A goal from Lennart Thy, combined with Lion City Sailors' resolute defense, secured their historic place in the ACL Two semifinals
As Southeast Asia's sole representative remaining in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two, it was always going to be a monumental challenge for Lion City Sailors to advance past the quarterfinals. The task became even more daunting with 2024 J1 League runners-up, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, standing in their way.
After being given a 3-0 win the first leg with the help of an AFC ruling, The Sailors made sure to seize the opportunity—and in doing so, they made history once again.
The Sailors secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Sanfrecce Hiroshima last night at Jalan Besar Stadium, becoming the first Singaporean side to advance to the semifinals with a 4-1 aggregate score.
As expected, it was the Sanfrecce who were on the assault, but chances on goal were sparse for the Japanese side. In fact, it was The Sailors who registered the first chance on goal through Lennart Thy's aerial effort.
The German forward however, made no mistake the next opportunity he got. In the 19th minute, Shawal Anuar—who came on for an injured Maxime Lestienne—delivered an acrobatic through ball that found Thy perfectly. With a deft touch, Thy controlled the ball into space before powering it into the net, sending Jalan Besar Stadium into a frenzy.
The lead though, would only last 14 minutes as despite his already stellar performance, Izwan Mahbud was eventually beaten in the 33rd minute through Yotaro Nakajima's perfectly curled free kick.
With newfound confidence and the push from a strong away support, Sanfrecce began a relentless hunt for three much-needed goals, but to no avail.
Confidence then turned into desperation, when Sanfrecce forward Ryo Germain was shown a straight red for needlessly elbowing Bailey Wright in frustration. Despite a slew of changes made in an attempt to reshuffle the ten men left on the pitch, Sanfrecce Hiroshima was met with a wall of steadfast Sailors defenders and a determined Izwan.
Going into the game with a 3-0 advantage, it was unforgotten to The Sailors and fans that Sanfrecce had actually put six past them in Hiroshima. The Singaporean side, who have performed past their expectations against several top Asian sides this season, showed remarkable grit in front of the 4.193-strong crowd to make sure they held their ground on home soil.
The Sailors are set to face either Sydney FC or South Korea's Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the semi finals.
Here are more highlights from the match.
Shawal Anuar, with his back to goal, takes a touch before twisting and sending the ball into the path of Lennart Thy.
Diogo Costa slides in for a last-ditch attempt at blocking Sota Nakamura's cross.
A force to be reckoned with in aerial battles, Bailey Wright rises high to defend cross after cross played in by the Japanese wingers.
Sota Koshimichi, who came on as a substitute in the second half, attempts to steal the ball from Diogo Costa.
Toni Datkovic and Diogo Costa close down on Sota Nakamura as he drives towards goal.
Naoto Arai stretches to get a hold of the ball with Diogo Costa close behind.
After coming on as a substitute in the second half, Naoto was crucial in Sanfrecce's assault on the right flank.
After coming on from the bench in recent fixtures, Hariss Harun was given the start last night and led his side in a gritty, historical performance.
Ryo Germain exits the field after being shown red after an off-the-ball scuffle with Bailey Wright.
Lion City Sailors fans were in full voice, their cheers harmonizing with the beat of the drums, providing the much needed boost for their side.
Similarly, a strong contingent of Sanfrecce Hiroshima supporters filled the Gallery Stand, their purple-clad presence cheering on their team throughout the full 90 minutes.