Latest news with #AsianChampionsLeagueTwo
New Paper
01-06-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
Lion City Sailors retain Singapore Cup to cement domestic dominance
Lion City Sailors completed a clean sweep of domestic titles with a fiercely contested 1-0 victory over BG Tampines Rovers in the Singapore Cup final at Jalan Besar Stadium on May 31. Adding the cup to their Community Shield and Singapore Premier League (SPL) triumphs, Sailors coach Aleksandar Rankovic described the club's first domestic treble as an "unbelievable achievement". "To win everything domestically and to play in the Asian Champions League Two final - winning it would have been a dream. But even without that, I think it's one of the best seasons in Singapore football," the Football Association of Singapore Coach of the Year nominee said. Fielding an unchanged side from their semi-final, second leg against Brunei DPMM, Rankovic opted for stability in what was his side's 58th match, including the 2-0 Community Shield win over Albirex Niigata last May. "I wanted stability in our play, and not to change a lot. We were much better in the first half and, if there was somebody who would score then, it would have been us... But credit to Tampines, they are a very good team, and they had a great season," the Serb said. Tampines coach Gavin Lee, also nominated for the SPL Coach of the Year gong, which will be presented at the SPL Awards Night at Orchard Hotel on June 1, conceded that his side were slow to settle in the game as they struggled to create chances early on. "In the first half, both sides were more cautious. It's something you see a lot in finals. We were overly protective in the first half. And in the second half, it was just reminding everybody that we're a very good team, we have good players. We trusted ourselves a little bit more," Lee said. With some Tampines players left in tears after the final whistle, he added that "we cannot allow one game to define our whole season". "Nights like this will hurt us, it stings us very badly. But the moment we have caught our breath, we get a few nights' sleep and get calmer, we will probably realise that this season we've done a lot of good stuff," Lee said, after leading his side to a runners-up finish in the SPL. Despite kick-off being delayed by 15 minutes due to the activation of the lightning warning system, the 2,766 fans were raring to go, drumming up a din. On the pitch, it was a more cagey affair, with neither side producing any clear-cut chances. The Sailors spent much of the first period camped in the opposition's half as Belgian winger Maxime Lestienne found joy on the right flank, linking up well with wingback Hami Syahin to craft a handful of left-footed efforts. However, those were easy pickings for the Stags' goalkeeper Syazwan Buhari, who was rarely troubled. At the other end, the Stags failed to create any openings, finishing the first half without a single attempt on goal as the teams went into the break deadlocked at 0-0. The Sailors drew first blood in the 49th minute when midfielder Song Ui-young pounced on a defensive error by fullback Milos Zlatkovic and played the ball out wide to Lestienne, who drove a low cross to the feet of attacking midfielder Bart Ramselaar. With his back to goal, the 28-year-old Dutchman swivelled and drilled his shot into the roof of the net for his sixth goal of the tournament, making him the joint-top scorer in the competition with Geylang International striker Tomoyuki Doi and Balestier Khalsa forward Kodai Tanaka. Toasting the goal, Ramselaar said: "It's quite special because I'm not a real striker, and to be in this list with a striker like Doi, it's really nice. But, in the end, it's about winning the trophy, and that was our goal. We made it happen, so we're happy with it." Tampines thought they had equalised in the 57th minute when forward Itsuki Enomoto tapped in a cross from playmaker Seia Kunori, but his effort was struck off for offside. A long ball in the 81st minute sent Ramselaar through on goal, but a heavy touch allowed Syazwan to rush out and smother the danger. With two minutes remaining, Tampines had another chance when a loose ball fell to Kunori, but his effort cannoned off the crossbar, leaving the Japanese to pound the ground in exasperation. "Really unlucky. I should have applied less power. Overall, it was a really tough game. A very short break since the semi-finals, but all of us gave our best," said the 24-year-old, who is in the running for the Young Player of the Year award on June 1. Tempers flared in stoppage time as a foul on Shah Shahiran by Ramselaar resulted in the Tampines midfielder headbutting the Dutchman in a fit of anger. The pair received warnings for their troubles but, after a video assistant referee check, Shah was given his marching orders, to end any hopes of a Stags comeback.
Al Etihad
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Olaroiu wants Sharjah to soldier on for more success
20 May 2025 00:45 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)Outgoing head coach Cosmin Olaroiu wants Sharjah to build on their Asian Champions League Two triumph, with the Romanian saying he firmly believes the future is bright for the one of the most successful clubs for the UAE domestically, Sharjah lifted their first major continental trophy after edging Singapore's Lion City Sailors 2-1 in a closely contested final on decider looked to be heading for extra-time when Lion City's Maxime Lestienne cancelled out Firas Ben Arbi's 74th-minute goal, but Marcus Meloni struck in the 97th minute to ensure Sharjah gave Olaroiu the perfect send-off, with the tactician to take charge of the UAE national team. "I am very proud and feel immense happiness. This is a feeling all those who contributed to this triumph should feel. This is for everyone, not only for Sharjah but for the entire Emirates. "The players did a fantastic job and it is only fitting that they finished with the trophy," said Olaroiu, who was not only given the honour of lifting the trophy but also was the 'victim' of his press conference being ambushed by his celebrating Sharjah players took a leaf out of the books of Al Ain, whom they emulate in ascending to the main draw in the Asian Champions League. When Al Ain won the ACL last year – the second time for the inaugural champions – the players barged into the press conference of Hernan Sunday, Olariou was given the same treatment, but also as the players' way of showing affection and bidding farewell to the coach who has spent a decade coaching Al Ain and Shabab Al Ahli before reviving Sharjah when he took over in 2021. In charge for almost four seasons, Olaroiu was responsible for a golden period in the club's history. "In my time here, we qualified for eight finals and won five of them. I leave with wonderful memories and I thank the club for the faith they had in me. There was a period this season when we had to make sacrifices and prioritise. We did that in the league when we saw that Shabab Al Ahli were already too far ahead of us."We also had to prioritise the players as there was a period where we had to play eight games in 27 days. It was not possible, and we had to rotate the squad and the results went against us. However, it was all worth it as our target was winning this trophy."Olaroiu said Sunday's victory should be the first of many continental triumphs for Sharjah. "I hope this is a new beginning for Sharjah. They have to build a new team, have a new mentality. We have enjoyed much success, but there should be more ahead."It will not be entirely different for the Romanian who has to navigate two tricky group matches for the UAE in the Road to the 2026 World Cup's Asian qualifying path. The UAE are placed third and must fight hard if they want to secure the two automatic berths into the Finals for each group's toppers. There will be some continuity there for Olaroiu as five of his Sharjah players are in the national squad, including Caio Lucas, who was adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the the Asian Football Confederation President, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, congratulated Sharjah for their title-winning effort at a capacity-filled Bishan Stadium. "On behalf of the entire Asian football community, I extend my warmest congratulations to Sharjah on this remarkable achievement," Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim said. "Their outstanding campaign, as well as Lion City Sailors FC's commendable performances, underscore the vibrant domestic football ecosystems cultivated by the Football Association of Singapore and the UAE Football Association, which have been instrumental in this success."
Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Spirited Sharjah rejoice after AFC Champions League Two final victory over Lion City Sailors
Sharjah FC coach Cosmin Olaroiu, flanked by captain Shahin Abdulrahman and goalkeeper Adel Al-Hosani, lifting the Asian Champions League Two trophy after a 2-1 win over Lion City Sailors on May 18. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR SINGAPORE – They have had to survive penalty shoot-outs in the last 16 and quarter-finals of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Two last 16 and quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, Sharjah were minutes away from being eliminated by Saudi side Al Taawoun, before they scored twice in added time to win 2-1 on aggregate. It was no surprise that the Emirati side brought the same of the never-say-die spirit to the final against Lion City Sailors at Bishan Stadium on May 18. After breaking the deadlock through Firas Ben Arbi in the 74th minute, they were pegged back by Maxime Lestienne in the second minute of added time. Instead of holding out for extra time, the visitors went for the kill and were rewarded five minutes later when Marcus Meloni's solo effort sent the 500 away fans, many of whom came dressed in traditional white thobe tunic, into raptures. Tournament MVP Caio Lucas, a 31-year-old forward, admitted to struggling with the humidity as it rained during the match, and said: 'It was hard, and some players were getting tired. 'In the second half, when I was sprinting and shooting, I could not see anything and I had to lie down. But we still try our best until the final whistle.' Fellow Brazil-born Emirati Meloni, a 24-year-old midfielder whose goal helped Sharjah become the first team from the United Arab Emirates to win Asia's second-tier club competition, said: 'We are very happy and proud. This means a lot to the players, the team and the country, because we worked very hard to get this title. 'We were talking about it during dinner one day, about our struggle throughout the competition. I'm happy to score for the team and for the coach, because he deserves this.' The post-match press conference was gatecrashed by the Sharjah players, who cheered and doused their coach Cosmin Olaroiu with energy drinks, having given a perfect send-off to the Romanian, who will take over as UAE coach from their next World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan on June 6. Olaroiu was vindicated for his decision to forgo the UAE Pro League title challenge to put in their best effort in the ACL2. In their last five matches, they dropped 11 points in the league to cede the championship to Shabab Al-Ahli, and lost in the President's Cup final to the same opponents. Their reward is a first continental title, along with US$2.5 million (S$3.25 million) for winning the final and US$3.28 million in all. The 55-year-old said: 'We had eight games in 27 days and we had to try to change players to avoid injury and be effective. 'Sometimes we have to sacrifice some competitions to be ready for another competition. We have to focus on the competition we have the biggest chance in. 'In the end our strategy worked, we had a target and we reached it. We are not happy to lose any game, but we have to accept the way we choose is not always smooth.' As Olaroiu moves on after winning five cups in four seasons with the team, he hopes Sharjah can build on the success as he attempts to lead UAE to only their second World Cup appearance following their debut in 1990. He said: 'I hope this is the beginning of a new era for Sharjah, that they will start to build a strong team with a strong mentality. I may be leaving but for them but I hope they won't stop here, that they will continue and be bigger and stronger. 'One of my dreams is to participate in the World Cup and I will do my best to achieve this. I think this fantastic nation deserves it for how they have developed the country and grown the sport.' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Advertiser
14-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Sydney reward Talay with new deal after finals failure
Ufuk Talay has been backed to turn Sydney FC's fortunes around with the Sky Blues boss awarded a one-year extension despite the club's failure to make the A-League Men finals. Talay will be given the chance to revamp Sydney's squad after a late-season implosion where they finished seventh and were knocked out of the Asian Champions League Two semi-final. Talay fell agonisingly short of a grand final appearance in his first season but Sydney's taxing second campaign under his guidance, where they juggled domestic and Asian commitments, eventually caught up with them. The 49-year-old had drawn criticism for his reliance on a gung-ho approach that made the Sky Blues vulnerable at the back following Hayden Matthews' mid-season sale to Portsmouth. "Last season was disappointing by our high standards, but this is a long-term strategy and we are making inroads," chief executive Mark Aubrey said in a statement. "In Ufuk we have a coach who has shown his ability to implement an attacking brand of football while bringing through young talent like Adrian Segecic, Hayden Matthews, Jake Girdwood-Reich and Wataru Kamijo. "Youth development and professional pathways have always been important to Sydney FC but with recent changes to the A-League they are becoming more important than ever. "However, winning trophies is a must for Sydney FC. That remains our ultimate goal, and we must get back to that." Talay will be given the opportunity to overhaul the squad and has set about making changes. Popular goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne has already been farewelled while Max Burgess is expected to also move on. Sydney are in talks with defender Alex Grant and Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres over signing extensions, although the latter may feel that at 32, his next contract may be his last to set himself up for life after football. "We are working on next season already and believe with some strengthening and changes we will see the success everyone at this club wants to deliver," Talay said in a statement. "We came close to making history in Asia and achieving something special last season and while it ultimately was disappointing, we were not too far away." Ufuk Talay has been backed to turn Sydney FC's fortunes around with the Sky Blues boss awarded a one-year extension despite the club's failure to make the A-League Men finals. Talay will be given the chance to revamp Sydney's squad after a late-season implosion where they finished seventh and were knocked out of the Asian Champions League Two semi-final. Talay fell agonisingly short of a grand final appearance in his first season but Sydney's taxing second campaign under his guidance, where they juggled domestic and Asian commitments, eventually caught up with them. The 49-year-old had drawn criticism for his reliance on a gung-ho approach that made the Sky Blues vulnerable at the back following Hayden Matthews' mid-season sale to Portsmouth. "Last season was disappointing by our high standards, but this is a long-term strategy and we are making inroads," chief executive Mark Aubrey said in a statement. "In Ufuk we have a coach who has shown his ability to implement an attacking brand of football while bringing through young talent like Adrian Segecic, Hayden Matthews, Jake Girdwood-Reich and Wataru Kamijo. "Youth development and professional pathways have always been important to Sydney FC but with recent changes to the A-League they are becoming more important than ever. "However, winning trophies is a must for Sydney FC. That remains our ultimate goal, and we must get back to that." Talay will be given the opportunity to overhaul the squad and has set about making changes. Popular goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne has already been farewelled while Max Burgess is expected to also move on. Sydney are in talks with defender Alex Grant and Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres over signing extensions, although the latter may feel that at 32, his next contract may be his last to set himself up for life after football. "We are working on next season already and believe with some strengthening and changes we will see the success everyone at this club wants to deliver," Talay said in a statement. "We came close to making history in Asia and achieving something special last season and while it ultimately was disappointing, we were not too far away." Ufuk Talay has been backed to turn Sydney FC's fortunes around with the Sky Blues boss awarded a one-year extension despite the club's failure to make the A-League Men finals. Talay will be given the chance to revamp Sydney's squad after a late-season implosion where they finished seventh and were knocked out of the Asian Champions League Two semi-final. Talay fell agonisingly short of a grand final appearance in his first season but Sydney's taxing second campaign under his guidance, where they juggled domestic and Asian commitments, eventually caught up with them. The 49-year-old had drawn criticism for his reliance on a gung-ho approach that made the Sky Blues vulnerable at the back following Hayden Matthews' mid-season sale to Portsmouth. "Last season was disappointing by our high standards, but this is a long-term strategy and we are making inroads," chief executive Mark Aubrey said in a statement. "In Ufuk we have a coach who has shown his ability to implement an attacking brand of football while bringing through young talent like Adrian Segecic, Hayden Matthews, Jake Girdwood-Reich and Wataru Kamijo. "Youth development and professional pathways have always been important to Sydney FC but with recent changes to the A-League they are becoming more important than ever. "However, winning trophies is a must for Sydney FC. That remains our ultimate goal, and we must get back to that." Talay will be given the opportunity to overhaul the squad and has set about making changes. Popular goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne has already been farewelled while Max Burgess is expected to also move on. Sydney are in talks with defender Alex Grant and Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres over signing extensions, although the latter may feel that at 32, his next contract may be his last to set himself up for life after football. "We are working on next season already and believe with some strengthening and changes we will see the success everyone at this club wants to deliver," Talay said in a statement. "We came close to making history in Asia and achieving something special last season and while it ultimately was disappointing, we were not too far away."
Perth Now
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Sydney reward Talay with new deal after finals failure
Ufuk Talay has been backed to turn Sydney FC's fortunes around with the Sky Blues boss awarded a one-year extension despite the club's failure to make the A-League Men finals. Talay will be given the chance to revamp Sydney's squad after a late-season implosion where they finished seventh and were knocked out of the Asian Champions League Two semi-final. Talay fell agonisingly short of a grand final appearance in his first season but Sydney's taxing second campaign under his guidance, where they juggled domestic and Asian commitments, eventually caught up with them. The 49-year-old had drawn criticism for his reliance on a gung-ho approach that made the Sky Blues vulnerable at the back following Hayden Matthews' mid-season sale to Portsmouth. "Last season was disappointing by our high standards, but this is a long-term strategy and we are making inroads," chief executive Mark Aubrey said in a statement. "In Ufuk we have a coach who has shown his ability to implement an attacking brand of football while bringing through young talent like Adrian Segecic, Hayden Matthews, Jake Girdwood-Reich and Wataru Kamijo. "Youth development and professional pathways have always been important to Sydney FC but with recent changes to the A-League they are becoming more important than ever. "However, winning trophies is a must for Sydney FC. That remains our ultimate goal, and we must get back to that." Talay will be given the opportunity to overhaul the squad and has set about making changes. Popular goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne has already been farewelled while Max Burgess is expected to also move on. Sydney are in talks with defender Alex Grant and Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres over signing extensions, although the latter may feel that at 32, his next contract may be his last to set himself up for life after football. "We are working on next season already and believe with some strengthening and changes we will see the success everyone at this club wants to deliver," Talay said in a statement. "We came close to making history in Asia and achieving something special last season and while it ultimately was disappointing, we were not too far away."
