Despite the need for three points, The Sailors were commended for keeping strong Thai side Buriram United at bay with a 0-0 draw in penultimate Shopee Cup group match
It was primed to be a tough clash from the get-go, with Buriram United being one of the strongest sides in Southeast Asia. To keep their ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup hopes alive, The Lion City Sailors had to find a way to triumph over the current Thai League 1 leaders on Thursday (23 January) night. Despite having an extra man for most of the game, it wasn't meant to be for The Sailors as the two sides were forced to settle for a goalless stalemate.
The Sailors, fresh off their first and only win in the Shopee Cup against Kuala Lumpur City FC, put up a determined fight against Buriram. The Northeastern Thai side— who boasts several high profile players including Suphanat Mueanta, veteran Teerathon Bunmathan and Malaysian star Dion Cools— had scored 12 goals so far in their Shopee Cup campaign, and conceded only two.
As a result of the draw, both The Sailors and Buriram's fate hangs in the balance, but it's the Thai side who ultimately has a much better chance at going through as they sit second in the standings.
Both the home and away sides burst out of the blocks charging, but it was surprisingly the Singaporean side who had the first chance of breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute. Maxime Lestienne had the honours but the forward's left-foot curler pinged off the crossbar.
Already struggling to break through The Sailors' defence and goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, Buriram's troubles deepened just before half time. Kenneth Dougall's last-ditch challenge on Lestienne had initially earned him a yellow card, but was changed to a straight red after a VAR review.
The Sailors were then handed another opportunity on goal with the resulting free kick, but Toni Datkovic's header was parried away swiftly by Chatchai Bootprom.
Moments later, a free kick on the opposite end of the pitch created another scoring opportunity, this time for Buriram. Lucas Crispim's effort sailed over the white-and-blue wall, but the excessive curl sent it off target and the two teams were sent back to the drawing board for half time.
Just ten minutes after the start of the second half, Buriram's Guilherme Bissoli came close to shocking the home crowd, as the forward drove the ball effortlessly towards Izwan. The latter however, dove at full stretch to parry it away.
With 15 minutes to go, The Sailors ramped up their efforts in front of goal, rarely allowing the handicapped Buriram side a chance to leave their half. Lestienne, the driving force behind many of Sailors' attacks, delivered a pinpoint cross to an unmarked Song Ui-Yong in the box. Bootprom managed to stop Song's initial header on goal, and was fortunate to watch the rebound effort soar over the bar.
Both Shawal Anuar and Bailey Wright sent Buriram into panic with aerial chances on goal as well. Both however, were unsuccessful and the final whistle eventually blew.
Now left with the final game to play in their Shopee Cup campaign on 6th February, The Sailors will travel to the Philippines to face Kaya FC-iloilo, who sit last in the Group B standings.
Here are more highlights of the clash between Lion City Sailors and Buriram United.
Lennart Thy takes on the slick Teerathon Bunmathan in an attempt to steal the ball and launch an attack.
Buriram captain, Narubadin Weerawatnodom was often joining in the attacks as a right-back, relentlessly delivering crosses into the box.
Toni Datkovic, a powerhouse in aerial defence, heading away the ball and denying Buriram the chance of getting a shot on goal.
Sailors' star Song Ui-Yong wriggles away from Dion Cools and Seksan Ratree late in the second half.
Kenneth Dougall, late to the challenge, dangerously clips Maxime Lestienne's ankle and receives a straight red card.
Chatchai Bootprom dives at full stretch to latch onto the ball in a crowded penalty box during a Sailors corner.
Hafiz Nor times his tackle perfectly to deny Guilherme Bissoli a one-one-one opportunity on goal in the last minute of the game.