In Matchweek 12 of the Singapore Premier League, Albirex Niigata FC (S) welcomed league leaders Lion City Sailors FC, who remain unbeaten this season, to our home ground.

The match burst into life right from the opening whistle.

In the 1st minute, Yang Hyeonju received the ball on the left flank, brilliantly dribbled past two defenders, and drove into the penalty area. He fired a sharp shot into the back of the net to give us the opening goal.

Riding the momentum, Albirex continued to press. In the 8th minute, Abdul Rasaq created another chance with a positive run and shot, as we completely controlled the early stages of the game.

In the 13th minute, Yang Hyeonju once again broke through down the left and delivered a low cross into the box. Nozomi Ozawa’s shot was initially saved by the goalkeeper, but Abdul Rasaq reacted quickly to the loose ball, eventually forcing an own goal. We doubled our lead early and firmly seized control of the match.

We continued to create chances through Yang Hyeonju’s attacking runs, generating multiple opportunities from the left side.

In the 21st minute, the visitors created a chance, but our defense remained composed and prevented any clear scoring opportunity.

In the 32nd minute, we faced a powerful long-range shot from outside the penalty area, but the goalpost came to our rescue.

However, in the 37th minute, we conceded a penalty following a foul inside the box. The spot-kick was converted, narrowing the score to 2-1.

Late in the first half, we nearly conceded from a loose ball following a free kick, but Nozomi Ozawa produced a brave goal-line clearance to preserve our lead. We went into halftime leading 2-1.

We started the second half on the front foot. In the 48th minute, Shingo Nakano met Yang Hyeonju’s corner kick, but his effort was desperately blocked by the opposition defense.

In the 54th minute, the opponents capitalized on a loose ball from a free kick to level the score at 2-2. It was a tough setback early in the second half.

In the 64th minute, Nozomi Ozawa won possession in the attacking half. The ball was played to Shingo Nakano, who linked up with Yang Hyeonju. Yang drove forward and took a shot, but it narrowly missed to the right of the goal.

Then in the 65th minute, Komei Iida met Katsuyuki Ishibashi’s corner kick at the near post with a well-placed header to restore our lead. The stadium erupted as we went back in front.

After that, league leaders Sailors launched a series of attacks, but our defense showed great resilience to withstand the pressure.

In the 88th minute, Katsuyuki Ishibashi skillfully turned past a defender from a long ball and was brought down inside the penalty area. However, after a VAR review, no penalty was awarded.

In the 90+4th minute, we faced a crucial moment as a header from a left-sided cross looked destined for the net, but Hassan Sunny produced a magnificent save to keep us ahead.

However, in the 90+8th minute, from a corner kick, the opposing goalkeeper scored with a volley, leveling the match at the very last moment.

The final whistle blew with the score at 3-3. Against the unbeaten league leaders, we took control from the outset and led three times, delivering a powerful performance. Nevertheless, it was a frustrating draw as victory slipped away in the final seconds.

Albirex will turn this disappointment into motivation for the next match and continue striving for further growth.

Thank you very much for your passionate support until the very end.

[Next Match Information]

Singapore Premier League – Matchweek 12

March 6 (Fri) 8:30pm vs Tanjong Pagar United FC

@Jurong East Stadium (AWAY)

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