A Dream Within Reach

For the Lion City Sailors, the AFC Champions League Two seems almost like a dream—but it’s a dream they’re determined to chase. Just 90 minutes stand between this Singapore Premier League team and a historic chance to play in a major continental final.

An Unlikely Journey

In an outstanding campaign, the Sailors have defied expectations, riding a wave of luck and impressive performances. They head into the second leg of their semi-final against Sydney FC with a 2-0 advantage, a result achieved after their incredible display just a week ago, where Bart Ramselaar and Lennart Thy netted stunning goals to upset their more-established A-League rivals.

Their impressive run includes victories against Zhejiang Professional, Port, and Muangthong United, along with a crucial 1-1 draw against Sanfrecce Hiroshima that solidified their place in the semi-finals. Notably, they advanced after a 3-0 win due to an opponent's fielding error – a decision that overturned a 6-1 loss.

Setting Records

This campaign marks a monumental achievement for Singaporean football, as the Sailors have already matched the best performance by any Singaporean club in this prestigious tournament.

Coach Aleksandar Ranković expressed the significance of their journey, stating, "This club is just five years old. No club in Singapore’s history has made it past the group stage in an ACL-branded competition. This achievement is monumental for our players, for the club, and for Singapore football."

Hungry for More

Ranković, humorously reflecting on the surreal nature of their accomplishments, revealed his players are hungry for victory. "We’re still dreaming, but we want to turn that dream into a reality. I can see the desire in them," he said.

Aussie’s Perspective on the Journey

Sailors' defender Bailey Wright, who made a surprising move from England to Singapore, echoed his coach's sentiments. He emphasized the importance of this semi-final as a chance to showcase Singaporean talent. "We’re not here just to make up numbers; we aim to prove ourselves on a grand stage against Sydney," he asserted.

History in the Making

Wright’s move to Lion City Sailors has raised eyebrows given his experience in the English leagues, but his dedication to advancing the team's cause is unwavering. He reflected on the rarity of reaching such heights, saying, "For a young club like ours, getting to this level is no easy feat, and we have to seize this moment—it can take years for an opportunity like this to arrive."

With confidence in their ability to score from any game, Ranković assured fans that they won’t adopt a defensive strategy on Wednesday. He said, "We’re not just going to sit back. We’re capable of scoring, and while a 0-0 draw wouldn’t be the worst result, we aim for more."