Lion City Sailors Were Held One All by BG Pathum United in Mark Jackson's First Match in Charge
An own goal put the Singapore side in front at Jalan Besar before Patrik Gustavsson levelled for the Thai visitors after the interval.
Lion City Sailors drew 1-1 with BG Pathum United at Jalan Besar Stadium on 17 September 2026 in their opening Group F match of the AFC Champions League Two, in the first competitive game of Mark Jackson's reign as head coach.
The Singapore side led in the 25th minute when BG Pathum defender Marko Nikolic turned the ball into his own net. Patrik Gustavsson equalised for the Thai club in the second half to secure a point in Singapore.
The Asian Football Confederation described the draw as a well-deserved result for BG Pathum, who came from behind after a first-half defensive lapse and are competing in only their second season of continental football at this level.
Jackson took over at the Sailors after his work visa was cleared. He won the AFC Cup with Central Coast Mariners in the 2023/24 season and later coached Buriram United to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite. BG Pathum, who finished fourth in Thai League 1, travelled with Chanathip Songkrasin and captain Sarach Yooyen in their squad.
In the other Group F match on the same night, Adelaide United beat Hong Kong's Tai Po 3-0 through goals from Ethan Alagich, Juan Muniz and Craig Goodwin. The Sailors reached the AFC Cup final in May 2025 before going out in the group stage last season.