This week, the Lion City Sailors, a rising global football power based in Singapore, created history. They’re the first Singaporean side to make the final of a continental competition. The team, formerly known as Home United FC, was a potent attacking force and showed tremendous heart throughout the competition. There, they were challenged by an exhilarating Sydney FC semifinal round.
The Sailors’ path to the final included an impressive aggregate victory over Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima. On Friday night, the team enjoyed an impressive 4-1 win. This comprised a 3-0 win given by the Asian Football Confederation after Sanfrecce played an ineligible player. The Lion City Sailors will now face Sharjah FC from the United Arab Emirates in the decider. Originally set for May 18 in Singapore, the match could still take place there, though the venue has yet to be determined.
A Formidable Counter-Attacking Team
With their propensity to attack at speed on the counter, the Lion City Sailors have proven to be a fearsome opponent. Against Sydney FC in their semifinal matchup, they demonstrated their tactical nuance and capacity to soak up intense pressure.
Moments before scoring the decisive goal, the Sailors could have taken an early lead following a series of impressive passes and movement. It took until the 85th minute for them to finally break the deadlock. This blissful moment ignited the mother of all passions on the supporters’ side.
Head Coach Aleksandar Rankovic had no qualms about admitting what pressure his squad was under, particularly in those last minutes of action.
“Till the goal, we knew that we would suffer a lot of pressure… When the goal fell in the 85th minute then it was ‘code red’ and you just have to defend those last 10 minutes and I think the guys did a tremendous job,” – Aleksandar Rankovic.
Path to the Final
The road to the final has been big on firsts for the Lion City Sailors. They’ve not made it past the group phase of an AFC club tournament since 2018. In those days they went by the name of Home United.
The semifinal against Sydney FC was perhaps the most important match, the one that would truly test their mettle. Along with their firepower upfront, the Sailors showed a stout defensive nature when they withstood a late barrage from Sydney to secure an aggregate victory. That rock-solid shutout match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima was just what they needed to boost their confidence heading into a significantly tougher opponent.
No one feels this more than fans who have supported Singaporean football for decades. They want nothing more than to see their team succeed on the biggest stage.
“What we did is an unbelievable achievement for the club.”
The Lion City Sailors are looking forward to the 2023 final against Sharjah FC. While we understand that their anticipation has created hope and enthusiasm among their supporters, the fixture is a rare opportunity to win silverware. I know that it leads us to bring our Singaporean footballer at the international stage on a higher level.
Looking Ahead
Rankovic remained astonished at having made it this far, recounting the hard work and determination that got his team here.
Through the accomplishments of the Lion City Sailors, a new precedent has been established for Singaporean football, motivating their young talents, as well as young fans. Triumphant optimism coursing through their collective veins, they look to script the next successful chapter in their long legacy.
“I said yesterday that I’m still waiting for somebody to wake me up,” – Aleksandar Rankovic.
The Lion City Sailors have set a new benchmark for Singaporean football, inspiring young talents and fans alike. With their eyes firmly set on victory, they are ready to write the next chapter in their storied history.
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