ACL Two 2024/25: Sharjah FC Clinches ACL Two Title as Lion City Sailors' Historic Campaign Ends in Stoppage Time Heartbreak
- Hana Basir
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Sharjah FC wins their first ever ACL Two title, denying the record-breaking home crowd what would have been a celebration for the ages
From whispers of a dream to bringing it to life on the pitch, the Lion City Sailors delivered a performance in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) worth celebrating—no matter the final result.
Their journey to the ACL Two finals captivated the nation, and turned nearly all of the 9,737 fans at Bishan Stadium—save for one section of away supporters—into a unified sea of white and blue. It was, however, not meant to be for The Sailors as they ultimately fell to Sharjah FC 2-1 at the death, and were forced to finish as runners up.
The trophy was anyone's for the taking for majority of the match, with it being a fairly equally contested game up until the 74th minute.
A well played ball over the top found Khaled Ibrahim at the far post, who slid in to tap the ball across to Firas Ben Larbi. With Izwan Mahbud caught out, Ben Larbi tapped it into the net to break the deadlock with only 15 minutes left to go.
Izwan then kept his side in the game, diving across at full stretch to parry away Marcus Meloni's attempt on goal from a well-taken free kick.
Then, Bishan Stadium erupted as the amount of additional time was announced.
11 minutes.
With the fans pushing The Sailors on, Sharjah's defence began to waver as the home side began huffing and puffing.
Eventually—it all paid off, and it was none other than Maxime Lestienne who launched Bishan Stadium into a frenzy. In the first minute of added time, the Belgian latched onto a delivery from Diogo Costa and drilled it past Adel Al Hosani, resetting the battle for the trophy back to level terms.
Now with newfound confidence and adrenaline, Bishan Stadium was at its loudest—and to say that the fans were in delirium would almost be an understatement.
But it all came crashing down just five minutes later, as Sharjah's Meloni delivered a shot too powerful, ending the dream of a Singaporean team winning its first ever continental trophy.
Though a chance presented itself at the very last minute of added time, The Sailors were unable to capitalise on a scramble in the box, and it was eventually cleared away by Sharjah's defenders.
Nevertheless, The Sailors has created history time and time again during the entire duration of their brave ACL Two campaign, the fans’ unwavering adoration was on display as the players embarked on their lap of honour, even in the face of defeat.
It was a reminder that, despite the result, this was a night to be proud of for many—and one forever etched into Singapore football history.
Here are more highlights from the ACL Two 2024/24 final
Sharjah FC lifts the trophy and celebrate with their fans.
The win marks the first time Sharjah FC has won the ACL Two, as they join a host of West Asian clubs to have won the tournament.
Bart Ramselaar finds himself with a shot on goal in the 64th minute after a quick Sailors breakaway, but the Dutch's shot sails high over the bar.
Bailey Wright shows off his aerial prowess as the Australian defender rises up high to battle against Luanzinho Pereira.
Sailors fans celebrate as the linesman judges a first-half Sharjah goal to be offside.
Izwan Mahbud latches on to an aerobatic attempt by Firas Ben Larbi in the first half.
Veteran and long-time Sailors captain Hariss Harun led his time out and was instrumental in the midfield. The newly-elected FAS Vice-President then made way for Abdul Rasaq in the 88th minute, an offensive move by Aleksandar Ranković.
Maxime Lestienne races down the right flank, facing off against Marcus Meloni who rushes to block an oncoming cross from the Belgian.
Bailey Wright encourages youngster Diogo Costa after the latter shields the ball expertly from a Sharjah attacker, preventing them from stealing the ball in what would have been a dangerous position.
Hami Syahin slides in in an attempt to win the ball back from Majed Hassan as urgency begins to boil over for the home side.
The North Stand, together with the rest of the stadium turns into a sea of limbs after The Sailors equalise in the 91st minute.
Sharjah FC celebrates their second goal in front of the strong contingent of travelling fans. With only five minutes of added time to go, it was almost a sure match winner for the Emirati side.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam hands out the runners up medals to The Sailors during the trophy presentation.
The Sailors were also awarded the Fair Play award, accepted by captain Hariss Harun.