Lion City Sailors drew 1–1 with BG Pathum United in their AFC Champions League Two Group F opener on Thursday 17 September 2026 at Jalan Besar Stadium. Marko Nikolić’s own goal put the Sailors ahead in the 25th minute; Patrik Gustavsson equalised in the 51st minute.
It was Mark Jackson’s first official result on the Sailors touchline after the former Central Coast Mariners and Buriram United coach cleared his work visa this week.
How the goals went in
Giovanni Haag’s free-kick delivery caused the early breakthrough. Pathum defender Nikolić turned the ball into his own net while clearing under pressure, giving the home side a 1–0 lead at the break.
Six minutes into the second half, Chanathip Songkrasin slipped Gustavsson through and the Thai forward finished past Victor Aznar for 1–1. Pathum controlled large stretches after the equaliser and looked the likelier side for a winner.
Jackson’s first night
Jackson had only a handful of training sessions with the squad before kick-off. New faces still had to find combinations in the final third, and Pathum forced Aznar into late work to keep the point, including a stop from a Raniel header.
Matthias Phaëton carried threat on the left. Haag sat the midfield and nearly scored from a free-kick late on. Full-back Jorge Karseladze and Aznar were busy as Pathum pushed for a winner.
Group F picture
Both clubs take one point from Matchday 1 in Group F. Adelaide United’s result elsewhere in the group leaves the Sailors needing sharper away nights if they want two knockout places from a tight pool.
Final score at Jalan Besar: Lion City Sailors 1–1 BG Pathum United (Nikolić OG 25’; Gustavsson 51’).
