The Sailors advanced to the final 2-1 on aggregate and in the process became the first team from Singapore to qualify for an Asian clubs championship final.
The result takes Lion City through to a meeting with Sharjah FC of the United Arab Emirates, who defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun on Tuesday to confirm their progress to the decider.
Lion City’s progress was built on a determined defensive performance that ensured Ufuk Talay’s side were unable to overturn the first leg deficit despite dominating possession and creating a host of opportunities.
Anthony Caceres forced Izwan Mahbud into action in the ninth minute, the midfielder bursting down the left before cutting inside to direct a low shot towards the bottom corner. Izwan was equal to the task, pushing the ball wide via the post.
The home side thought they had reduced the overall deficit from the resulting corner, Jordan Courtney-Perkins stroking the ball over the line only for Adrian Segicic to be judged to have been in an offside position in the build-up.
Harrison Devenish-Meares dived at the feet of Maxine Lestienne to deny the Belgian a goal scoring opportunity as the half approached the midway point in a rare foray forward by the Sailors while Segicic’s strike at the other end was deflected narrowly wide.
Sydney FC maintained the pressure on the Lion City goal without reward, Rhyan Grant’s 43rd minute header also being ruled out when the former Socceroos defender found the back of the net in an offside position.
Lestienne curled an effort high and wide to provide a warning for their hosts early in the second half and Bart Ramselaar should have put the Singaporeans ahead moments later, firing over the bar when he had time and space inside the penalty area to pick his spot.
Segicic’s well-struck drive was collected by Izwan at the second attempt as the game entered the final 30 minutes and the 20-year-old was off target again with a volleyed attempt on the run as he met Grant’s cross from the right.
Patrik Klimala went closer in the 74th minute, powering a header towards goal that Izwan kept out with a perfectly timed dive to his right. Lolley was denied by the Lion City goalkeeper moments later with another headed effort.
Then, with five minutes remaining, Joe Lolley broke through as he lashed a low bouncing strike past Izwan into the bottom corner after Grant’s headed knock down but, despite their best efforts, Sydney FC were unable to score a second to take the game into extra-time.
