Category: News
What could make a 33-year-old feel like an 11-year-old?
For Christopher van Huizen, the answer is simple: football.
Indeed, his return to the Lion City Sailors starting lineup against Tanjong Pagar United on Monday (6 April) brought that feeling rushing back, as he marked his first Singapore Premier League (SPL) start since last October with an assured display in a commanding 4-0 win.
“Honestly, I was missing football a lot, and trying to get my position back in the team was really difficult because I had to deal with injuries along the way,” said Chris. “It felt good to start in the Singapore Cup against Balestier and against Shan United in the Shopee Cup in December.
“Then I had another ankle injury which kept me away for quite some time. So getting the opportunity to start again, I felt like an 11-year-old boy. It was an amazing feeling.”
Deployed as a left winger rather than his usual full-back role, Chris made an immediate impact, providing the assist for Lennart Thy’s opener before making way just before the hour mark.
“The last time I played as a winger was back in 2021 with Geylang International,” he recalled. “It reminded me of my time there, which was the last time I was regularly starting matches in that position.”
His thoughts also drifted further back to 2019, when he enjoyed a standout campaign, registering a joint-high 10 assists in the SPL while operating out wide.
Those experiences continue to shape his game today, with Chris drawing on his understanding of both winger and wing-back roles to contribute effectively in different systems.
“When I play as a wing-back, I focus more on defending, especially against stronger teams who attack a lot,” he explained. “I pick my moments to go forward.
“As a winger, you still defend, but when attacking, you need the energy to keep making runs and deliver crosses into the box.”
That versatility will be key once more this Sunday (12 April), when the Sailors take on Hougang United at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
The Cheetahs head into the clash on the back of a narrow defeat to Geylang International and sit sixth in the table. Notably, they are the only side yet to draw a match this season, underlining their unpredictable nature.
“These kinds of matches can be tricky,” Chris noted. “On their day, Hougang can be a really good team. We just need to stay consistent with our game plan and keep pushing forward.”
Having recently returned from injury, Chris is also clear about where he can improve.
“There’s still a lot of room for improvement. My decision-making could have been better in the last match, and my fitness is not yet at its best,” he said. “I could have linked up more with the forwards, especially with Bart (Ramselaar) playing in the middle, which makes my job easier.”
With 98 appearances for the club, Chris is also closing in on a century in Sailors colours, a milestone he is determined to reach.
“Playing 100 matches for one club is something I’ve always wanted in my career,” he shared. “I never managed to reach it elsewhere, so now that I’m close, I really want to achieve it here with the biggest club in Singapore.”
Under Head Coach Jesús Casas, wide players such as Diogo Costa and Nur Adam Abdullah have continued to thrive, and Chris sees that as a positive sign for the team’s future.
With experience on his side, he is also embracing a mentorship role within the squad.
“Nur Adam is definitely a player for the future. He’s very promising, and all I can do is push him and help him improve,” said Chris.
“I’m at a stage where I may have a few more years left, so I want to share my experience with the younger players and help the team in the long term.”
The Lion City Sailors made it three straight wins under Head Coach Jesús Casas with a composed 4-0 victory over 10-man Tanjong Pagar United at the Jurong East Stadium on Monday (6 April) night.
Goals from Lennart Thy, Bart Ramselaar, Bailey Wright and Diogo Costa ensured the reigning Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions moved eight points clear at the top, while remaining unbeaten with six matches left to go in the 2025/26 season.
And while Jesús was pleased with a professional display, he stressed that higher standards will be needed as the title race intensifies.
“I’m very happy with the win. There were quite a few positive aspects, such as the clean sheet, and how players like Song (Uiyoung) and Chris (van Huizen) were able to feature, and they were at a good level,” said the Spaniard.
“However, we need to keep improving in all areas. I thought our pressing was good today, but we dropped off a bit towards the end. We need to maintain our intensity throughout, because a game can change in an instant if we concede. I hope we can perform even better in the next match.”
With nearly a month since their last league outing, Jesús made one notable change, handing Chris his first start since 18 October, while Diogo retained his place on the right wing after an impressive showing against Balestier Khalsa.
The Sailors controlled proceedings from the outset, with Lennart testing Matt Silva early on, before forcing another save with a sharp volley from Bart’s cross minutes later.
Diogo then came close to opening the scoring in the 24th minute with a curling effort that drifted just wide, as the visitors continued to probe down the flanks.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 33rd minute. Deployed on the left wing, Chris delivered a precise cross for Lennart to guide home his 11th goal of the season.
The Sailors nearly doubled their lead before the break as Shodai Nishikawa produced a goal-line clearance to deny Lennart, while Diogo was unable to convert the rebound.
Jesús introduced Shawal Anuar during the break, and the change paid immediate dividends, as three minutes into the second half, the Singapore international surged to the byline and picked out Bart, who scored his first headed goal for the club.
Another Sailors substitute, Lucas Agueiro, also made his mark in the 65th minute, when his flicked header from a corner fell kindly for Bailey, who powered home a thumping volley for his fifth goal of the campaign.
Tanjong Pagar’s task became even harder in the 77th minute when Faizal Roslan was sent off following a VAR review for a reckless challenge on Diogo.
Despite the healthy lead, the Sailors continued to push forward and were rewarded deep into stoppage time, as Diogo sealed the win with an acrobatic first-time volley off Bart’s searching cross.
While the Sailors’ attack impressed, their defensive unit proved to be just as assured, with the Jaguars failing to register a single shot on target and allowing Ivan Sušak to claim his seventh clean sheet of the season.
And it was centre-back Bailey, who delivered at both ends, who was deservedly named Man of the Match.
“It’s always important to start the first game after a break with a win and a strong performance. We created many chances and could have scored more, but we showed clear signs of the style we want to play and were comfortable throughout the 90 minutes,” he said.
The Sailors return to action this Sunday (12 April) against Hougang United at the Jalan Besar Stadium, before facing Young Lions at the same venue the following Monday (20 April) in a crucial stretch of the run-in.
“Tampines are strong contenders and there are still plenty of games left, but we are focused on ourselves,” Bailey added.
“We’ve been in this position before, so it’s nothing new. Everything is in our hands and we know what we need to do. We just have to take it one game at a time.”
Fresh off an unbeaten Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup qualifying campaign with Singapore, Lion City Sailors captain Hariss Harun is already turning his focus back to the next task at hand — defending the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title.
While the Lions’ final qualifier against Bangladesh was billed as a celebratory occasion, it still required grit and discipline, as Hariss and his teammates battled to a 1-0 win in front of a partisan 30,105 crowd at the National Stadium.
“It was amazing to see the fans come out in huge numbers to support the team, and to end the campaign unbeaten is a fantastic achievement,” said Hariss.
“Performance-wise, there’s still a lot of work ahead of us. But overall, it’s a positive for Singapore football, and we’ll go forward with our hearts and minds in the right place.”
(Photo: Football Association of Singapore)
That same mindset now carries into club duties, with Hariss one of four Sailors involved in the match. He also reserved special praise for teammate Nur Adam, whose resurgence has been one of the standout stories in recent weeks.
“Having seen Nur Adam grow from a young player, he is much more mature and settled now,” Hariss said. “Ever since he returned from National Service, he has been putting in full effort into every training and match.
“He has earned his place for club and country, and he has the potential to hold on to that spot for many years. I’m glad to see his hard work paying off.”
With international football now behind him for the season, Hariss is fully locked in on the Sailors’ domestic ambitions. The reigning champions remain five points clear at the top of the SPL table, but the skipper is taking nothing for granted.
“We are ahead at the moment, but we cannot take anything for granted. The other teams are chasing us, and we still have to play them.
“To maintain that gap, we need to collect as many points as possible. That means full focus in every game until the end of the season, as defending the title is our top priority.”
Having previously enjoyed sustained success in the Malaysia Super League with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), Hariss knows what it takes to stay on top. Yet, retaining the SPL crown would mark a new milestone in his career.
“Defending titles is always difficult, and it gets harder with each passing year. Every season brings new challenges,” he said.
“It will be special for me and everyone at the club to defend the title, and it will give us valuable experience to push on in the years to come.”
Leading that charge is Spanish head coach Jesús Casas, who has made a steady start with two wins and a draw from his first three matches in charge.
“Coach Jesús brings a different style of football compared to what we’ve been used to. He has fresh ideas and is working to implement them into the team,” said Hariss.
“We faced some difficulties in the first game against Albirex, but there’s still a lot of adapting to do. With time, we will get there.”
Next up for the Sailors is a clash against bottom side Tanjong Pagar United, who are enduring a difficult campaign. But Hariss is wary of complacency, despite his side’s dominant recent record in the fixture.
“It may seem like a straightforward match on paper, but these are the games that can surprise you,” he cautioned. “Tanjong Pagar are most dangerous when teams take it easy, so we must stay focused.
“We have seven cup finals left, and we’ll give it our all to keep the SPL trophy with the Sailors. Our goal is to entertain the fans and bring the three points home.”
It was an evening to remember for Lion City Sailors Women as they made Women’s Premier League (WPL) history with a 20-0 victory over Hougang United at Bukit Gombak Stadium on Saturday (4 April).
The result set a new record for the largest winning margin in WPL history, overtaking the previous record of 18-0 set by the team against Balestier Khalsa in May 2024.
Ami Takeuchi led the charge with a remarkable nine-goal haul, while Eri Kitagawa and Nurhidayu Naszri both struck hat-tricks. Ami Kawase added a brace, with Venetia Lim, Wan Nashirah (pictured below) and Remi Ogawa all netting their first goals of the campaign to add gloss to the scoreline.
“It’s a good feeling to set a new record, but we didn’t focus on the scoreline,” said vice-captain Syazwani Ruzi. “Our focus was on ourselves, our playing style, keeping the ball and controlling the tempo.”
The Sailors made three changes from their 7-0 win over Tiong Bahru last weekend, while Hougang came into the match rooted to the bottom following a 5-1 defeat to Geylang International.
Hougang head coach Al-Ameen Maricar, a former Sailors assistant, was forced to name just nine starting players due to several unavailable players and that set the tone for what proved a long evening for the Cheetahs.
And the Sailors made their numerical advantage count within five minutes, when Venetia’s mis-hit effort was headed in by Ami Takeuchi. The Japanese forward then added a long-range strike before completing her hat-trick inside the opening 15 minutes.
Eri made it 4-0 in the 27th minute after capitalising on a goalkeeping error, before turning provider for Takeuchi to add another. Eri then got her second of the night soon after.
Ayu then joined in the party as she opened her account for the season with a close-range finish to make it 7-0, before Venetia headed in Dhaniyah Qasimah’s cross for her first goal of the campaign.
“I was determined to contribute and make a real impact,” said Ayu. “Now that I’m back in the starting lineup, I need to step up and prove my worth.”
Takeuchi then scored with a superb long-range effort to send the Sailors into the break 9-0 up.
The Sailors picked up where they left off after the restart, as Venetia set up Ayu to bring up double figures in the 52nd minute, before teenage substitute Ami Kawase struck almost immediately to make it 11.
Takeuchi then added three more in quick succession to extend the lead to 14-0, before Ayu completed her hat-trick in the 69th minute after neat work from Venetia.
“I’m really grateful to have scored a hat-trick today,” said Ayu. “I’ll keep working hard to improve, especially when it comes to taking my chances.”
The goals kept coming, with five coming after the 80th-minute mark.
14-year-old Kawase grabbed her second in the 82nd minute to bring her goal tally to seven for the season, before Nashirah lashed home to make it 17-0.
Substitute Remi added another and Eri then completed her hat-trick, before Takeuchi sealed the 20-goal victory deep into stoppage time with her ninth goal of the night.
The glut of goals meant Takeuchi brought her season tally up to 27 as she continued her strong bid for the WPL Golden Boot.
The emphatic victory meant the Sailors kept pace at the top of the table, while also boosting their goal difference to +72 ahead of Albirex’s clash with Tiong Bahru on Sunday (5 April).
Despite the one-sided contest, the Sailors were quick to acknowledge their opponents’ resolve with a depleted squad.
“Kudos to Hougang for their determination and resilience,” said Ayu. “It’s not easy playing with nine players from the start, and we wish them all the best for their other matches ahead.”
The Sailors Women will next be in action on 21 April against Balestier Khalsa as they continue their push for the WPL title.
There was renewed energy about the Lion City Sailors Women as they returned to winning ways in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) last weekend.
But for one player, it meant far more.
Making her first appearance for the Sailors since 2023, midfielder Venetia Lim marked her long-awaited return in style as she made her presence felt in the 24th minute with a well-weighted assist for Ami Takeuchi in a dominant 7-0 victory over Tiong Bahru.
The 22-year-old had spent the past two years studying and competing in Australia before returning to Singapore at the start of 2026. However, a frustrating patella tendon injury delayed her comeback, ruling her out for the opening two months of the season.
Now, as the Sailors prepare to face Hougang United on Saturday (4 April) at the Bukit Gombak Stadium, Venetia’s return has provided a timely lift to a side looking to build momentum in the title race.
For Venetia, stepping back onto the pitch was a moment shaped by patience and perseverance.
“There was a mix of emotions. I felt so thankful to be back on the pitch, but there’s no denying that I was nervous since it’s been a while,” she shared.
“I really wanted to do well for the team, and I’m glad to have contributed to a goal. But it was a collective effort to finish the move.”
Her performance offered a glimpse of what she brings to the side: composure in midfield, sharp movement, and the vision to unlock defences.
But the road back was far from easy.
“It was a long and challenging journey, with many ups and downs that were out of my control. But it taught me a lot,” she reflected. “I’m very grateful for the support from my family, friends, and physiotherapists, they kept me going throughout rehab.
“It has helped me become more resilient, especially in handling the highs and lows that come with playing at this level.”
Her time abroad also played a key role in her development. Turning out for Boroondara-Carey Eagles and Eltham Redbacks in Down Under, Venetia grew both as a player and as a person.
“The experience pushed me to match a higher level of intensity. Being out of my comfort zone also built accountability and discipline, which I carry into how I train now,” she said. “I hope to keep improving and contribute to the team’s goals this season.”
That growth has been evident in how she has reintegrated into a squad that has evolved during her absence.
“More than anything, I’m just grateful to be back. The team has changed, but the environment is still very positive. I’m thankful to be part of a group with so many players to learn from,” she said.
“The team has been very welcoming, and I appreciate the support from the coaches and my teammates, and especially Coach Daniel (Ong) for giving me this opportunity.”
With her minutes being managed carefully, Venetia remains focused on building her fitness and sharpness.
“My focus now is to keep improving each day. Whether on or off the pitch, I want to contribute in any way I can,” she said.
“I approach every game the same way — train well, learn, and be prepared. Hougang will be a tough challenge, and if I get the chance to play, I’ll look to execute my role and help the team get the result.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce that our Women’s Team has entered a strategic partnership with Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies, as both clubs look to promote the development of the women’s game in Singapore and Japan.
Focused on raising standards locally, this collaboration will provide the Sailors Women’s youth players with opportunities to experience the Urawa philosophy through structured exchanges and training camps.
A powerhouse in Japanese women’s football, Urawa has long been a breeding ground for top talent in the country. Notably, seven members of Japan’s recent AFC Women’s Asian Cup-winning squad began their footballing journey at the club, including 161-capped Saki Kumagai and forward Kiko Seike, who now plays for Brighton & Hove Albion.
Attacker Ami Takeuchi is also a product of the Urawa system, having progressed through their youth ranks to feature in the top-tier WE (Women’s Empowerment) League before joining the Sailors in February 2026.
The partnership will centre on two key pillars:
1. Youth Player Exchanges
Outstanding players aged 15 to 18 will be selected for overseas stints, with Sailors prospects heading to Japan to train with Urawa, while Urawa players will have opportunities to train with the Sailors in Singapore.
- Coaching Exchanges
Urawa will share their coaching methodologies and technical expertise with staff of the Sailors Women’s Team staff. In return, their coaches will also gain exposure to working in an English-speaking environment, and with a diverse, international squad.
Further initiatives will be jointly developed as both clubs deepen their collaboration, underlining a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of players and coaches through meaningful international exchange.
The Sailors look forward to building a fruitful and lasting partnership with Urawa Reds.
Normal service resumed in the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) as the Lion City Sailors Women swept to a commanding 7-0 victory over Tiong Bahru at the Bukit Gombak Stadium on Saturday (28 March) night.
Ami Takeuchi and Eri Kitagawa led the charge with a hat-trick each, while Nur Ain Salleh added another in a dominant attacking display.
The result marked a swift response from Daniel Ong’s side, who were looking to bounce back after their first defeat of the season against title rivals Albirex Jurong a fortnight ago.
The Sailors set the tone early and needed just nine minutes to break the deadlock. Ami and Eri combined neatly, with the latter lifting a deft finish over Tiong Bahru goalkeeper Larissa Ortmann to make it 1-0.
Ami soon turned from provider to scorer, doubling the lead in the 24th minute with a precise low strike from the edge of the box. Venetia Lim was the architect, marking her WPL return after spells in Australia’s second tier with Boroondara-Carey Eagles FC and Eltham Redbacks with an assist.
“I’m grateful to be back playing for the Sailors after a long time,” said Venetia, who was part of the club’s 2022 and 2023 title-winning squads. “The girls have been welcoming, and I’m thankful for all the support I’ve received from everyone, including the coaching team.
“I’m happy to have contributed with an assist, but my focus now is to keep improving and give more to the team.”
Tiong Bahru grew into the game midway through the first half, with Claris Gan testing Alysha Nasrina in the 32nd minute. Alysha, making her second start, was called into action again just before the break, tipping Lim Li Xian’s effort around the post after a swift counterattack.
Any hopes of a contest after the interval were quickly extinguished. Ami struck from range in the 47th minute to extend the lead, before Eri made it 4-0 six minutes later after weaving past defenders following good work from Farah Nurzahirah.
Eri came close to scoring her third on the hour mark, but saw her header from Dhaniyah Qasimah’s cross crash against the woodwork.
Ami, however, completed her treble in the 70th minute, taking her tally to 18 league goals, four behind Albirex Jurong’s Ruriko Takashima in the Golden Boot race.
“My role is to score goals, so I put pressure on myself to deliver in every game,” said the former Urawa Reds Ladies starlet. “That’s how I contribute to the team, and I know I have to keep improving.”
Eri was not to be denied her hat-trick either as she fired into the roof of the net from close range after Ortmann had made two initial saves to reach double figures for the season.
Ain rounded off the scoring in the 82nd minute with her fifth league goal, as the Sailors surged past the 50-goal mark for the campaign.
The victory also saw the Sailors close the gap at the top to three points, while Tiong Bahru remain without a win after six matches.
“To win the title, we have to win every game from now,” added Ami. “We’ve reset our mindset and we’re aiming to win every remaining match.”
The Sailors return to the Bukit Gombak Stadium next weekend to face Hougang United on Saturday, 4 April.
How a team responds to adversity can shape its season, and for the Lion City Sailors Women, Saturday’s (28 March) Women’s Premier League (WPL) clash against Tiong Bahru at the Bukit Gombak Stadium offers the chance to do just that.
A 2-0 defeat to title rivals Albirex Jurong two weeks ago meant the Sailors suffered defeat for the first time in 2026 and they now trail the White Swans by six points, albeit with a game in hand. It was a result that stung, but with time to reflect, the squad has emerged more determined to put things right.
“The loss hit us hard because we had worked really hard over the past few months for that game. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out the way we wanted. But that’s the nature of football,” said midfielder Nurhidayu Naszri.
“We learn and move forward. The team has been working even harder in training, and we see this as a small setback for better results in the future.”
Now, the Sailors find themselves at a delicate juncture, where they will have to balance the pursuit of the title with the need to stay grounded, play their own game, and enjoy their football. For Ayu, in particular, maintaining belief within the squad will be essential.
“It’s very important for us to maintain confidence after the loss. As a team, we need to stay united and move forward together. Instead of seeing it as a big challenge, we treat it as motivation to keep pushing and chasing the title.”
That unity has been evident in training this week, with the squad doubling down on their identity and sharpening the chemistry that has underpinned their campaign.
“The team’s mentality is strong. We’re coming together again, improving our chemistry, and training well. Hopefully, this will translate into good results in the upcoming games,” she said.
At the heart of that cohesion is the Sailors’ midfield, where Ayu plays a key role in setting the tempo and linking play, whether from the start or off the bench.
“We focus a lot on understanding each other’s movements and style of play. This helps us control the game better and set the tone for the rest of the team,” explained the 22-year-old.
That control will be vital against a Tiong Bahru side the Sailors are expected to overcome. But beyond securing three points, goal difference could yet prove decisive in the title race.
After struggling to convert clear chances against Albirex, the Sailors are determined to be more clinical in the final third.
“We want to improve on creating more chances and being more clinical in front of goal, as that was something we lacked in the previous game. We’ve been working on this in training, and we hope to show that improvement against Tiong Bahru,” said Ayu.
“We’re also aware that football is unpredictable. Anything can happen, and that’s what makes it special. We take each game one at a time and focus on improving step by step. For the Tiong Bahru match, we see it as a new challenge and aim to stick to the game plan set by our coach.”
A strong performance would not only boost their goal difference, but also restore momentum heading into the decisive stretch of the season.
For Ayu, the objective is clear — lead by example, influence the game, and help the team rediscover their rhythm.
“My personal goal is to contribute more to the team, whether through creating chances or scoring goals. I also want to stay composed, keep possession well, and distribute the ball effectively.”
Lion City Sailors full-back Nur Adam Abdullah has been named in Gavin Lee’s 26-man strong Singapore National Team squad for the upcoming March international window, alongside six of his Sailors teammates: Hariss Harun, Hami Syahin, Shawal Anuar, Lionel Tan, Akram Azman, and January signing Kyoga Nakamura.
The call-up is the 24-year-old’s first since November 2024, when he came on as a second-half substitute for the Lions in an international friendly against Chinese Taipei at the National Stadium.
Nur Adam has been enjoying a strong run of form, featuring in six of the Sailors’ last seven Singapore Premier League (SPL) matches since February – including successive starts against Geylang International and Balestier Khalsa before the international break.
“It’s always a huge honour to get a call-up to the national team and I have to say I really missed pulling on the Lions jersey,” said Nur Adam, who has earned 10 caps since making his national debut in November 2021.
(Photo: Football Association of Singapore)
“I’m going to work very hard during the upcoming centralised training so that I can earn another national team cap.”
With their international friendly against the Faroe Islands in Dubai cancelled due to safety concerns, the Lions will instead take part in a local centralised training programme before taking on Bangladesh on 31 March in their final match of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifiers.
The Singapore national team have already qualified for next year’s showpiece event following an important away victory over Hong Kong last November.
The Lion City Sailors brought Balestier Khalsa’s impressive Singapore Premier League (SPL) run to an end with a dominant 3-0 victory at Bishan Stadium on Sunday (15 March) night.
The Tigers had arrived on the back of a four-match winning streak, but goals from Diogo Costa, Lennart Thy and Anderson Lopes ensured the Sailors kept up their unbeaten start to the 2025/26 league campaign with 12 wins and two draws.
“We created a lot of chances today and also kept a clean sheet. We were in control throughout the match, but there is always room for improvement,” said Head Coach Jesús Casas after the win.
Jesús made two changes to his starting line-up, bringing in Shawal Anuar and Diogo for Anderson Lopes and the injured Hami Syahin. Meanwhile, Balestier were without influential midfielder Lazar Vujanić, who missed the match through suspension.
The Sailors began brightly and quickly asserted their dominance, but Balestier goalkeeper Hafiz Ahmad kept his side in the contest with a string of early saves. The custodian denied Lennart’s header, Tsiy Ndenge’s free-kick and Kyoga Nakamura’s stinging effort, all within the opening 18 minutes.
At the other end, Balestier’s in-form Croatian winger Jakov Katusa attempted an ambitious long-range strike, but the effort went straight into the arms of Ivan Sušak on the half-hour mark.
The Sailors’ persistence finally paid off in the 33rd minute when Akram Azman cut the ball back for Diogo inside the box, and the Portuguese rifled home from close range.
It was the 22-year-old’s third SPL goal of the season and his second against Balestier. His goal was made even more notable by the fact that he was deployed as a right winger for the first time in his career.
“I have never played as a right winger, even back in Portugal,” Diogo said after the match. “It’s never easy when it’s your first time playing in a different position, but I’ll always play wherever the club asks me to.”
Seven minutes later, Lennart doubled the Sailors’ advantage with his 10th SPL goal of the season, as he lobbed the ball into an unguarded net from outside the area after Hafiz had ventured off his line for a clearance.
After the break, Akram continued to cause problems down the right flank, and the full-back nearly added a third in the 54th minute when he met Bart Ramselaar’s cross with a header that struck the crossbar.
Akram also impressed defensively, producing a superb piece of 1v1 defending shortly after to deny Katusa.
Jesús then introduced Anderson for Lennart on the hour mark to refresh the attack as the Sailors continued to press forward, and Bart came close to adding a third goal following a rapid counterattack, but Hafiz was again equal to the effort.
On the opposite flank, Nur Adam Abdullah, who was making back-to-back starts for the club for the first time since August 2023, showed great determination as he surged into the box and almost teed up Anderson in the 78th minute.
But the Brazilian forward would not have to wait long for his moment. Harith Kanadi’s dangerous challenge on Diogo inside the box resulted in a Sailors penalty following a VAR check, with the Balestier full-back also shown a red card.
Anderson stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Hafiz from 12 yards for his eighth SPL goal of the season — his third in as many matches — as the Sailors saw out the rest of the game with minimal fuss to help Ivan secure his sixth league clean sheet.
It capped a complete performance from the Sailors, who finished the match with 27 attempts on goal compared to Balestier’s five. Diogo was duly named Man of the Match after an outstanding display.
“Diogo has the skill set to play in different positions,” said Jesús. “We need balance when attacking on both sides of the pitch. He scored a goal and also won a penalty for us tonight, so it was a very good performance.”
For some in attendance at the Bishan Stadium, Diogo’s display on the right wing evoked memories of former Sailors star Maxime Lestienne. However, the Portuguese midfielder was quick to play down such comparisons.
“Maxime is a legend of the club, and he can never be replaced,” Diogo said. “I faced him many times in training, and I learned a lot from those moments.”
With the international break approaching, the Sailors will now take time to regroup before returning to action.
Their next match sees them face Tanjong Pagar United at Jurong East Stadium on Monday, 6 April.
“Our plan now is to rest for a week, with the national team players going on duty soon,” Jesús revealed. “The rest of us will continue to train thereafter, and we will continue to push to put in more good performances for our fans.”
