Singapore Cup 2025/26 Group Stage Final Match. Albirex Niigata FC (S), who have advanced with 3 straight wins so far, faced off against fellow undefeated side Hougang United FC. With semi-final qualification on the line based on the outcome of this match, this was a must-win showdown for Albirex.

Albirex created chances immediately after kickoff. A coordinated sequence from a throw-in saw the ball linked through Jared Gallagher, Takumi Yokohata, and finished by a brilliant turn past the opponent’s DF by Katsuyuki Ishibashi, whose shot was denied by a superb save from the opposing GK.

18th minute – Hougang crafted a well-worked chance to earn a corner kick and successfully converted it, giving Albirex their first goal conceded of the tournament, as the opener was scored by the opposition.

After the goal, Albirex struggled to regain their attacking momentum, resulting in a period where they were unable to fully build on scoring opportunities in front of goal.

32nd minute – A short counterattack triggered from quick distribution by GK Hassan Sunny created a decisive opportunity through excellent interplay between Shingo Nakano and Katsuyuki Ishibashi. The final attempt came from Nakano, who aimed for the finish but was again stopped by the GK’s save.

Despite maintaining a constant attacking mindset and generating additional pressure during added time, the first half ended with the team trailing 0-1.

64th minute – Albirex finally brought the game back level. After winning possession high up the pitch, Ishibashi played the ball wide to Naoki Yoshioka, who delivered a direct low cross into the middle. Shingo Nakano met it with a powerful header, scoring a long-awaited equalising goal.

In the final stages, Albirex continued to dictate the flow of the match. In the 82nd minute, a shooting chance emerged from another combination between Nakano and Ren Nishimura, but the finish escaped them. In the 88th minute, Yoshioka sent in a precise cross once more for Nakano’s header, but it flew just above the crossbar.

In the 86th minute, the opposition produced a sharp counterattack that caused an uneasy moment, but GK Hassan kept his composure to control the situation. During added time, the opposition created one final chance from a fast break but the shot went off-target. The match concluded as a 1-1 draw.

With this result, Albirex S secured 2nd place or higher in the group stage, advancing to the semi-finals where Lion City Sailors FC and BG Tampines Rovers FC await.

【Next Match Information】
Singapore Cup 2025/26 Semi-Finals – 1st Leg
Sunday, 14 December, 19:30 vs. TBD
@TBC