17-05-2025
Sharjah to face Singapore's Lion City in AFC Champions League 2
Pursuing the first title
Sharjah aims to secure its first title of the season under the guidance of Romanian coach Cosmin Olăroiu, who is preparing to take over the UAE national team. Having missed out on the ADNOC Professional League title and the President's Cup, the Asian title has become their primary goal to end the season on a high note.
Key players
The team relies on standout players, including Kaio Lucas, who has scored five goals and provided three assists in the tournament, and Luan Martins Pereira, the team's top scorer with five goals and two assists.
Training focus
According to the club's official website, the team conducted a focused training session yesterday, fueled by ambitions to write a new chapter in the club's history. Sharjah topped Group C in the group stage with 13 points and advanced through the knockout rounds, defeating Al-Hussein Jordan on penalties in the Round of 16, and overcoming Al-Ahly in the quarterfinals by the same method. They secured their spot in the final by defeating Al-Taawoun of Saudi Arabia 2-1 on aggregate in the semifinals.
Lion City sailors' momentum
On the other hand, Lion City enters the final with high spirits after winning the Singapore League title last week, marking their second local title since 2021. They topped Group F with 10 points, advanced past Muangthong United in the quarterfinals, and eliminated Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the semifinals, beating Sydney FC 2-1 on aggregate.
New format of the tournament
This edition of the tournament is the first in the history of the AFC Champions League 2 under its new format, featuring several prominent teams from the continent. It aims to enhance continental competition and provide an additional platform for Asian clubs to achieve regional success.
