The Lion City Sailors sent a strong message in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title race with a commanding 3-0 win over Albirex Niigata (S) at Bishan Stadium on Monday (27 October).
It was the perfect response to last week’s Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two defeat to Bangkok United, as goals from Lennart Thy, Bart Ramselaar and Akram Azman sealed a statement victory for the Sailors. They are now five points clear at the top of the SPL, having won their first five league games of the season for the first time in their history.
After the game, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković praised his side’s composure and control against the six-time SPL champions, who suffered their first defeat of the season.
“We were up against a totally different Albirex side from last season, but we controlled the match right from the first minute,” said Ranko. “We could have scored one or two more, but I’m very pleased with the clean sheet. Apart from the last few minutes, we didn’t allow them many chances.”
Indeed, Ranko’s charges started brightly and immediately caused problems for the Albirex defence. In the sixth minute, Shawal Anuar forced a sharp save from former Sailors custodian Hassan Sunny after meeting a teasing cross from Diogo Costa, before Tsiy Ndenge’s delivery found Lennart, who headed narrowly over.
The Sailors’ relentless pressure paid off in the 19th minute when Akram’s pinpoint cross found Lennart, who sent a looping header beyond Hassan for his fifth league goal of the season.
It was also the fourth SPL game in a row in which the German forward had scored, as he continued to prove himself a reliable attacking presence in Anderson Lopes’ absence.
“It feels good to play, to win, and to score,” said Lennart. “My mentality is that it doesn’t matter how many minutes I get, I just want to make the best of them and show what I can do on the pitch.”
Albirex offered a brief response through Shingo Nakano, whose attempted lob was tipped away by Ivan Sušak. But the Sailors continued to dominate, with Lennart coming close again in the 42nd minute when his effort flashed just wide of the post, before Akram made a crucial block in first-half stoppage time after a goalmouth scramble to preserve the home side’s lead.
The Sailors continued to push on after the break, with Lennart testing Hassan again in the 55th minute, while Tsiy struck the bar for a second successive match two minutes later with a thunderous effort from range.
It was then time for Akram — making his first league start of the season — to shine again, as his long throw in the 62nd minute was flicked on by Bailey Wright for Bart to guide home a composed sidefoot volley.
Ten minutes later, Akram capped a memorable night with a stunning goal of his own, rifling home a brilliant first-time effort after Diogo Costa’s shot was palmed into his path to make it 3-0.
“We stuck to the game plan and the game went well for us. I’m happy to have contributed a goal and an assist, and it couldn’t really get much better,” said Akram, who was a standout performer at both ends of the pitch. “Every match counts, and this win is important as it stretches our lead at the top.”
Substitute Zulqarnaen Suzliman nearly marked his return with a goal in the 88th minute, while Croatian custodian Ivan pulled off several fine saves late on to preserve his first clean sheet for the club.
It was a dominant display that showcased the Sailors’ depth and determination, as they recorded their fifth straight league win with arguably their most complete performance of the season.
“I felt good out there, especially after a tough away trip to Bangkok,” said Bart, who was named Man-of-the-Match. “I’m proud of my performance and even prouder of how the team played. When the team performs well, individuals shine, and Akram definitely deserved Man of the Match too.”
With the SPL taking a hiatus till next January, attention now turns back to continental action. The Sailors will host Bangkok United on 6 November and Persib Bandung on 26 November in two pivotal ACL Two fixtures at Bishan Stadium.
“We’ll take things one game at a time. Our objectives are clear, and our focus is always on the next challenge,” said Akram. “The next home match against Bangkok will be a big one, and we’ll bring everything we’ve got to get the win.”
