In a historic night for Emirati football, Sharjah FC lifted the AFC Champions League Two trophy after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Singapore’s Lion City Sailors at Bishan Stadium. The match, filled with drama, tactical brilliance, and moments of individual brilliance, marked Sharjah’s first-ever continental title, cementing their place among Asia’s elite clubs.
The match saw strong support from local fans, with hopes that this enthusiasm will continue in domestic competitions. Nicole Yang, a local supporter, described the atmosphere as electrifying and expressed her hope for continued support for Singapore football.
The event was a memorable one, showcasing the determination and spirit of both teams, and leaving a lasting impact on the fans and the football community in Singapore.
This victory is not just a triumph for Sharjah but also a significant milestone for UAE football, proving that the country’s clubs can compete and succeed at the highest level. In this blog, we’ll break down:
Sharjah FC’s Journey
Sharjah FC, one of the UAE’s most decorated clubs, entered the AFC Champions League Two (Asia’s second-tier continental competition) with high expectations. Under the guidance of manager Cosmin Olăroiu, the “King” navigated a tough group stage, defeating teams like Al Riffa (Bahrain) and Al Ansar (Lebanon).
- Group Stage: Dominated with 4 wins, 1 draw
- Knockout Rounds: Edged past Al Kuwait SC in the semifinals with a 3-2 aggregate win
Lion City Sailors’ Rise
Singapore’s Lion City Sailors, backed by billionaire Forrest Li, have rapidly become a force in Asian football. With stars like Maxime Lestienne and Diego Lopes, they stormed through the tournament, including a stunning 4-1 win over PSM Makassar in the semis.
- First Singaporean club to reach a continental final
- Attacking style under coach Aleksandar Ranković
Summary of the AFC Champions League Two Final:
- Match Overview:
- Date: 18th May
- Venue: Bishan Stadium, Singapore
- Teams: Lion City Sailors (Singapore) vs. Sharjah FC (United Arab Emirates).
- Attendance: The stadium was nearly full with 9,737 spectators.
2. Match Highlights:
- Equalizer: Maxime Estienne scored in the first minute of stoppage time, biasing to the winning side.
- Winning Goal: Sharjah’s Marcus Meloni scored the decisive goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time, securing a 2-1 victory for Sharjah FC.
3. Post-Match Reactions:
- Sailors’ Disappointment: Sailors captain Hariss Harun expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the team’s historic achievement but lamenting the missed opportunity to win the final.
- Sharjah’s Celebration: Sharjah FC celebrated their victory, with their 500 travelling fans joining in the celebrations.
4. Key Moments:
- Sharjah’s First Goal: Caio Lucas set up Khaled Ibrahim, who assisted Firas Ben Larbi for Sharjah’s first goal in the 74th minute.
- Sailors’ Equalizer: Lestienne scored from Diogo Costa’s cross in stoppage time, briefly raising hopes for extra time.
- Sharjah’s Winning Goal: Meloni found space inside the box and scored the winning goal, silencing the stadium.
5. Financial Rewards:
- Prize Money: Sharjah FC received US$2.5 million, while the Sailors earned US$1 million.
6. Historic Achievement:
- First Continental Final: They were the first team from Singapore who landed to the final.
- Privatization: The Sailors were the first privatized football team, established in 2020.
7. Statements from Officials:
- President Tharman Shanmugaratnam: He commended the players and coaches for their hard work and emphasized the importance of the international competitive spirit.
- Sailors Coach Aleksandar Rankovic: He emphasized the importance of dreaming and believing, noting the team’s underdog status and their remarkable journey.
- Sharjah Coach Cosmin Olaroiu: He welcomed winning a continental trophy and his aim to compete in the Cup.
8. Sailors’ Journey to the Final:
- Group Stage: The Sailors topped Group F, ahead of Zhejiang Professional (China), Port FC (Thailand), and Persib Bandung (Indonesia).
- Knockout Rounds:
- Round of 16: Clear overall victory against Muang thong United (Thailand).
- Quarter-Finals First Leg: Lost 6-1 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima (Japan).
- Second Leg: 1-1 draw at home.
- Round of 16: Clear overall victory against Muang thong United (Thailand).
- Semi-Finals: Defeated Sydney FC (Australia) with a 2-1 aggregate win.
9. Domestic Achievements:
- Singapore Premier League Title: The Sailors won the 2024-25 league title on May 10.
- Singapore Cup Semi-Finals: They will face Brunei DPMM in a two-legged semi-final on May 21 and 27.
10. Heroes of the Night:
- Miralem Pjanić (Sharjah FC) : 1 assist, 8 key passes – The midfield general controlled the game.
- Caio Lucas (Sharjah FC): 1 goal, constant threat – His movement troubled Lion City’s defense.
- Maxime Lestienne (Lion City Sailors): Scored a world-class free-kick – The standout player for the Sailors.
11. Support and Future Prospects:
- Local Support: The match saw strong support from local fans, with hopes that this enthusiasm will continue in domestic competitions.
- Fan Perspective: Nicole Yang, a local supporter, expressed the electrifying atmosphere during the match and the heartbreak of the late defeat.
This summary covers the main events and emotions from the AFC Champions League Two final. It highlights the important moments, how people reacted, and what the future looks like for the Lion City Sailors.
Sharjah FC’s triumph in Bishan will go down in history as a landmark moment for UAE football. With a mix of experienced stars (Pjanić) and local talent (Abdulrahman), they showed that tactical discipline and belief can conquer continental competitions.
For Lion City Sailors, it was a valiant effort, and their journey signals the rise of Singaporean football on the Asian stage.
What’s next for Sharjah?
- AFC Champions League Elite (top tier) challenge?
- More international signings?
One thing is certain: Sharjah FC has arrived on the Asian stage, and they’re here to stay.
