The Lion City Sailors Women ended their 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) campaign with a 1-1 draw against Geylang International on Sunday (5 October) evening at Choa Chu Kang Stadium — a result that saw them finish third in the table with 36 points.
The Sailors looked on course for a final-day win when Dhaniyah Qasimah calmly converted a penalty in the 83rd minute, but their joy was short-lived. Four minutes later, Geylang’s Farhanah Ruhaizat struck a brilliant long-range equaliser to deny them all three points.
“It was tough, and there were glimpses of us pressing well, but it was just not enough,” reflected Dhaniyah. “The biggest lesson today is to play to the final whistle and never let your guard down when you’re leading. Football is 90 minutes, and anything can happen.”
The Sailors started brightly and came close to scoring in the 10th minute when Farah Nurzahirah forced Geylang goalkeeper Fadhilah Hassan into a save, sparking a goalmouth scramble that the forwards could not turn in.
At the other end, Sailors new signing Hazel Lim was alert to danger, producing a brave 60th-minute intervention to snuff out a one-on-one opportunity.
Four minutes later, teenage substitute Amelia Ng made an instant impact with a teasing cross that Dhaniyah cushioned into the path of Qarissa Putri, whose fierce drive towards the bottom corner was brilliantly turned away by Fadhilah.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 83rd minute when Farah earned a penalty after being fouled in the box by Geylang defender Elyssa Qistina. Dhaniyah made no mistake from the spot, slotting it confidently into the right corner for her fourth goal of the season since joining in February.
“As much as people say penalties are easy, it’s also easy to get them wrong,” she said with a smile. “I’m just happy to have converted it for the team. I’m usually more defensive, but I’ve been scoring a bit more this season, and I’m proud to have contributed.”
Captain Umairah Hamdan hailed the team’s hard work that led to the penalty: “It felt like a blessing. We were really pressing and dominating their box, so when the referee gave the penalty, it felt deserved. That goal on the final day was a reward for all our hard work.”
However, Farhanah’s late equaliser silenced the Sailors’ celebrations, and Syazwani Ruzi admitted it was a harsh reminder of the importance of focus.
“The penalty gave us hope of ending the season with a win, but we didn’t hold on. It’s a lesson that if you don’t give 100 percent until the end, you won’t get the result you want.”
With their domestic campaign concluded, the Sailors now turn their attention to November’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League group stage in Vietnam — their maiden appearance in the tournament proper.
“Today taught us about desire and purpose,” said Umairah. “It’s not just about individual effort. Every player must bring that same intensity and drive. Going into the AWCL, we need that collective determination every match.
“I’m so proud of everyone for showing up to every training session and giving their all. Whether you were on the pitch or on the bench, your energy and support didn’t go unnoticed. That spirit keeps us going as one team.”
For Dhaniyah, the focus is firmly on moving forward. “I’m new to the team and I know this wasn’t our best season, but we have to look ahead. We tried our best, and that’s what matters.”
