Month: June 2026
The Lion City Sailors Women reclaimed the Women’s Premier League (WPL) title in emphatic fashion on Saturday (27 June), as they capped off a remarkable campaign with a 20-0 victory over Hougang United at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium to secure a record-equalling fourth league crown.
Having spent much of the season chasing leaders Albirex Jurong, the Sailors never lost belief and ultimately edged their rivals on goal difference to complete a memorable turnaround.
“I think the word ‘resilience’ defines this team,” said captain Umairah Hamdan. “No matter how difficult the road was, we never gave up and kept going until the end of the season.”
Knowing victory against Hougang would be enough to seal the title, the Sailors simply focused on playing their game on the night. Fittingly, it was the departing Japanese duo Eri Kitagawa and Ami Takeuchi who led the charge, scoring six and five goals respectively in their final appearances for the club.
“We were fighting to regain the WPL title and we’re so happy we managed to do it,” said Ami. “It’s bittersweet because we’re champions again, but at the same time, we won’t be playing for the Sailors anymore.”
Raeka Ee, Seri Nurinsyirah and Nur Ain Salleh each scored twice, while Farah Nurzahirah also found the net in a scoreline that was further boosted by a couple of Hougang own goals.
The deadlock was broken in the 10th minute when Eri’s effort came back off the crossbar and bounced off Hougang goalkeeper Nurul Faizah, before trickling over the line.
Raeka blasted home to double the advantage seven minutes later, before the floodgates opened.
Four goals from Eri, two from Ami and another own goal saw the Sailors race into a 9-0 lead before the Japanese duo combined brilliantly just before half-time, with Ami’s clever backheel releasing Eri to score from close range and make it 10-0 at the break.
The Sailors’ relentless onslaught continued after the restart.
Ami completed her hat-trick before adding a fourth by the 52nd minute. Soon after, Farah’s inviting cross was headed home by Raeka for her third WPL goal of the season as the score became 13-0.
Farah then turned provider again for Eri’s sixth goal before getting on the scoresheet herself after capitalising on a mix-up in the Hougang defence. Ami rounded off her evening by netting her 60th league goal of the season to make it 16-0.
The closing stages belonged to the substitutes as Daniel Ong’s side showcased their impressive squad depth. Tia Foong’s cross was swept home by Seri, who became the club’s 19th different goalscorer in the league this season.
“It felt amazing to get on the scoresheet and contribute to the team,” said 17-year-old Seri. “Lifting the trophy here in front of our fans was an unreal feeling, and celebrating together made it even more special.
“Becoming four-time champions is something we’re all incredibly proud of. None of this would have been possible without the amazing support from our fans.”
Seri added her second in the 87th minute after Ain had headed home Tia’s corner, before Hougang’s difficult evening was completed in the 89th minute when Priscille Le Helloco’s cross was turned in by Ain, who reached double figures for league goals this season.
Remarkably, it was the second time this season the Sailors had beaten Hougang 20-0, having recorded the same scoreline back in April.
They finished the campaign with an astonishing 166 goals in just 16 league matches — an average of 10.4 goals per game.
Ami and Eri contributed 93 of those goals between them, which underlined the enormous impact they made during their time in Singapore.
“Even though the level of women’s football in Japan and Singapore is quite different, we still learned a lot from our time here,” said Ami, with Eri by her side. “It was a great experience because football feels the same all over the world.”
The former Urawa Red Diamonds forward also expressed her gratitude to Singapore before the pair departed on Sunday, with Eri returning to Japan while Ami hopes to pursue opportunities in Europe.
“Even though we can’t speak English very well, everyone in Singapore has been so kind to us,” said Ami, who finished as the league’s top scorer with 60 goals, 17 more than Albirex Jurong’s Ruriko Takashima.
“We’ll truly miss everyone because we’ve become so close during our time here.”
Eri added: “Everyone in Singapore enjoys football. Most players work before training and matches, yet everyone remains hardworking and fully committed. I really admire that.”
After the final whistle, the Sailors celebrated in special commemorative “Cham4ions” T-shirts as they reclaimed the title they had previously won in 2022, 2023 and 2024 before being dethroned last season.
“It means a lot because we lost the title last year,” reflected Head Coach Daniel Ong.
“It was a difficult season because I think much of our focus was on the AFC Women’s Champions League. We achieved some good results at the continental level, so we were determined to qualify again. That became the motivation behind our work every week, and the girls responded brilliantly.”
The Sailors had been forced to play catch-up after suffering a damaging defeat to Albirex earlier in the campaign, but a crucial 4-2 victory over their rivals a fortnight ago swung the title race decisively in their favour.
“That second win over Albirex was the turning point because we had to win to keep the title race alive,” said Daniel. “We analysed what went wrong in the first meeting, corrected our mistakes and managed to get the result we needed.”
The Sailors then followed that up with a 12-0 victory over Tiong Bahru to move top heading into the final round, with Daniel also crediting his backroom staff for keeping the squad focused.
“We kept reminding the girls about the objective for each game because it would have been easy to get carried away after beating Albirex,” he explained. “We hadn’t won anything yet at that point. We stayed focused on one match at a time throughout the season.”
Albirex kept the pressure on until the final whistle with a 10-0 victory over Tiong Bahru, but the Sailors ultimately prevailed thanks to a superior goal difference of +28.
The title also books the Sailors’ return to the AFC Women’s Champions League for the 2027/28 edition after they reached the group stage in only their second appearance last year.
“There are still many areas we need to improve if we want to compete at the continental level,” said Daniel. “For now, the most important thing is for the girls to maintain their fitness, and then we’ll build from there.”
Domestically, however, the Sailors are back where they believe they belong. Having scored 10 or more goals in nine of their 16 league matches this season, they will now look to build on this success and become the first club to win the WPL title five times next year.
“Albirex are definitely one of the strongest teams in the league because they have several experienced foreign players,” Daniel concluded. “We have a much younger squad, and composure is something we need to continue developing if we want to progress even further.”
Anderson Lopes seals move to Vissel Kobe
The Lion City Sailors can confirm that Anderson Lopes has completed a move to J1 League side Vissel Kobe for an undisclosed fee.
The Brazilian forward made 34 appearances for the club after joining from Yokohama F. Marinos in July 2025, scoring 19 goals and providing three assists across all competitions.
He netted 11 goals in the Singapore Premier League and added five more in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two – four of which came in a 4-2 victory over Malaysia’s Selangor FC, while the fifth proved the winner against reigning Indonesian champions Persib Bandung.
The two-time J1 League Golden Boot winner was also on target in the Singapore Cup final earlier this year as the Sailors secured a third consecutive triumph in the competition.
We thank Anderson for his contributions during his time at the club and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.
Six months, 15 matches, 146 goals.
Now, after spending much of the season chasing the summit, the Lion City Sailors Women stand on the brink of reclaiming the Women’s Premier League (WPL) title.
Only one hurdle remains: a final-day clash against Hougang United this Saturday (27 June) at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
Level on points with second-placed Albirex Jurong, who will simultaneously face Tiong Bahru at Bukit Gombak Stadium, the Sailors know that victory will guarantee them the league crown – due to their commanding 18-goal advantage in goal difference.
While several members of the squad were part of the club’s historic three-peat title-winning side from 2022 to 2024, for vice-captain Dhaniyah Qasimah and defender Irsalina Irwan, Saturday represents the opportunity to become WPL champions for the very first time.
The journey has been anything but straightforward.
Injuries, setbacks, and the disappointment of losing to Albirex earlier in the campaign tested the squad repeatedly. Yet each challenge has only strengthened the team’s resolve and has left them within touching distance of glory.
For Dhaniyah, who captained the side during the opening weeks of the season while regular skipper Umairah Hamdan was sidelined through injury, the campaign has been one of personal growth.
“It’s been a really rewarding season personally. Stepping into the leadership role when needed was something I took a lot of pride in,” said the 21-year-old.
“It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me to lead by example, support my teammates and stay composed even in difficult moments.”
Having previously finished fourth, third, and second in the league, Dhaniyah is now just one win away from lifting the elusive trophy.
“This title would mean so much to me. I’ve experienced the disappointment of falling just short before, so finally winning it would be incredibly special, especially after playing in this league for five years,” she said.
“Every challenge I’ve faced this season has shaped me into the player I am today. More importantly, I’m grateful to my teammates and coaches, especially Coach Dan (Daniel Ong), for constantly pushing me to become a better version of myself. But nothing has been achieved yet. We’re ready to give everything to bring the title home.”
Irsalina’s journey has been different, but no less significant. One of the youngest players in the squad, she has steadily established herself this season and now stands on the verge of winning the first league title of her career.
“I’m really excited and, if we do it, I can’t wait to lift the trophy with the team,” said the 19-year-old.
“It would be a very special achievement and something I’ve worked hard for throughout the season. It would be so rewarding to see all that hard work pay off.”
The teenager also revealed the biggest challenge she had to overcome during the campaign.
“I think my biggest challenge was bouncing back mentally after a difficult loss. I felt responsible for the result and it affected my confidence for a while. But with the support of my teammates and coaches, I kept working hard and learned to believe in myself again.”
That resilience has reflected the team’s collective mindset throughout a season that has repeatedly demanded a response.
For Dhaniyah, the defining moment came after the painful defeat to Albirex.
“No one understands how painful that loss to Albirex was, especially because we felt we had dominated the game. We were all devastated, and it would have been easy to lose hope,” she recalled.
“But I’m so grateful that we picked ourselves up, regrouped and stayed focused. We knew the title was still within reach, so we moved forward together.”
Now, with the finish line in sight, both players spoke of their pride in what the squad has accomplished.
“I’m extremely proud of the team,” Irsalina said with a smile. “It’s been a challenging season with injuries, setbacks and difficult moments, but everyone has shown incredible character. We never stopped believing in ourselves and kept working hard every week. To be just one win away from the title is a testament to the effort, commitment, and unity of everyone in this squad.”
Despite the magnitude of Saturday’s occasion, the Sailors are determined to stay composed on the pitch.
“I think it’s natural to feel some nerves because of what’s at stake,” said Dhaniyah. “But we’re confident and ready to put on a good performance after all the work we’ve put in on the training pitch.”
Irsalina echoed those sentiments.
“It’s a mix of excitement and nerves because we know what’s on the line. We want to finish the league strongly, but we also know we can’t underestimate Hougang. We’re staying positive, focusing on our preparation and doing everything we can to earn the three points.”
“We expect Hougang to be well organised. They work hard as a unit and can be difficult to break down. For us, the focus is on our own performance, sticking to the coaches’ game plan, and making sure we do our job on the day.”
Should the Sailors complete the task on Saturday, it would mark a return to the summit of Singapore women’s football and provide fitting reward for a squad that has overcome adversity throughout the campaign.
“It would mean everything to the club,” said Dhaniyah.
“Winning the title would be a testament to the effort, resilience and belief shown by everyone, from the players to the backroom staff.
“It would also make it an extra-special year for the club if both our men’s and women’s teams win their respective league titles. It reflects the club’s commitment to investing in and developing both the men’s and women’s game for the betterment of local football.”
With one final push required, both players had one message for the Sailors faithful.
“A huge thank you for all your support throughout the season,” said Dhaniyah. “Through all the highs and lows, you’ve always been there cheering us on. We hope to make you proud this weekend, so do come down and support us. It means so much to the team.”
Irsalina added: “Thank you for your support throughout the season. Your encouragement has meant so much to us and has helped us through some difficult moments. We can’t wait to see you all on Saturday.”
The Lion City Sailors Women scored 12 unanswered goals against Tiong Bahru in their penultimate Women’s Premier League (WPL) match of the season at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Saturday (20 June) evening.
The emphatic victory sends the Sailors above Albirex Jurong to the top of the standings, with Daniel Ong’s charges holding a commanding 18-goal advantage in goal difference heading into the final round of fixtures next weekend.
The manner of the win will further boost the Sailors’ confidence, as they produced another dominant display from start to finish. The irrepressible Ami Takeuchi struck six times, while Ami Kawase, Farah Nurzahirah, Siti Nurerwadah, Eri Kitagawa, Umairah Hamdan and Venetia Lim also found the net.
“Coming into this game, the girls were determined to do our best and score as many goals as possible to gain an advantage over Albirex in terms of goal difference,” shared skipper Umairah after the match.
“We knew we had to keep attacking throughout the game, so we enjoyed most of the possession. Overall, we stuck to our game plan.”
It took the Sailors just 10 minutes to break the deadlock, as Dhaniyah Qasimah’s low cross was swept home by Kawase for her 11th goal of an impressive debut season.
Three minutes later, the lead was doubled when Farah curled a superb effort into the top corner for her 17th league goal of the campaign. The forward came close to adding another shortly after, only to be denied by Tiong Bahru goalkeeper Lynse Sng.
The third goal soon followed after Takeuchi was brought down in the box. The Japanese forward calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending Lynse the wrong way to reach the landmark of 50 league goals this season.
In the 37th minute, Siti Nurerwadah added her name to the growing list of Sailors goalscorers this season, reacting quickest to head home after a rebound.
Priscille Le Helloco missed a good chance to make it five in the 39th minute, but Takeuchi made no mistake moments later with a composed finish to give the Sailors a 5-0 lead at the break.
After a brief respite for Tiong Bahru, the floodgates opened in the second half as Takeuchi continued her scoring spree. Eri’s corner was met by the prolific striker, who powered home a header to complete her hat-trick and showcase yet another facet of her goalscoring repertoire.
“My role in the team is to score goals, and I’m happy to have reached the 50-goal mark today,” said the former Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies starlet. “Regardless of the opponent, I always try to perform to the best of my ability.”
Arguably the move of the match arrived in the 52nd minute, when Farah, Eri and Takeuchi combined brilliantly before the latter smashed the ball into the roof of the net to make it 7-0.
Takeuchi’s predatory instincts were on display again seven minutes later as she controlled Dhaniyah’s cross before poking home her fifth goal of the evening.
Eri then got in on the act with her 27th goal of the season, weaving past defenders with a mazy run before applying a stylish finish to make it 9-0.
The Sailors reached double figures once more in the 69th minute when captain Umairah’s long-range free-kick deceived Lynse and found its way into the net.
“I would usually go for goal, but I initially thought the kick was too soft,” said Umairah. “However, Ami (Takeuchi) managed to block the goalkeeper’s view, which helped the ball go in. I’m really grateful for the teamwork and proactiveness.”
Remarkably, it was the eighth time in 15 league matches that the Sailors had hit double figures, with 18 different players getting on the scoresheet across the season. Yet they were not done.
Venetia rifled home from distance in the 76th minute, before Takeuchi rounded off the scoring 10 minutes later with a jinking solo run and finish to cap a memorable evening.
The six-goal haul meant the latter is now on 55 goals for the campaign – 15 ahead of nearest challenger Ruriko Takashima of Albirex in the race for the WPL Golden Boot.
There was also a significant milestone late on as Kayla Lim replaced Eri. At 13 years, 9 months and 17 days old, she became the 22nd Sailors Girls Academy graduate to feature for the senior women’s team.
The result leaves the Sailors firmly in control heading into their decisive final fixture against Hougang United next weekend (27 June), while Albirex will face Tiong Bahru in the corresponding match as the title race goes down to the wire.
“We are confident that today’s game has helped us move a step closer to reclaiming the WPL title, but we are not complacent,” said Umairah. “We will approach the final game ready to fight, play good football and do everything we can to win.”
With the Women’s Premier League (WPL) title firmly within reach, the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team Head Coach Daniel Ong is ensuring his side remains grounded ahead of Saturday’s (20 June) clash against Tiong Bahru at Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
Fresh from a statement 4-2 victory over defending champions and long-time league leaders Albirex Jurong, the Sailors know that wins in their final two matches will be enough to reclaim the title they surrendered last season. Having spent much of the campaign chasing Albirex, the breakthrough result has handed the initiative back to Daniel’s charges, who still have a game in hand.
Across the squad, there is a shared belief that last weekend’s triumph was as much about the collective spirit displayed by the players and staff as it was about the result itself.
“There are no words to describe the win against Albirex,” said Daniel.
“We only had a short window to prepare because of the international break, but the commitment, effort and dedication shown by all the players and staff was incredible. I’m truly grateful for that. I must say I’m blessed to work with such an amazing group of players and staff.”
The result also highlighted the resilience that has defined the Sailors throughout the campaign. After falling 2-1 behind, the team rallied to complete a memorable comeback.
“Leading up to that game, especially after two weeks apart, every one of the girls was very positive. We saw it in training. Everyone was pushing, fighting for one another and encouraging each other, even while competing for places in the starting 11,” explained the head coach.
“When we went 2-1 down, everyone lifted each other up and, in the end, we managed to turn the game around. The win was a result of the girls’ never-say-die attitude. It’s something our coaches have tried to instil from day one, and it’s rewarding to see the players embrace that culture.”
Vice-captain Syazwani Ruzi, who captained the side during the early stages of the season while Umairah Hamdan recovered from injury, echoed those sentiments.
“It means a lot to close the gap at the top of the table and put the title race in our own hands. Now, we want to finish the job and bring the title back this season,” said Wani.
“We’re a team that never backs down from a challenge. We know what it will take to reclaim the title, and we trust the plan laid out by our coaches. It says a lot about our character and spirit. We stayed united after losing the first meeting against Albirex, and proved in the second that we have what it takes to win.”
The experienced defender has witnessed that unity first-hand, particularly during a difficult start to the campaign that saw several players sidelined through injury.
“I’m very proud of the way this team supports one another. Even when players were injured, they still came down to cheer us on. They remain a huge part of the team, regardless of whether they are playing or starting. Every single one of them has an important role to play,” she said.
“We help each other improve both on and off the pitch, always encouraging one another to be the best version of ourselves. We understand each other well during matches, and that allows us to play with real cohesion.”
That unity has sustained the Sailors’ title challenge despite spending much of the season in second place, with the players also motivated by the prospect of earning another opportunity to compete on the continental stage should they lift the title on 27 June.
With momentum now on their side, confidence within the camp has naturally grown, and it is something the coaching staff have noticed.
Wani, who has been with the club for several years, is determined to help the Sailors reclaim the crown after last season’s disappointment.
“Personally, it would be fantastic to win the league again, especially after losing it last season following three consecutive titles. That disappointment made us stronger and even hungrier to win it back,” she said.
Despite the excitement surrounding the title race, Daniel has been keen to ensure his players remain focused on the task immediately ahead.
“I’ve been reminding them that the Albirex game is over. Our focus must now be on the next match. Most importantly, we cannot get carried away. We need to stay humble and continue doing the things that have served us well in training and matches,” he stressed.
True to their approach throughout the season, the Sailors are preparing for Tiong Bahru with the same level of attention and detail they would afford any opponent.
“We always prepare one game at a time, analysing what needs to be done regardless of who we are facing. Tiong Bahru have experienced players and we expect them to defend deep. We just need to remain patient and adapt to how they play and position themselves,” shared Daniel.
With the finish line now in sight, the Sailors know there is no room for complacency. But if the spirit and resilience that carried them past Albirex are anything to go by, they will head into Saturday’s encounter full of belief, with the league title tantalisingly within their grasp.
The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team produced a statement win on Friday (12 June) night, beating Women’s Premier League (WPL) leaders Albirex Jurong 4-2 in a crunch clash at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
Ami Takeuchi’s brace, coupled with a strike from Madison Telmer and a Sitianiwati Rosielin own goal, handed Albirex their first defeat of the season as the Sailors Women scored four times against a side that had conceded just two goals across their previous 14 WPL matches.
Crucially, the result moved the Sailors Women to within three points of Albirex. This means that with a game in hand and a six-goal advantage in goal difference (+130 to +124), the equation is clear for Daniel Ong’s side: win their final two matches against Tiong Bahru and Hougang United while maintaining that superior goal difference, and they will reclaim the WPL crown.
Captain Umairah Hamdan hailed the team’s collective effort after the match.
“Everyone in the team did an amazing job today. We worked together and moved as a unit,” she said.
“We were always covering and supporting one another in defence, and I’m proud that we did not cave in despite the tough moments. We kept our spirits high throughout, and I am confident that we can go on to secure the title if we play the way we did today.”
After surviving an early scare when Albirex’s Kana Kitahara dragged a shot wide on six minutes, the Sailors Women took the lead in the 14th minute.
Nur Ain Salleh was brought down in the box by Albirex’s Riho Katayama as she attempted to latch onto a lofted ball over the top from Ami, and the Japanese forward calmly converted the resulting penalty after the referee pointed to the spot.
Nur Ain went close to doubling the lead in the 26th minute, but her effort struck the outside of the post, before Albirex restored parity nine minutes later when Kitahara headed home from a corner.
Albirex took the lead for the first time just two minutes after the restart, with Sitianiwati rifling a left-footed effort into the bottom corner beyond the despairing dive of Sailors Women goalkeeper Izairida Shakira.
Still, the Sailors Women refused to give in.
After Umairah’s free-kick delivery was spilled by Albirex goalkeeper Talia Sachet, Madison reacted quickest to poke home the loose ball, becoming the Sailors Women’s 16th different scorer this season.
Back in Singapore during her term break, Madison was delighted to have made an impact.
“I was happy to get a goal today and to be able to contribute whatever I could to this game, knowing how important a win for us would be,” said the midfielder, who replaced Ami Kawase on the half-hour mark.
“I thought the team played really well today. We were clinical and created a lot more going forward. More importantly, everybody showed the desire to win the game and really fought till the end.”
It became 3-2 in the 70th minute when Sitianiwati inadvertently turned Eri Kitagawa’s corner into her own net at the near post, before the scoring was completed 20 minutes later.
After dispossessing Albirex debutant Reina Ikeda, the industrious Raeka Ee — who had come on in the closing stages — teed up Ami for her second of the night. The strike took the Japanese forward to within one goal of the 50-goal mark for the Sailors Women as she continued to strengthen her case for the WPL Player of the Year award.
The full-time whistle followed shortly after, with Umairah paying tribute to the Sailors faithful who had turned up in support of the team.
“The fans were brilliant, and the atmosphere was fantastic. As a player, I felt really supported and like they were pushing me as I pushed the team,” she said.
“I’m just very grateful for the fans. They were truly something else.”
The Sailors Women will now turn their focus to their penultimate match of the WPL season against Tiong Bahru at Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Saturday, 20 June.
“I’ve got one game left before I go, and I’m just hoping to contribute as much as I can by getting on the scoresheet and creating chances,” Madison noted.
“We still have a very strong squad, and I have full faith in them that they can bring home the title.”
The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team return to Women’s Premier League (WPL) action on Friday (12 June) after a month-long hiatus, with the stakes hardly higher as they take on title rivals Albirex Jurong in a top-of-the-table clash at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
The Sailors may trail the White Swans by six points, but with a game in hand and a slightly superior goal difference, they know their title destiny remains firmly in their own hands.
Ahead of the pivotal encounter, captain Umairah Hamdan believes the team’s unwavering focus will help drive them towards a crucial victory.
“Everyone in the team has been really looking forward to the chance to play Albirex again, and we have only one objective in our minds: to win,” said the 24-year-old. “We’ve prepared well, and we’re fully focused on delivering a strong performance and securing all three points.”
The first meeting between the two sides on 13 March ended in a 2-0 victory for Albirex, a result that has only strengthened the Sailors’ resolve as they look to make amends this time around.
“That game taught us the importance of being more clinical and composed on the ball. We need to seize our opportunities, be more decisive in key moments, and aim to get our goals early to put ourselves in a stronger position,” reflected Umairah.
Aside from that defeat, the Sailors have enjoyed an outstanding campaign, winning their other 12 matches while scoring an astonishing 130 goals and conceding just twice.
Umairah believes the team has continued to evolve throughout the season.
“We’ve improved significantly in our movement, understanding, and tactical play. We now have a much clearer understanding of how we want to play, and our chemistry on the pitch has grown stronger,” she explained.
“We have also developed a better understanding of each other’s strengths, which helps us move the ball more effectively and create better attacking opportunities.”
The majority of the squad, along with Head Coach Daniel Ong, returned from international duty with the Singapore Women’s National Team earlier this week for the final stretch of the season, with three matches left to determine the destination of the WPL title.
Despite balancing club and country commitments in recent weeks, Umairah has been encouraged by the squad’s commitment and mentality.
“The team’s mentality has remained incredibly positive throughout the season. The energy and atmosphere within the squad are always high, and everyone is hungry to keep improving,” she said.
“We play every game with our hearts on our sleeves and give everything for the badge. There is no complacency, only the desire to keep pushing forward.”
While Japanese duo Ami Takeuchi and Eri Kitagawa have dominated the headlines and the scoring charts, several young local players have also impressed, including Irsalina Irwan and Remi Ogawa.
“I am immensely proud of them. They have stepped up with confidence and shown great maturity throughout the season. It is never easy to take on bigger responsibilities, but they have embraced the challenge and made it look effortless. Their growth has been fantastic to watch,” lauded Umairah.
Albirex are expected to provide another stern test, but Umairah believes a combination of concentration, belief and strong support from the Sailors faithful can help carry the team to a vital result on Friday night.
“We are truly grateful for our fans. Rain or shine, they’ll be there for us at every game. Their support, passion, and chants create an incredible atmosphere that motivates us throughout the game.
“We are honoured to have people who dedicate their time and energy to support us week in and week out. To all our fans, thank you for believing in us. We promise to give everything on the pitch, play exciting football, and make you proud,” she said.
“We just need to stay calm, confident, and trust the work we have put in during training. Strong communication, good connections on the field, and being clinical in front of goal will be key if we want to come away with the win.”
The Lion City Sailors will begin their 2026/27 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup campaign with two blockbuster home fixtures against the champions of Vietnam and Indonesia.
The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) has officially unveiled the fixtures for the region’s premier club competition, with the Sailors set to host Vietnam’s Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC on 8 October before welcoming Indonesian champions Persib Bandung to Jalan Besar Stadium on 10 December in their opening two Group B matches.
The Sailors will then embark on their first away trip of the campaign, travelling to Cambodia to take on reigning champions PKR Svay Rieng FC on 17 December, before returning home to face 2025/26 Thai League 1 runners-up Port FC on 25 February 2027.
The three-time Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions will conclude the group stage with two away fixtures.
They will first face either Laos’ Ezra FC or Myanmar’s Shan United on 4 March, with the two sides set to contest a two-legged qualifying play-off for a place in the group stage, before rounding off their campaign against Malaysian giants Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on 1 April.
All three of the Sailors’ home fixtures will be played at the Jalan Besar Stadium as they seek a top-four finish in Group B to advance to the quarter-finals.
The knockout phase begins with single-leg quarter-final ties in May 2027, while the semi-finals and final will be contested over two legs, with the competition set to conclude on 30 June 2027.
The Lion City Sailors today (5 June) learnt their opponents for the upcoming 2026/27 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup, following the conclusion of the Official Draw at Studio RCTI+ in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The reigning Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions will face 2025/26 Thai League runners-up Port FC, 12-time Malaysian Super League winners Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), V.League 1 champions Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC, Cambodian Premier League winners PKR Svay Rieng, Indonesia Super League champions Persib Bandung, and the winner of a two-legged playoff tie between Laos’ Ezra FC or Myanmar’s Shan United, after being placed in Group B.
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The draw means a Causeway derby with JDT is on the cards for a second straight Shopee Cup campaign, with the Sailors having lost 3-1 away to their rivals in last season’s opening group-stage fixture.
It also means the Sailors will face familiar foes Persib for a third straight season in international competition, after meeting the Indonesian side on four occasions across the 2024/25 and 2025/26 AFC Champions League Two campaigns.
There are also tantalising reunions with opponents the Sailors have faced in the past, including Port, CAHN, a potential clash with Shan, while the Sailors will meet Svay Rieng for a second successive Shopee Cup campaign.
Meanwhile, Group A consists of Malaysia’s Kuching FC, fellow SPL representatives BG Tampines Rovers, the 2025/26 Vietnamese Cup winners (to be confirmed after 14 June), Indonesia’s Borneo FC Samarinda, the winner of the playoff tie between Brunei’s Kasuka FC and Philippines’ Manila Digger, as well as two Thai clubs in defending champions Buriram United and Ratchaburi FC.
The Sailors will fly the Singapore flag once more in the third edition of Southeast Asia’s premier club competition, with the group stage kicking off in October.
With matches played in a single round-robin format, each team will play three home and three away matches, with the top four teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals.
The previous edition concluded just over a week ago, with Buriram defeating Selangor FC 3-1 on aggregate to successfully defend their crown.
For the Sailors, the objective is clear: to progress to the knockout stages after falling short in the competition’s first two editions.
“The Shopee Cup is an important competition for us to measure ourselves against the region’s best, and we felt we ought to have done better,” said captain Hariss Harun.
“It’s an interesting draw for us, especially to face JDT and Persib again and also to come up against teams we have faced in the past. We want to qualify for the quarter-finals and try to make a deep run this time round.”
The Sailors’ full fixtures list for the 2026/27 ACC Shopee Cup will be confirmed in due course.
