Latest news with #ACLTwo
Straits Times
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Forum: Screen ACL Two final match at CCs for free
I hope the People's Association will organise free live screenings and watch parties in community centres for Singaporeans to support our Lion City Sailors in their AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) final match on Sunday, May 18 (Lion City Sailors reach historic Asian Champions League Two final despite 1-0 defeat by Sydney FC, April 16). After all, this is the very first time that a local club has managed to go all the way to a cup final in a regional competition. We Singaporeans want to witness this piece of history and be part of this moment as one Singapore. Since tickets for the match, being held at Bishan Stadium, have sold out, it would be nice to cheer the Sailors together with our family, friends, neighbours and colleagues in community centres. And if our Lion City Sailors do manage to emerge as champions, this would be the perfect gift for Singapore as we celebrate SG60 this year. I am sure a win will also help generate Singaporeans' passion and interest to support the Singapore Premier League clubs and bring back the crowds to the stadiums to watch matches. Wishing the Sailors all the best for their match on Sunday. Ng Yong Da More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Upgraded Bishan Stadium to host 10,000 fans in ACL 2 final between Lion City Sailors, Sharjah FC
The Bishan Stadium has undergone upgrading work for the ACL Two final between Lion City Sailors and Sharjah FC on May 18. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR SINGAPORE – For die-hard fans like Eddy Hirono and Tan Chin Heng, attending a Lion City Sailors home match at Bishan Stadium has become a weekly ritual. But even this devoted duo, who have attended nearly every home game since 2023, have been wowed by the stadium's near-overnight transformation for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Two final. On May 8, the two fans and media were given a preview of the venue that will stage the clash between the Sailors and Sharjah FC of the United Arab Emirates on May 18. 'My first reaction is that it is really breathtaking. I can already imagine what the stadium, the atmosphere, will feel like, with 10,000 fans backing the team, so I'm really looking forward to match day,' said Tan, 35, an engineer. Eddy, 37, a legal counsel, added: 'Of course, it's a very foreign sight, but a very welcome sight. We were joking around and said it's like the rainbow stadium now, because of all the different coloured stands, it does remind me a bit of the National Day Parade.' Work on the Bishan Stadium began on May 3, after the AFC granted provisional approval. The match is being held in Singapore owing to the AFC's decision to alternate the showpiece venue between the East and West Asia finalists annually, with East Asia hosting the 2025 final. The Sailors hosted six ACL Two home games at the Jalan Besar Stadium this season, notching four wins, a draw and a loss. But the venue was deemed unsuitable for the final, while the 55,000-capacity National Stadium is unavailable due to the Lady Gaga concert. Upgrading and cleaning works being conducted at Bishan Stadium on May 8, 2025. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR The Straits Times understands that it cost an estimated $1 million to get the Bishan Stadium ready for the ACL2 final. The Sailors, Sport Singapore (SportSG), the Football Association of Singapore and the AFC have chipped in to fund the preparations, which includes the opening and closing entertainment during the final. Three spectator stands have been erected around the pitch as part of the upgrading work, increasing the stadium's capacity from about 2,800 to 10,000. Tickets to the continental decider – the first to be played on Singapore soil – were sold out a day after they went on sale. The added seating was required to accommodate VIPs, AFC staff and media. An onsite medical room, rooms for AFC's technical officials and working committee have also been set up at the stadium. A press conference room, media tribune and media centre that can accommodate a minimum pax of 50 have also been installed. Other improvements include enhancements to the floodlights to meet TV broadcast requirements. The horizontal illuminance – the amount of light that falls on a horizontal surface – has been upgraded to 1,800 lux. ST understands that the previous level of 1,500 lux – similar to Jalan Besar – was deemed sufficient for the competition's earlier stages, but not the final. To accommodate both teams' coaches, managers, and players, the benches from the National Stadium's dugouts have been brought in, and the away dressing room has been renovated. The renovated away dressing room is among the upgrades at Bishan Stadium for the ACL Two final. ST PHOTO: DEEPANRAJ GANESAN Sailors sporting director Badri Ghent told ST that the club met with SportSG and the FAS to put up a plan to meet the AFC's requirements for hosting the ACL Two final, and that work began 'in ernest after the General Elections'. The pitch at Bishan Stadium – which has at times this season looked worse for wear – also received the care needed to be ready for the final. While the stadium was used for a PAP rally on April 30, a pitch protection cover was used to prevent serious deterioration. Workers inspecting the field at Bishan Stadium on May 8, 2025. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR As a result, the pitch looked in prime condition on May 8. Jonathan Teo, pitch architect at Kallang Alive Sport Management – which oversees the maintenance of the National Stadium field – and his six-man team have been working on the field since May 3. He has been conducting frequent tests to assess the quality of the pitch and he is confident that the surface will be of competition-level standard on game day. 'When the maintenance regime is the same, you would expect that the performance and the service level (of the field) will be the same, because my objective is to get it to a competition level, and that is to get it conformed with the Fifa standards or requirements,' said Teo. Badri also noted that the Sailors want to deliver more than physical upgrades to fans on the day. He added: 'Beyond the physical tweaks, we want to also make the atmosphere an unforgettable one for the fans. We are planning a carnival-like setting complete with food trucks, games and merchandise for fan engagement zones.' Die-hard Sailors fans and members of The Crew, the official fan club of the Sailors have also prepared a special tifo – a large banner– to be unveiled in the stands on matchday. Members of the prominent local fan group SingaBrigade which forms the most vocal section during national team matches will also lend their support to the Sailors. Eddy said: 'I think it's such a happy occasion that Singapore team makes the finals, and we're so happy that there'll be so many new fans, not just the usual Sailors fans who will turn up for the games. I hope that the team, the staff, and, of course, the fans ourselves, we make it a night to remember forever.' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
ACL Two final tickets sell fast; scalpers take to online platforms to resell for profit
Lion City Sailors celebrate after qualifying for the ACL Two final. PHOTO: Lion City Sailors ACL Two final tickets sell fast; scalpers take to online platforms to resell for profit SINGAPORE – Quick-fingered scalpers have taken to e-commerce platforms to sell tickets to the May 18 AFC Champions League Two final between the Sailors and Sharjah FC at inflated prices, mere hours after the official sales began on May 6. Tickets went on sale via Sistic at noon, with prices ranging from $26 (students and seniors) for all stands to $50 for a main-stand seat, for the match at the 10,000-seater Bishan Stadium. Sailors members could also enjoy a 50 per cent discount, applicable for up to six tickets per member. Around five per cent of the total seats were allocated for away fans. At various times, there was suspicion that the tickets were sold out, as the website would indicate 'Seat Unavailable' intermittently. However, subsequent attempts would show that single seats were still available in Section Q in the North Stand and Section Y in the South Stand behind each goal. Though tickets could still be bought at 9pm, listings appeared on online platforms such as Carousell since early afternoon, with more than 10 such posts as at 10pm. While there were some who were selling the tickets at their original price, others were trying to offload theirs for up to $100 each for South Stand tickets that were originally priced at $30. One listing was taking bids starting from $40. Since 10pm, attempts to purchase tickets from the Sistic website have been unsuccessful. Sailors fan Azmil Azman managed to snag four tickets for his family after camping at the Sistic website from 11.45am. He said: 'I'm happy I will be able to witness this historic match with my family. It's understandable if people have to sell their tickets to others who want them, if they are unable to make it for the match. 'But it's not nice if they are buying the tickets only to sell them for a profit and depriving other true fans of the experience or making others pay over the top for it.' Another Sailors fan, who wanted to be known only as Mark, got two tickets each in two different sections for his family. He added: 'Maybe for future big occasions like these, perhaps the club can consider setting aside a number of tickets and pre-sale sessions for members to reward them for their loyalty.' The Straits Times has reached out to the Sailors for comment. While Sailors skipper Hariss Harun did not speak about the scalping, he was heartened by the enthusiastic response to ticket sales. He told ST: 'It's a great feeling to know that the tickets were selling fast and there's such interest to watch us play. 'We look forward to playing the final amid a wonderful atmosphere and hope the fans can push and inspire us to victory.' After topping Group F, the Sailors made a surprise run to the final of the second-tier Asian club tournament. In the knockout round, they overcame Thailand's Muangthong United 7-2, Sanfrecce Hiroshima 4-1 – the Japanese side conceded the first leg 3-0 after fielding an ineligible player – and Australia's Sydney FC 2-1 over two legs to set up the decider against Emirati side Sharjah. The final is held in Singapore in line with the Asian Football Confederation decision to alternate the showpiece venue between the East and West Asia finalists annually, with East Asia hosting the 2025 final. The Sailors had hosted their six ACL Two home games at the Jalan Besar Stadium this season, winning four, drawing once and losing once. However, Sharjah requested via an open letter on social media that the final not be played at Jalan Besar, citing its artificial pitch and 6,000 capacity. With the National Stadium unavailable, as the first of Lady Gaga's four concerts will take place at the 55,000-seater on May 18, Bishan Stadium was the only realistic option remaining. On April 23, the venue – home ground of the Sailors and Balestier Khalsa in the Singapore Premier League – was given provisional approval to stage the final, following inspections by AFC officials. There will need to be improvements, and there are ongoing works to erect stands on the north, east and south ends of the stadium to add on to the main stand's capacity of 2,800 to take the total seating to 10,000. Besides increasing the capacity, other preparations include improvements to the natural grass pitch and enhancements to the floodlights to meet TV broadcast requirements. The AFC is expected to conduct a final inspection this week. David Lee is senior sports correspondent at The Straits Times focusing on aquatics, badminton, basketball, cue sports, football and table tennis. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Arab News
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Al-Taawoun eye continental glory in AFC Champions League Two
AUSTRALIA: Wolves Park may not have the grandeur of other stadiums in Saudi Arabia, but it lacks nothing when it comes to drama — especially in Al-Taawoun's run to the AFC Champions League Two semi-finals. The 6,000-capacity stadium on the northern edges of Buraidah will on Tuesday host arguably the biggest game in the team's history, 2019 King's Cup final aside. This is just the fourth time they have featured in Asian competition. While the ACL Two may be second tier, behind the AFC Champions League Elite, the new continental format means it is far more prestigious than its former incarnation, the AFC Cup. After topping their group with five wins from six, Al-Taawoun faced Qatar's Al-Wakrah in the Round of 16. After 2-2 draws across both legs, penalties decided the outcome — with Al-Taawoun advancing 4-3 after a thrilling climax in front of a raucous home crowd. The drama of that night was not only matched but surpassed when they faced Iranian side Tractor in the quarterfinal. After a scoreless game in Iran, Al-Taawoun were confident of victory in front of a capacity crowd at Wolves Park. A see-sawing battle ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with both sides scoring again in extra time. Once more, penalties would test the nerves of the Al-Taawoun faithful who packed the stands. Reserve goalkeeper Abdulquddus Atiah, deputizing for the injured Mailson, pulled off a huge save to deny Sajjad Ashouri and help his club through to a continental semifinal. It was a moment that reduced interim coach Mohammed Al-Abdali to tears, pictured sitting in the center circle long after the final whistle had blown, as he took in the enormity of the moment. The rest of the ground was filled with wild celebrations. 'I thank the Al-Taawoun fans and promise them that we won't stop at this stage, we will continue until the end,' 51-year-old Al-Abdali said afterwards. Following that entree, admission to the 6,000-capacity stadium will be the hottest ticket in town on Tuesday. Another full house is expected as the boutique venue hosts the first leg of the semi-final against UAE powerhouse Sharjah FC, with fans eyeing another slice of history. If Al-Taawoun win the semifinal, a trip to either Singapore or Australia awaits. The ACL Two's rotation policy means this year's final will be hosted by the winner of the East Zone — either Singapore's Lion City Sailors or Australia's Sydney FC. For a club the size of Al-Taawoun, the chance of a continental final rarely comes around. This might be their only opportunity for some time. The new structure means the top three finishers in the Saudi Pro League qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite, while the King's Cup winners qualify for the AFC Champions League Two. This season, the league's 'Big Five' fill all those spots — the four PIF-owned clubs plus Al-Qadsiah — and with their financial power increasing, it's hard to see a future in which any other club can break in. And with clubs like NEOM SC — coached by Pericles Chamusca, who guided Al-Taawoun to fourth last season — set to join the SPL next year, with all the financial backing they bring, expect it to be even tougher for the smaller clubs, which operate on far smaller budgets, to qualify for Asian competition as they did last season. That's what makes Al-Taawoun's clash with Sharjah over the next two weeks so momentous. Never say never in sport, but this could be their make-or-break chance. After the high of their fourth-placed finish last season, they have come back to the pack this year and currently sit in seventh, nine points behind sixth-placed Al-Shabab. Given the rising quality of the SPL, seventh for a club its size is nothing to be ashamed of, but it does highlight how difficult it will be to match last season's heroics and return to this position in the future. However, after a 2-0 win over Al-Kholood last Friday, Al-Taawoun carry with them confidence and momentum. With the finals of the ACL Elite in Saudi Arabia in just over two weeks, it would be easy for this match to fall under the radar as attention focuses on the country's biggest clubs, stadiums and fan bases. But not in Buraidah. Not among the Al-Taawoun faithful. They'll be at Wolves Park on Tuesday hoping to add another successful chapter to the club's rich history.
Al Etihad
13-03-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Sharjah credit fans after shootout heroics in ACL Two quarter-final
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI) It's Sharjah who remain the last UAE club standing in the Asian Champions League (ACL) after Cosmin Olaroiu's men emerged triumphant against Shabab Al Ahli in an all-Emirati quarter-final clash in the secondary division of the tournament called ACL Two. Goalkeeper Adel Al Hosani was the hero for Sharjah who prevailed in a 5-4 penalty shootout win on Wednesday night at the 15,000-seater Sharjah Stadium, which was packed to capacity. Marcus Vinicius' 35th-minute strike for the hosts had been cancelled out by Shabab Al-Ahli substitute Munas Dabbur in the 94th minute, leaving the tie deadlocked at 1-1 (2-2 on aggregate) after extra time. "We achieved a historic result against a very distinguished team," declared a triumphant Olaroiu after the match. "I told the players that we would not win unless they exceeded their potential and gave 120% of their effort and dedication. Indeed, the spirit of the players and fans was the secret to the victory. We must maintain our level until we achieve our goal." With two-time ACL champions Al Ain and ADNOC Pro League winners Al Wasl having bowed out of the main Elite competition, it is Sharjah who must now hope to go all the way. Sharjah next travel to Al Taawoun for the first leg of their semi-finals in Saudi Arabia on April 9. The return leg will be on April 16. "I need you all in the match," Sharjah coach Cosmin Olaroiu had implored fans a day earlier, and they responded in droves, creating an electric atmosphere. Al Hosani emerged as the hero, producing a string of crucial saves, including the decisive stop of Quan Santos' penalty in the shootout. "It was a great match," Al Hosani told Telecom Asia Sport. "When you have the support, you have to give your best, and that's what we did in front of our fans. Penalty shootouts depend on luck, but it's important to study the opposing players' kick, which is what I did. All credit also goes to my teammates as they were exceptional on the field." The match was a testament to Sharjah's resilience and tactical discipline. A defensive masterclass effectively neutralised Shabab Al Ahli's star-studded attack, including Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun, who failed to find the net despite being the tournament's leading scorer. A zonal defence strategy proved effective for the hosts, stifling the attacking threat of Azmoun as well as the Brazilian attackers Yuri Cesar and Matias. Caio Lucas, who is set to make his debut for the UAE national team in the crucial World Cup qualifiers, expressed his delight. "I'm happy with the win and for qualifying for the semi-finals. We now have to prepare for the next stage," he said. "Sharjah Club is my home and the place where I feel the spirit and warmth of the family. I have nothing to say except that I will give everything for the national team. I have to help the team. Being selected as a player for the national team is a wonderful thing. I will strive to give everything I have for the team." Shabab Al Ahli coach Paulo Sousa made no excuses. "We missed numerous opportunities, and the referee disallowed a goal for us. I am proud of my players and wish Sharjah success in their Asian campaign," he said. Olaroiu, who has 2 months left on his contract, has been instrumental in the revival of Sharjah. He previously coached Al Ain and also led Shabab Al-Ahli to an ACL final in 2015. Despite the euphoria, Olaroiu remained coy about his future, saying: "I am currently focused on my work, and I am committed to my contract until it expires in about two months." Sharjah and Shabab Al-Ahli are scheduled to meet again in five days' time in the semi-finals of the ADIB Cup.
