The Lion City Sailors are now just one win away from clinching the 2024/25 Singapore Premier League (SPL) title.

The title equation shifted on Wednesday night (May 7), when BG Tampines Rovers — the Sailors’ closest challengers — fell to a 1-0 defeat against Balestier Khalsa. Former Sailors forward Kodai Tanaka struck the decisive blow, and the Tigers held firm despite going down to 10 men following Masahiro Sugita’s red card in the 59th minute.

That result leaves the Sailors with an eight-point lead and only three matches left to play — meaning a victory over bottom side Tanjong Pagar United this Saturday (May 10) at Jurong East Stadium would seal the league crown with two games to spare.

Aleksandar Ranković’s men, however, will not be taking anything for granted — especially after a rare stumble last weekend, when they suffered a 3-2 loss to Geylang International that snapped their 16-match unbeaten run in the league. Goals from Lennart Thy and Shawal Anuar had given the Sailors a two-goal advantage, but the Eagles mounted a spirited second-half comeback to take all three points.

“The coaching team and our backroom staff have analysed the previous match while we prepare ourselves in training to do better,” said Shawal, who has now netted 26 goals in all competitions this season.

“We’ve shown all season that we have the resilience to bounce back from setbacks. It’s important we put in a strong performance against Tanjong Pagar to secure the title for the club and our fans.”

Tanjong Pagar may be on a seven-match winless run in the league, but the Sailors know there is no room for complacency at this critical stage of the campaign.

“Balestier’s win against BG Tampines does give us a helping hand, but we still have to get the job done in the next game,” said Shawal. “We don’t take any game lightly, and we’ll do everything we can to secure the three points we need.”

On a personal front, Shawal continues to play a pivotal role for the Sailors. He is currently the club’s second-highest scorer this season, behind only Thy.

His contributions have been especially vital on the continental stage, where he has racked up seven goals and four assists in 12 appearances to help steer the Sailors into the inaugural Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two final.

With this season shaping up to be Shawal’s most prolific yet, he is determined to savour every moment of it.

“I’m playing for the biggest club in Singapore, so I always have to give my best — whether it’s through goals or assists,” he shared.

“My goal is to give everything I have in every match. At the same time, I’m aware that I don’t have that many years left in my playing career, so I want to enjoy every moment I get on the pitch.”

With 43 international caps for Singapore, it is perhaps surprising that Shawal had never found the net in continental competition at club level — until this season.

That has changed emphatically in 2024/25, with the 34-year-old proving he has aged like fine wine. Often used as an impact substitute in previous seasons, the pacy forward has embraced every role — whether off the bench or in the starting XI — always maintaining a top-class attitude and an unrelenting hunger for silverware.

“I’m happy that I’ve been able to adapt to situations like this. Last season, I was mostly used off the bench. But now, with the quality I bring to the team, the coach has me starting most of the time,” said Shawal, who etched his name into the history books by scoring the fastest-ever goal in ACL Two — a strike just 18 seconds into the clash against Thailand’s Muangthong United.

“At my age, recovery is crucial. I need to manage my injuries well in training. Even if I’m not starting, I’ll always be ready when called upon.”

The stage is now set for Shawal and his teammates to finish the job and bring the SPL trophy back to the club for the first time since 2021.

And with one hand already on the title, all that is left is to make it official under the Saturday night lights at Jurong East.