[Match Report] Late Nakano Penalty Secures Crucial 1-0 Win
In Matchweek 19 of the Singapore Premier League, Albirex Niigata FC (S) welcomed Young Lions to Jurong East Stadium.
With the race for ACL qualification continuing, this was an important match for Albirex, where three points were essential.
The match began with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. Albirex kept possession and looked to push forward, but found it difficult to turn their attacks into shots in the final third.
In the 22nd minute, Takumi Yokohata carried the ball forward before playing through Yang Hyeonju, with Shingo Nakano eventually meeting the ball with a header. However, his attempt went straight at the opposing goalkeeper and did not lead to the opening goal.
Albirex came close again in the 33rd minute, when Katsuyuki Ishibashi played a sharp vertical pass into Yang Hyeonju. Yang quickly found Nakano, who took the ball into a shooting position, but his effort narrowly missed the target.
In the 38th minute, Yang Hyeonju delivered an accurate cross from the left side. Nakano, waiting in front of goal, controlled the ball and took a shot, but this big chance also did not result in a goal.
In first-half additional time, Nakano was brought down inside the penalty area and a penalty was initially awarded. However, following a VAR review, the decision was overturned.
Despite creating several chances, Albirex were unable to find the breakthrough, and the first half ended 0-0.
At the start of the second half, Young Lions began to create opportunities. In the 53rd minute, they launched a counterattack and managed to get a shot away, but goalkeeper Hassan Sunny made a solid save to keep the score level.
Looking to regain control of the match, Albirex strengthened their attack with fresh players from the bench.
In the 64th minute, substitute Nicky Melvin Singh delivered a cross from the right side, which Nakano met with his head. However, his header could not find the target.
In the 74th minute, following a corner kick, Kim Taeuk eventually fired a shot at goal, but his effort also went off target. Albirex continued to push forward and create chances, but the goal remained just out of reach.
Still, Albirex did not stop attacking until the very end.
In the 90+5th minute, Albirex connected through Yang Hyeonju and Nakano, before Nicky took a shot at goal. His effort was saved by the opposing goalkeeper, but Albirex won a corner kick.
From the resulting corner, Yang Hyeonju delivered the ball into the box, where Kim Taeuk fired a shot. The effort struck an opponent’s hand, and Albirex were awarded a late penalty.
Nakano stepped up to take the crucial penalty. Despite the pressure in the closing moments of the match, he remained composed and calmly converted, giving Albirex the long-awaited opening goal.
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Albirex stayed focused until the final whistle and successfully protected their lead. The match ended 1-0, as Albirex defeated Young Lions and secured three valuable points at home.
Thank you for your continued support.
【Next Match】
Singapore Premier League Matchweek 20
Sunday, 10 May, 7:30pm vs Lion City Sailors FC
@Jalan Besar Stadium (AWAY)
