Latest news with #AFCChampionsLeagueTwo
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Forum: Lion City Sailors championed inclusivity at historic football match
As a football fan living with muscular dystrophy, I was almost unable to attend the recent AFC Champions League Two final at Bishan Stadium, due to initial ticketing restrictions that prevented caregivers from accompanying wheelchair users. Following my earlier Forum letter which highlighted these issues (Make it easier for fans with disabilities to enjoy historic sporting moments, May 9), the Lion City Sailors quickly stepped up. Their sporting director, Mr Badri Ghent, reached out to me personally and arranged seating that accommodated both me and my companions, ensuring a seamless and dignified experience. Ms Carolyn Chia, the Sailors' head of operations, handled the logistics, including arranging for my ticket purchase and informing her colleagues in advance to provide chairs for my caregiver and father. These actions made a significant difference in my experience. Experiencing this historic sporting event first-hand, among fellow supporters, reaffirmed the crucial importance and power of inclusivity in sports. Their actions not only made the event accessible, but also made me feel truly included. Although the Sailors narrowly and heartbreakingly lost to Sharjah FC, their compassionate hospitality left an indelible mark on me. I'll be rooting for them to retain their Singapore Cup title this Saturday evening at the Jalan Besar Stadium. I commend the Sailors for their compassionate and proactive response. Their actions exemplify how sports organisations can effectively champion inclusivity, making significant differences in the lives of fans with disabilities. I am deeply grateful for their efforts and hope they continue to lead by example. I also hope that other institutions will follow suit and create truly inclusive spaces for all fans. Shalom Lim Ern Rong More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
How can Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr qualify for AFC Champions League Elite 2025-26?
Cristiano Ronaldo will seek to end the season on a high when his side Al Nassr, faces Al Fateh at the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium on Monday. Earlier in the day, the Saudi Arabia Football Federation announced that Al-Nassr won an appeal to be handed three points, which puts qualification for the Asian Champions League within reach. Al-Nassr lost 2-1 to Al-Orubah in March but complained that goalkeeper Rafi Al-Ruwaili was ineligible to play in the game because he was not a full-time professional. The Saudi Federation ruled in favour of Al-Nassr in a decision that also ensures Al-Orubah will be relegated. How can Al Nassr qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite 2025-26? After receiving the three points, Al Nassr is currently third in the Saudi Pro League standings with 70 points from 33 games, heading into the final matchday. As per the 2025-26 slot allocation for the AFC competitions, three teams from the Saudi Pro League can book a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite. These are the league's top two teams and Al-Ahli, which has won the 2024-25 edition of Asia's premier continental tournament. This means that Al Nassr will have to win its game against Al Fateh and hope that second-placed Al Hilal loses to Al Qadisiyah in their fixture. Even if Al Hilal manages a draw, it will move to 73 points and can seal the second spot due to a superior goal difference. If Al Nassr finished third it will enter the AFC Champions League Two. (With inputs from AP)
The Star
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Going for a big catch
PETALING JAYA: Super League club Selangor are fishing for foreign and local talents to mount a stronger challenge in the domestic scene and AFC Champions League Two next season – following the exit of several players. It's learnt that their captain and Singaporean international centreback Safuwan Baharuddin is set to move on although he has a year left in his contract. Selangor Football Association deputy president Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar, who is also a board member of the club and the transfer committee chairman, confirmed the names of a few outgoing players. They are Venezuelan playmaker Yohandry Orozco, Jordanian striker Ali Olwan, Chilean striker Ronnie Fernandez and veteran goalkeeper Khairulazhan Khalid. 'Safuwan, however, has one year left with us. We are now discussing with him if there is a possibility for him to be loaned somewhere else. There are no major issues with him, he just wants a new challenge,' said Shahril. Outgoing: Selangor captain Safuwan Baharuddin is looking for a new challenge. 'Then there are several other players who didn't get many minutes and those who played in the MFL Cup that would be loaned out to clubs in Malaysia or even overseas.' If indeed Safuwan is leaving the club, then there could be a new captain for the club, and Shahril said there were a few candidates. 'Nooa Laine is young but has good potential as captain and then there is Mickey (Faisal Halim), who has good leadership skills as well and captained us in some matches,' said Shahril. Selangor finished second in the Super League last season and also won the Challenge Cup. Shahril said the hiring process had taken place with coach Katsuhito Kinoshi monitoring new foreign and local players and they hoped to formalise the squad before the pre-season training officially starts on June 17. 'Together with coach Katsuhito, we are looking at several players to improve the team next season, to mount a stronger challenge in the domestic and continental stage,' said Shahril. 'We are looking at several names from Europe, South America, Southeast Asia and Japan. We have not confirmed the players yet but we look to secure them before pre-season training.' Although he did not reveal the names, it is learnt that the Red Giants are closing in on Brazilian striker Willian Lira and Venezuelan international midfielder Juan Pablo Anor Acosta, better known as Juanpi in the world of football. Lira, 31, last played for United Arab Emirates club Hatta and also had some Malaysian experience when he played for Kedah in 2023. Acosta, also 31, is currently contracted with Greek Super League club Volos and has played for Venezuela 27 times in his career. Indonesian international midfielder Eliano Reijndeers came close to joining the club but Shahril said the deal was off but he expected a big-name signing from the Southeast Asian region. 'We are working on deals and would look to get big names to the club. But we also note the fact that we can't be spending over zealously. 'Plus getting top Southeast Asian players is a challenge as well, so that is something we are dealing with as well. 'We have to be prudent with our finances and learn from what has been happening in the league, especially with some sides looking to leave the league. We have to be smart with how we do business.'
Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Forum: Sailors' valiant run should spark lasting revival in local football
The Lion City Sailors' narrow 2-1 loss to Sharjah FC in the AFC Champions League Two final was heartbreaking, but their historic run is something Singapore can be proud of . As the first local club to reach a continental final, the Sailors have shown that with belief, discipline and teamwork, Singapore teams can stand toe to toe with some of Asia's best. Their campaign, marked by victories over regional powerhouses and a dramatic semi-final win, is a testament to their resilience and hunger. The final was a roller coaster of emotions. Still, the electrifying atmosphere was a rare and heartening sight for the local football scene. Let us not allow this momentum to fade. The Sailors' inspiring journey has rekindled belief in the potential of Singapore football. I hope this level of support continues and spills over into our domestic league. With stronger promotion and sustained investment in local talent, we can build a solid foundation for the future. Perhaps one day, a Singapore team will go all the way and lift a continental trophy. Gabriel Chia More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Observer
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Sharjah beat Sailors to claim AFC CL2 glory
SINGAPORE: Sharjah FC claimed the AFC Champions League Two 2024-25 title with a dramatic 2-1 win over Singapore's Lion City Sailors at Bishan Stadium on Sunday as Marcus Meloni scored deep into added time to secure victory for the side from the United Arab Emirates. The final looked to be heading for extra-time when Lion City's Maxime Lestienne cancelled out Firas Ben Arbi's 74th minute goal but Meloni struck in the 97th minute to give Sharjah head coach Cosmin Olaroiu the perfect send off before he takes over as UAE national team boss. Sharjah become the first club from the country to lift the title and follow in the footsteps of domestic rivals Al Ain, who won the AFC Champions League in 2003 and 2024, in becoming the only outfits from the Gulf state to taste continental glory. Sharjah's Meloni had an early sight of goal but his free-kick from distance was comfortably dealt with by Lion City goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud as both teams took time to impose themselves on the game. The home side shaded proceedings, with Bart Ramselaar denied the opener when his driven strike from the edge of the area was blocked by central defender Shaheen Abdalla and goalkeeper Adel al Hosani's batted the ball to safety after it looped towards goal. Caio Lucas almost unlocked the Lion City defence with 11 minutes left in the half, the Brazil-born winger swinging a right-foot cross in from close to the left touchline that an on-rushing Ben Arbi only narrowly missed reaching to beat Izwan. The game was starting to open up and Diogo Costa almost put the Sailors in front moments later, the Portuguese winger hitting the base of Al Hosani's right post with a powerful left-foot strike from the edge of the area. MELONI HITS WINNER Lion City midfielder Song Ui-young skied his first-time effort well off target inside the opening five minutes of the second half while Ramselaar started and almost finished a flowing move through the centre that ended with the ball flying over the bar. Ousmane Camara squandered a gilt-edged opportunity with 21 minutes remaining, rising highest to meet Meloni's corner from the right only to steer his header marginally wide of Izwan's left post. With 16 minutes remaining, however, Sharjah found their way through. Caio Lucas swung the ball over from the left corner of the area towards Khaleed Ebraheim as the full-back galloped into space behind the Lion City defence and his first-time centre as he slid along the turf found Ben Arbi at the far post and he finished with aplomb. The clock had barely ticked over into added time when Lestienne levelled, the prolific Belgian lashing a low left-foot shot through a defender's leg and past Al Hosni to raise the possibility of extra-time. But Meloni won the title for Sharjah six minutes later when he moved the ball onto his right foot on the left side of the Lion City penalty area and bent an unstoppable low shot beyond Izwan to seal a remarkable win. — AFC
