Lion City Sailors beats Sydney FC to become 1st S'pore football team to reach the final of a continental competition

On a historic night for Singapore football, Lion City Sailors held on to a narrow advantage to overcome Sydney FC and qualify for the Asian Champions League Two final.

Despite losing 1-0 on the night, the Sailors had done enough in their 2-0 first leg victory to clinch a spot in the finals.

This means that for the first time ever, a Singaporean football team will be competing in the final of a continental club competition.

Overcoming the odds

Coming in as overwhelming favourites, Sydney was expected to rally strongly in the 2nd leg, but found it difficult to find a way past the Sailors, despite 29 shots against them.

Speaking after the defeat, Sydney FC forward and the lone scorer on the night, Joe Lolley, acknowledged the “fine margins” that ultimately proved decisive.

The Sailors will now face United Arab Emirates side Sharjah FC in the finals, after they dispatched Saudi club Al Taawoun 2-0 on the night.

The Final will be held on May 18, and is scheduled to take place in Singapore.

Top photo from Lion City Sailors