Category: News
There will be a strong Lion City Sailors representation at the upcoming ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, with a total of 11 players from the reigning Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions being named in Gavin Lee’s final 25-man Singapore National Team squad.
Lions and Sailors captain Hariss Harun is set to feature in the biennial regional tournament for a record eighth time, having previously played in the 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 editions.
He will be joined by Lionel Tan, Nur Adam Abdullah, Hami Syahin, Kyoga Nakamura, Song Uiyoung, Shawal Anuar, as well as the Sailors’ four new local signings Ryhan Stewart, Glenn Kweh, Farhan Zulkifli, and Ilhan Fandi – forming a strong core that will represent Singapore with pride as they chase a fifth regional title and their first since 2012.
The Lions will kick off their 2026 Hyundai Cup campaign away against Cambodia this Friday, 24 July. They will then host Timor-Leste at the Jalan Besar Stadium three days later, before facing Vietnam away on Friday, 31 July.
The group stage concludes with a tense showdown with Indonesia back at home the following Friday, 7 August.
We wish our Lions representatives the best in the upcoming tourney.
All photos courtesy of Football Association of Singapore
The Lion City Sailors are delighted to announce the signing of Singapore international Ilhan Fandi on a two-year contract, as the club continues to strengthen its attacking options ahead of the 2026/27 season.
One of Singapore’s brightest footballing talents, the 23-year-old forward returns home after valuable spells in Belgium and Thailand, where he tested himself against different styles of play and gained experience at a higher level.
Ilhan signed for Belgian second-tier side KMSK Deinze in December 2022, before joining BG Pathum United in July 2024. His impressive performances saw him named Young Player of the Tournament in the 2024/25 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup, before he spent last season on loan with Buriram United.
The move marks a homecoming for the third son of Singapore football legend Fandi Ahmad, as Ilhan returns to the league where he first announced himself. He was named Singapore Premier League (SPL) Young Player of the Year in 2022 after scoring 17 goals to finish as the league’s top local scorer and help Albirex Niigata (S) lift the league title, earning his move overseas soon after.
Ilhan has also underlined his growing stature on the international stage. In Singapore’s decisive AFC Asian Cup qualifier away to Hong Kong last November, he came off the bench with the Lions trailing 1-0 to set up Shawal Anuar’s equaliser, before unleashing a stunning long-range winner to seal a famous comeback and send Singapore to the Asian Cup on merit for the first time.
Known for his intelligent movement, technical quality, and ability to combine with those around him, Ilhan offers far more than goals alone. Comfortable operating across the frontline, he links play effectively, creates chances for teammates, and possesses the composure to make a difference in decisive moments.
Sailors Director of Football Luka Lalić, who has known Ilhan since childhood, believes the forward is ready to take the next step in his career.
“I’ve known Ilhan since he was eight years old, and it’s been incredible to watch his journey,” said Lalić. “He has always had exceptional talent, but what stands out now is his maturity, work ethic and understanding of the game. His experiences overseas have shaped him into a more complete player.
“His performances for the national team have shown the quality he possesses. He’s intelligent, selfless in the way he links play, and has the mentality to deliver in big moments. We believe he’ll play an important role in helping us compete for honours across every competition.”
For Ilhan, the opportunity to work under Head Coach Jesús Casas, play regular high-level football, and continue his development ahead of the AFC Asian Cup were all key factors behind his decision to join the Sailors.
“Coach Jesús has worked with some of the best players in the world and our conversations have only made me more excited to start this new chapter under him,” said Ilhan.
“I’ve grown a lot as a player and as a person through my experiences overseas, but I feel this is the right project for me at this stage of my career. This club has ambitions not just to be successful in Singapore, but also to become one of the region’s top clubs – and that’s something I want to be part of.
“With the Asian Cup coming up in January, it’s also important for me to be playing regularly and competing in tournaments such as the Shopee Cup and ACL (AFC Champions League) Two. I want to put myself in the best possible position to contribute to Singapore, and I believe joining the Sailors gives me the most ideal environment to keep improving while helping the club achieve its goals and my personal goals.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the signing of Brazilian centre-back Hugo Gomes on a two-year contract, as the club continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Standing at an imposing 1.87m, the 31-year-old brings physicality, aerial dominance and composure to a Sailors backline that will be challenged on both the domestic and continental fronts next season.
A former Brazil Under-20 international, Hugo joins the club following a successful three-year spell with Vietnamese side Công An Hà Nội FC, where he played an integral role in one of the country’s most successful teams in recent years. During his time there, the club lifted three trophies across two seasons — including the 2025/26 V.League 1 title — and also finished runners-up in the 2024/25 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
Hugo also brings a wealth of overseas experience, having plied his trade in Spain, Portugal, South Korea and Qatar. Remarkably, he won three consecutive Liga Portugal 2 titles between 2020 and 2023 with three different clubs — Estoril, Rio Ave, and Moreirense — and has amassed more than 100 appearances in Portugal’s second tier.
“Hugo is an experienced and accomplished defender who will add further quality and depth to our squad,” said Sailors Director of Football Luka Lalić.
“He has competed in different football environments and understands what it takes to perform consistently at a high level. His game intelligence, composure on the ball, and defensive qualities will complement the players we already have, while giving us greater competition across the squad. We believe he will be an important addition as we compete on multiple fronts this season.”
Having faced both the Sailors and fellow Singapore Premier League (SPL) side Tampines Rovers in continental competitions over the past two seasons, Gomes believes Singapore football is heading in the right direction and is excited to play his part in its continued progress.
“I’m someone who’s always motivated by new challenges, and this Sailors project is one I’m very excited to be part of,” said Gomes. “This is a club with strong ambition and a clear vision. I can see the hunger within the squad to keep improving and to help take football in Singapore to the next level.
“Singaporean clubs have shown they can now compete against some of the best teams in the region. The Sailors reaching the ACL Two final last year was a fantastic achievement, and Tampines have also produced some good performances in Asia. Those results show the quality that exists in Singapore football, and that’s one of the reasons I am excited by this opportunity.
“I want to bring everything I’ve learnt from playing in different countries to help the team continue growing. Our objectives are clear: to stay at the top domestically and to go as far as we can in Asia.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the signing of Singapore international Glenn Kweh on a two-year contract, further strengthening the club’s attacking options ahead of the new season.
The dynamic left-footed winger joins the Sailors following his departure from fellow Singapore Premier League (SPL) side Tampines Rovers, where he registered 16 goals and 22 assists across three seasons.
After several years of steady development, the 2025/26 season proved to be a breakthrough campaign for Glenn. He underlined his growing pedigree on the continental stage by scoring away against South Korean giants Pohang Steelers in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Two while representing Tampines, before netting a superb brace for Singapore against regional rivals Thailand in an international friendly.
Known for his relentless work rate, tireless running, and ability to progress play, the 26-year-old is set to add energy and dynamism to the Sailors’ attack. Able to play on either flank, Glenn will give the Sailors greater depth and flexibility in the wide areas.
Expressing his excitement at taking the next step in his career, Glenn said, “I feel really proud to be joining the Sailors. This is a club with big ambitions, and that perfectly aligns with my own aspirations to keep developing as a player.
“I’ve grown a lot during my time at Tampines and I’m grateful to the club for giving me the platform to develop. Now I’m hungry to keep improving. I want to contribute goals and assists, and help the Sailors achieve success on multiple fronts.”
With 16 AFC Champions League Two appearances already to his name, as well as 31 caps for the Singapore national team since making his senior debut in 2022, Glenn brings valuable experience at both club and international level as the Sailors continue to strengthen their squad with top local talent.
“Glenn is a player who will bring intensity and positivity to the team. His versatility, work rate and willingness to put in the yards for the team will be a real asset for us,” said Sailors Head Coach Jesús Casas.
“He has grown tremendously over the past year and has already shown that he can perform in high-level matches. We believe he has the potential to continue developing and reach an even higher level with us in the seasons ahead.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the signing of Singapore international Ryhan Stewart on a three-year contract, which runs until the end of the 2028/29 season.
The energetic full-back returns to Singapore after gaining valuable overseas experience in both Thailand’s top flight and Lithuania over the past few years. Renowned for his dynamism down the flanks, strong one-on-one defending, and relentless work rate, Ryhan will add quality and depth to the Sailors’ defensive ranks.
The 26-year-old joins the Sailors following his departure from Kanchanaburi Power, where he made 25 appearances in the recently concluded 2025/26 Thai League 1 season, contributing two goals and three assists. He also featured in the 2023/24 AFC Champions League with fellow Thai side BG Pathum United.
Since making his Singapore debut in 2022, Ryhan has established himself as a regular for the Lions, earning 34 international caps to date.
Welcoming the club’s latest addition, Sailors Head Coach Jesús Casas said: “Ryhan is a player we’ve admired for some time. He brings intensity, discipline and a strong mentality from his experiences abroad. His ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch fits perfectly with how we want to play.
“We’re confident he will play an important role as we continue building a competitive and ambitious squad.”
Entering what should be the prime years of his career, Ryhan is excited by the opportunity to contribute to a club with ambitions not only to dominate domestically, but also to continue making strides on the continental stage.
“It’s a proud moment for me to sign for a club with the ambition and stature of the Sailors. Playing abroad has helped me grow tremendously, both as a player and as a person, and I’m excited to bring that experience back home,” he said.
“There will be plenty of big matches in the seasons ahead, and I can’t wait to get started with the team. I’ll give everything for this badge and do my utmost to help the club win every trophy possible for our fans.”
The Lion City Sailors are delighted to announce the signing of one of Singapore’s most exciting attacking talents, Farhan Zulkifli, ahead of the 2026/27 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season.
The dynamic winger joins the reigning league champions on a two-year deal after several impressive seasons with Hougang United, where his pace, direct running, and ability to beat defenders established him as one of the league’s most dangerous wide players.
Farhan’s immense potential was evident from a young age. He found the net just 12 minutes into his SPL debut against Home United in June 2019, becoming the league’s second-youngest goalscorer at the time at 16 years and 231 days.
Since then, the 23-year-old has gone on to make more than 100 appearances across seven SPL seasons, winning the 2022 Singapore Cup with the Cheetahs. His performances in the recent 2025/26 campaign also earned him a nomination for the SPL Young Player of the Year award.
Farhan’s move to the Sailors marks an exciting new chapter in his career as he joins a side competing at the highest level domestically while harbouring lofty ambitions on the continental stage. His explosiveness, creativity and willingness to take on defenders will add another dimension to the Sailors’ already potent attack.
“Farhan is undoubtedly one of the top talents in Singapore football right now,” said Sailors’ Director of Football Luka Lalić. “His speed and directness will give us an edge in the wide areas, and we believe he has the hunger and mentality to develop even further in our environment.
“He will bring plenty of excitement with his style of play, and we are confident he will become an even better player for both our team and the Singapore national team.”
Set to link up with several familiar faces from the national team, Farhan, who has earned 11 caps for Singapore, is relishing the prospect of competing in the AFC Champions League Two and ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
With the Sailors targeting deep runs in both competitions while aiming to retain their domestic crown, the winger is eager to contribute to the club’s ambitions on all fronts.
“I’m really grateful to Hougang United for giving me the platform to grow as a player and as a person,” said the winger. “Now I’m ready for the next challenge, and joining the Sailors gives me the best opportunity to continue developing myself.
“I want to learn from some top players here, push myself to the highest level, and most importantly play an important role in a team that is challenging for every trophy.”
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.”
