In Singapore Premier League Matchweek 9, Albirex Niigata FC (S) travelled to the home of Tampines Rovers FC, who currently sit second in the table. With an eye on securing an AFC Champions League (ACL) spot, it was a crucial away fixture where Albirex needed all three points to push further up the standings.

Albirex created an opportunity right from the opening minutes.

In the 2nd minute, a miscommunication in the opposition’s build-up led to a corner kick. Katsuyuki Ishibashi’s delivery was met by Komei Iida, but his header struck the crossbar.

The visitors then looked to capitalise on mistakes while the opponents enjoyed spells of possession, aiming to create chances through quick counters.

In the 17th minute, Mamat broke through down the left flank. After combining with Nozomi Ozawa, Rasaq got a shot away in front of goal, but it was blocked by the defence. Shingo Nakano reacted to the loose ball, but his attempt was also denied, and Albirex were unable to find the breakthrough.

Two minutes later (19’), Albirex launched a quick counter from a second ball following a goal kick, but a collision with the goalkeeper prevented them from making the most of the chance.

However, in the 29th minute, Albirex were caught off guard from an opposition throw-in and conceded the opening goal.

After going behind, Albirex moved the ball patiently and searched for an opening, though they also had to withstand a scare in the 44th minute. The back line stayed focused to keep out a second.

But in first-half stoppage time, Albirex conceded again. A misplaced pass in their own half invited pressure, but Naoki Yoshioka’s determined recovery run helped prevent further damage. The teams went into the break with Albirex trailing 0-2.

At the start of the second half, Albirex made changes to spark a response, bringing on Yang Hyeonju for Rasaq and Syed Firdaus for Akihiro Iida to increase their attacking threat.

In the 47th minute, Yang immediately broke in behind and fired a shot, but it was saved by the goalkeeper.

Albirex took control early in the second half. In the 60th minute, Takumi Yokohata—making a long-awaited league appearance—was introduced to add further impetus in attack.

A minute later (61’), Yang delivered a sharp cross that created an opening, but Albirex were unable to turn it into a shot.

Then in the 75th minute, Yokohata cut inside from the right and combined with Yang and Ozawa, before Shingo Nakano applied the finishing touch to pull one back for Albirex.

Albirex continued to push for an equaliser until the final whistle, but the second goal did not come. The match ended 1-2, and despite a spirited comeback attempt, Albirex fell just short and suffered a frustrating defeat.

We will take this disappointment as motivation and come back stronger, preparing together as one for the next match.

Thank you, as always, for your passionate support.

[Next Match]

Singapore Premier League – Matchweek 10

Saturday, 21th February, 20:30 vs Young Lions

@Jalan Besar Stadium (AWAY)