A new chapter under Jesús Casas began in dramatic fashion on Saturday (28 February) night, as goalkeeper Ivan Sušak struck deep into stoppage time to secure a 3-3 draw for the Lion City Sailors against Albirex Niigata (S) in the Singapore Premier League (SPL).
In a contest that swung relentlessly from end to end at Jurong East Stadium, the Sailors fought back twice before Ivan’s extraordinary late intervention preserved their unbeaten start to the 2025/26 campaign.
Goals from Anderson Lopes and Tsiy Ndenge had earlier hauled the Sailors level after they conceded twice inside the opening 14 minutes. But when Albirex regained the lead midway through the second half, it seemed the hosts would spoil Jesús’s first game in charge, until the final twist arrived.
“We made a lot of mistakes tonight,” admitted the former Iraq head coach.
“It’s impossible to win with these kind of mistakes, but in the end I think the final score is fair. We still have to improve on some aspects, but this was a good and demanding challenge.”
The Sailors were rocked almost immediately, as just 39 seconds in, Ryang Hyon-ju cut inside and found the net to register the fastest SPL goal of the season.
Albirex doubled their advantage in the 14th minute when Ryang’s low delivery caused confusion in the box, before Hariss Harun unfortunately turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Abdul Rasaq Akeem.
Having conceded more than once in a league match for the first time this season, the Sailors responded with urgency. Bart Ramselaar went close on two occasions, while Diogo Costa struck the base of the post as momentum gradually shifted towards the Sailors.
And their persistence finally paid off in the 39th minute, when Tsiy drew a foul from Zulqarnaen Suzliman inside the area. Anderson stepped up to convert from the spot to reduce the deficit before the break.
“It’s not easy when you concede such an early goal,” Casas said. “At half-time I spoke to the players and wanted to lift their energy.”
The introduction of Shawal Anuar and Lionel Tan after the break injected further impetus. In the 54th minute, Diogo’s dangerous free-kick was only partially cleared, Shawal headed the ball back into the box, and Tsiy reacted quickest to fire home the equaliser.
Albirex, however, were not done. Komei Iida rose highest from a corner in the 66th minute to restore their lead and put the Sailors under pressure once more.
The visitors pushed hard for the equaliser in the closing stages, with Hassan Sunny producing a crucial save in the 94th minute to deny Shawal from close range.
But the Sailors’ equaliser did eventually come, and it came from the most unlikely source.
In the 98th minute, Ivan ventured forward for a final corner in a last roll of the dice. Diogo’s delivery dropped invitingly, and the Croatian goalkeeper produced a superb left-footed volley into the net, becoming the first goalkeeper to score in SPL history.
“It was not our best game tonight, but I’m happy the goal helped my team,” said Ivan.
“It’s a new energy in the dressing room, but we need some time to fully get to grips with how Coach Jesús wants us to play.”
The draw keeps the Sailors unbeaten alongside title rivals BG Tampines Rovers, who defeated Hougang United earlier this matchweek. While their lead at the top has narrowed to five points, having played a game more, Jesús remains confident.
“I have only been here for three days, but I am optimistic about the future,” he said.
The Sailors return to action next Saturday, 7 March, when they host fifth-placed Geylang International at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
