always try to set the tone from the start,” said Lennart. “I think we played really well today — and of course, the red card made it easier.”
The second half followed a similar pattern of Sailors dominance, with Song producing a moment of magic in the 58th minute — curling a stunning strike into the top corner for the team’s fifth goal of the night.
Just two minutes later, a lapse in concentration from the Young Lions defence saw the ball fall kindly to Lennart, who needed no second invitation to slam home and complete his hat-trick.
It was the German forward’s fourth treble of the season — all of which have come since the turn of the year — and underlined his growing influence on the Sailors’ attack.
“Most of the time I score from inside the box, so for me it’s important to have a good left foot, right foot, and header, because sometimes you just can’t predict where the ball will come from,” said Lennart, who was named Man of the Match.
“It needs to be quick — on the rebound, or sometimes even difficult balls. So for me, it’s important to be able to score with every part of my body.”
Young Lions goalkeeper Aizil was kept busy throughout the night, and had to be at his best to pull off saves to deny Christopher van Huizen and his eventual replacement, Akram Azman.
But the night belonged to one man. And Lennart was not quite done just yet.
In the 90th minute, Diogo embarked on a lung-bursting run before squaring the ball into Lennart’s path for the Sailors’ seventh of the evening — and Diogo’s third assist of the match.
Incredibly, there was still time for another goal.
In the second minute of stoppage time, Diogo was once again involved, as he exchanged passes with Abdul Rasaq Akeem, who picked out Lennart in the box. The German made no mistake, scoring his fifth goal of the night to seal a record-equalling 8-0 victory.
“Diogo got a hat-trick of assists today — without his assists, I cannot score. So, I have to say thanks to him,” said the 33-year-old, who has now struck 27 times in just 21 SPL appearances.
Remarkably, the Sailors racked up 32 goal attempts by the end of the game, and did not allow Young Lions any shots all night as they restored their seven-point lead at the top of the SPL table over BG Tampines Rovers.
Attention now turns to what promises to be one of the biggest matches in club history — the first leg of the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two semi-final against Australia’s Sydney FC at Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday (9 April).
“This win definitely gives us confidence,” said Ranko. “We’ve got a very big game coming up and I’m happy that nobody got injured and that I was able to refresh some players.”
“We’re in the middle of a very tough season, having played 45 games already — no other team in the league plays as many games as we do — but that gives us strength and determination to keep moving forward.”
Sydney FC will arrive in Singapore fresh off a morale-boosting 3-2 away win over Adelaide United in the A-League — with 19-year-old Adrian Segecic netting a dramatic 94th-minute winner.
The Sky Blues boast plenty of quality in their squad, with the standout name being former Bayern Munich and Juventus winger Douglas Costa. Nonetheless, Ranko’s Sailors have consistently shown this season that they’re capable of rising to the occasion when it matters most.
“I don’t know how many times we’re going to try and rewrite history this season, but we’ll definitely give it our best,” said Ranko. “They’re a great opponent, but playing on this stage — honestly, it’s a dream for us. So yes, we’re very happy to be part of it.”
The quick and meteoric rise of Lion City Sailors full-back Akram Azman in 2025 has been one of the most remarkable stories in Singapore football this year.
In just three months, the 24-year-old has gone from battling at the foot of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) with Tanjong Pagar United to establishing himself as a key figure in a Sailors side chasing silverware on multiple fronts. His rapid ascent was further underlined by a maiden call-up to the Singapore national team, where he earned his first senior caps against Hong Kong and Nepal in the recent international window.
“I think it’s definitely an exceptional feeling as a footballer – I’ve always wanted to represent my nation,” said Akram. “But that being said, as we return to club duties now, the main focus will be on the club and its objectives for the rest of the season.”
Life has changed dramatically for the full-back, who now finds himself enjoying minutes for the Sailors in three competitions – including one of the most prestigious tournaments in Asian football.
Having captained Tanjong Pagar United twice against the Sailors earlier this season, Akram’s first league appearance for his new club came full circle – with a debut against his former side. And in a twist of fate, his first and only goal for the Sailors so far also came against the Jaguars, this time in the Singapore Cup.
The full-back has since made his continental bow, coming on as a substitute in the second leg of the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two Round of 16 clash against Muangthong United – a clear marker of how far he has come in such a short space of time.
“Since moving to the Sailors, the expectations are a lot higher and it’s important to get myself in the right mindset for matches,” shared Akram. “So, in terms of mental preparation, just staying strong and knowing my role as a player is much more important than anything else.”
“I try not to worry about things beyond my control – instead, I focus on what I can control. The things I do on the pitch directly affect my performance, and that’s where I put all my energy.”
The focus now shifts to this Sunday’s SPL clash against the Young Lions – a side Akram knows well, having started his professional career with them.
Back in the 2019 season, the then-18-year-old made his SPL debut for the developmental side in a 4-1 defeat to Balestier Khalsa. Fast forward nearly six years, and Akram is now set to take to the pitch for the Sailors against his former club.
“I think there’s no difference from any of the preparations we’ve done throughout the season,” said Akram. “We’re really just focusing on getting the wins, one match at a time. So yes, we’re all set – and the preparation has been amazing.”
The Sailors currently sit four points clear at the top of the SPL, with two games in hand over nearest challengers BG Tampines Rovers. But they are not taking anything for granted ahead of Sunday’s clash, especially against a Young Lions side brimming with confidence after a stunning 7-1 Singapore Cup victory over defending league champions Albirex Niigata (S) a week ago.
Kaisei Ogawa was the standout performer with four goals, while Sailors loanee Bill Mamadou impressed across the full 90 minutes in central defence.
Akram is under no illusions about the challenge ahead, even as the Sailors look to stretch their unbeaten run to 13 matches in all competitions.
“They’re a young team full of energy. Technically, they’re sound – and most of them have decent league experience, if not all. It’s important that we get our mindset right to face them and we need to be at our best to defeat them,” noted the Sailors full-back.
“In terms of the challenge, we expect them to try and wear us down with their energy. But apart from that, our approach remains the same – we prepare well and look forward to getting the job done like we do in every other game.”
Once Sunday’s SPL clash with the Young Lions is over, attention will swiftly turn to a massive midweek showdown — the Sailors’ ACL Two semi-final first leg clash against Australian giants Sydney FC, which will take place at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday, 9 April.
The A-League outfit arrives with a major name in tow: former Juventus and Bayern Munich star Douglas Costa. The Brazilian winger has lifted multiple Serie A and Bundesliga titles, and was part of the Bayern side that won the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup.
For Akram, the stage may soon be set for the next chapter in his remarkable 2025 story. And while the opportunity to go head-to-head with a player of Costa’s pedigree is one to savour, the 24-year-old remains laser-focused on the task at hand.
“I’m not thinking that far ahead just yet – the focus is on Sunday, not Wednesday,” said Akram. “But of course, it would be a great experience to play against someone like Douglas Costa – a big star, a big-name player coming to Southeast Asia. It would be wonderful to go up against him.”
That said, Akram is not planning to change his routine when the Sydney game comes around.
“I’ll be my usual self – having my lunch about five hours before kick-off, and a can of Red Bull if I’m starting. That’s the routine,” he said with a smile.
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.”
