Defending champions Lion City Sailors defeat fellow title contenders Albirex Niigata (S) 2-1 in a highly-anticipated clash on Sunday night under the lights of Jalan Besar Stadium
24th March, Singapore - Though it was only the second 2024 Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL) match for both Lion City Sailors and Albirex Niigtata (S), it was a fixture of high significance — given the fact that it was a clash between the defending back-to-back champions and the team that was poised to possibly rip it away from the Sailors.
The three points were a must for both teams as the winner would break ground in the race towards the WPL title. With both sides having gone through extensive makeovers within the squad and management, it was a test of camaraderie and skill.
While the Sailors new youthful squad consisted of only four players over the age of 25 in the matchday squad and an overall of six teenagers newly-promoted from the Sailors Girls Academy, Albirex boasted the likes of national team captain Siti Rosnani Azman and former Sailors stars Ernie Sulastri, Nur Izzati Rosni and Lila Tan — with former Japanese international Kana Kitahara at the helm as a player-coach.
When all was said and done, it was the Sailors who emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Kana Kitahara’s side thanks to Raeka Ee’s two goals.
Before the stand at Jalan Besar Stadium filled, an uncanny calmness enveloped the atmosphere within the ground — with the stillness and pink skies above hinting a calm before the storm as the two teams prepared for battle.
As the highly anticipated matchup kicked off, all quiet was replaced with grit and tenacity, added on by the boisterous crowd that had now taken their seats.
After an end-to-end first 20 minutes, it was Sailors’ no. 9 who broke Albirex’s momentum in the 29th minute. With the White Swans custodian, Nurul Haziqah Haszman unable to grasp onto Nur Syazwani Ruzi’s free-kick, Raeka pounced on the rebound to draw first blood.
The 20-year-old then doubled the lead just two minutes into the second half in similar fashion. While Dorcas Chu challenged Dhaniyah Qasimah and Nurul Haziqah for the ball, it was Raeka — lurking in the shadows — who once again found herself in prime position to tap it in.
Albirex had a chance on goal when a goalmouth scramble ensued in the penalty box, but Beatrice Tan and Tia Foong are to credit for clearing the ball off the line. Hurt in the chaos, Beatrice was able to continue before being forced off shortly after, this time sustaining an injury after colliding with the post while parrying away an Albirex corner.
Filling the space of the experienced Sailors custodian was 16-year-old Nur Izairida Shakira making her WPL debut. With Albirex's attacking prowess contributed by the likes Mulan Ayliffe, Manami Fukuzawa and Izzati, the nerves were abundant for young Shakira.
Unfortunately for the league debutant, she was unable to stop Mulan’s powerful shot in the 87th minute, conceding the Sailors’ first goal in the WPL since August 2023. Shakira and her defenders however, were able to endure the barrage of Albirex attacks that ensued to clinch the all-important three points, making the game a memorable one for the teenager.
Winning their first two fixtures, the Sailors sit at the top of the WPL table with Albirex in third. With match week two done and dusted, Tanjong Pagar and Geylang United are set to kick off match week three on 13th April.
The Sailors take on second place Hougang on 14th April at Choa Chu Kang Stadium while Albirex Niigata face Tiong Bahru the night before.
For more match photos from Lion City Sailors and Albirex Niigata's WPL clash , visit our photo album here.
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