The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team were dealt a blow in their Women’s Premier League (WPL) title chase, as they fell 3-2 to Still Aerion in heartbreaking fashion on Wednesday (17 September) night.
First-half goals from Farah Nurzahirah and Sarah Zu’risqha had put the Sailors firmly in control, but a resurgent Aerion side turned the game around after the break to snatch all three points.
The result leaves the Sailors 11 points behind league leaders Albirex Niigata (S) — albeit with two games in hand — as the season enters its decisive stretch.
“This is a very tough loss to take under the circumstances,” admitted Head Coach Daniel Ong. “From here, we just have to take it one game at a time and see where it leads us at the end of the season.”
Second-placed Aerion had won eight straight games prior to this game, after bolstering their squad with mid-season signings such as Thanaporn Yimlamai, Jaruwan Chaiyarak, and Cambodian forward Yon Yoeurn.
Nonetheless, the Sailors made a blistering start at Clementi Stadium, taking the lead after just five minutes when Farah latched onto a clever pass from Syazwani Ruzi and coolly slotted home to net for the third game in a row.
Sarah soon doubled the advantage in the 38th minute with a stunning free-kick into the bottom corner, taking her tally to 11 for the season and giving the Sailors a two-goal cushion at the break.
“During half-time, we talked about keeping up the momentum, staying aggressive and pushing for more goals,” shared captain Umairah Hamdan. “We knew we had the chance to control the game, so it was about staying sharp and focused.”
While the Sailors dominated the first 45 minutes, the second half told a different story.
Just four minutes after the restart, Thailand international Sunisa Srangthaisong powered down the right and rifled home to spark Aerion’s comeback.
The Sailors looked to respond immediately, as Sarah drew a sharp save from Aerion goalkeeper Lutfiah Hannah, while substitute Putri Alyiah Seow also saw her effort denied before being forced off with an unfortunate knee injury.
Then came the late heartbreak.
In the 91st minute, Sunisa’s cutback was inadvertently turned into her own net by Umairah, and with virtually the last action of the game, Nurul Unaisah rose highest from a corner to head past Izairida Shakira and seal the win for Aerion.
“Looking back, we could’ve been a bit more composed,” reflected Umairah. “At times we were flustered and rushed when we could have controlled the ball better. But everyone gave their all, and we’ll take the lessons from this and come back stronger.”
The Sailors have little time to dwell on this defeat, with a clash against seventh-placed Tiong Bahru coming up just four days later on Sunday (21 September).
Despite the setback, Daniel remains defiant about his team’s title hopes.
“I’ll definitely have a chat with the team and some players individually, but nothing will change. We will still play the way we play, and we’ll keep fighting right until the end.”
