Can the Lion City Sailors get the better of Japanese giants Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) Two quarter-finals on 5 March?
The answer seems obvious to most followers.
The Sailors have already made history by becoming the first Singaporean club to reach this stage but can they go even further?
This marks the Sailors’ toughest challenge yet, with Sanfrecce, three-time J1 League champions, emerging as pre-tournament favourites.
The Japanese side, ranked 132nd in the Opta Power Rankings, boast one of the most prolific attacks in the region, scoring 72 goals in the league last season.
They remain unbeaten in ACL Two with seven wins in eight matches.
Sanfrecce head coach Michael Skibbe acknowledged the strength of the competition but is confident in his team’s abilities.
“It is an honour to compete in this tournament, and so far, it has been a very interesting journey.
“From this stage onward, I believe it will be incredibly challenging for all eight remaining teams, as each of them is capable of winning the title.” he said.
Despite the imposing challenge, the Sailors are undeterred.
The Singapore club has defied expectations by becoming the only Southeast Asian team to reach the last eight, overcoming top clubs from Shanghai Port and Bangkok United along the way.
Head coach Aleksandar Rankovic is optimistic about his team’s chances.
“I’m very confident because this team has a great mentality. Being the first team in Singapore football history to reach this stage and facing an opponent of this level says a lot about the character of these players. They deserve full credit for what they’ve achieved.” said Rankovic.
Sanfrecce will be without influential playmaker Tolgay Arslan, but the Japanese side’s depth remains formidable, with new signing Valère Germain expected to step up.
The Sailors, meanwhile, will miss Song Uiyoung through suspension, adding to the challenge of playing in chilly conditions during the Ramadan fasting period.
However, the Sailors are no strangers to adversity.
Midfielder Hami Syahin, a key figure in their campaign, remains unfazed.
“We’ve been through this before, playing during Ramadan.
“Our game is also after we break our fast, so I don’t think it will be a problem for us. We are professionals, we have to adapt quickly and give our best on the pitch.” said Hami.
MAIN PHOTO: LION CITY SAILORS