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.