The Lion City Sailors Women rose to the occasion on Friday night in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), as they produced a commanding 6-0 victory over Geylang International at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium to register their fifth consecutive win.
Facing a Geylang side renowned for their defensive resilience, the Sailors knew patience would be key to victory on the night. And so it proved with the Sailors initially struggling to break down the visitors, who had goalkeeper Nurul Illyanis and former Sailor Nadia Nuraffendi to thank as they repelled wave after wave of attacks.
But once the breakthrough arrived, there was no looking back.
Ami Takeuchi led the charge with another clinical hat-trick to take her tally to 15 goals in just five league matches. Farah Nurzahirah, Nur Ain Salleh and Eri Kitagawa also found the net to cap a comprehensive display.
For Farah, who joined the Sailors from Geylang last August, the fixture carried extra meaning.
“Geylang is harder to play against because of their strengths and to add to that, they’re my former team, so there is always a bit of pressure there. But a game is a game so no matter the opponent, I just have to give my all,” said the 22-year-old.
“Our passes, our finishing and combination play all went according to the game plan and I’m really happy to have notched my ninth goal of the season. Scoring is my favourite thing about the game so there’s no other way to describe that feeling of seeing the ball go in each time.”
The deadlock was finally broken in the 26th minute through a moment of quality from Ami. Receiving a cushioned pass from Sailors Girls Academy graduate Amelia Tan, Ami skipped past Hamizah Talib with a neat feint before driving a low effort into the bottom corner.
Ami then turned provider 10 minutes later when she threaded a perfectly weighted pass through Geylang’s backline for 16-year-old Ain, who raced clear and calmly slotted beyond the advancing goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Despite her composed finish, Ain admitted that there was an element of good fortune to her goal.
“I think the goal was lucky to be honest. Most of my other goals have always been placed with purpose but this one felt like a lucky one for me,” she said shyly, adding that she was simply in the right place at the right time.
The Sailors picked up where they left off after the restart. In the 49th minute, Geylang failed to clear Dhaniyah Qasimah’s delivery into the box, which allowed Ami to cut the ball back for Eri, who finished clinically for 3-0.
The contest grew increasingly physical as Geylang attempted to disrupt the Sailors’ rhythm, but the league leaders remained composed.
“I think the team did really well in keeping possession and finding the gaps. The physicality was definitely up there, and that was the main challenge we faced today,” said Ain, who was frequently targeted as Geylang sought to contain her quick footwork.
“This game was definitely one of the hardest games I’ve played in the WPL, but I was already expecting the fouls and tackles from Geylang because they’re a really strong team.”
The fourth goal arrived in the 71st minute when substitute Nur Izzati Rosni saw her effort deflect into Farah’s path. With the goalkeeper off her line, Farah showed composure to lift the ball over and into the net.
“In that moment, when the ball came to me suddenly, all that went through my head was to take the chance and shoot,” she explained. “Whether it’s 0-0 or 5-0, I make sure to stay alert and score as much as I can to help with the goal difference, which is really important this season.”
Barely a minute later, a defensive lapse allowed Ami to pounce and slot home her second of the night. She subsequently completed her hat-trick in the closing stages after Sarah Zu’risqha headed the ball into her path, as the Sailors sealed an emphatic 6-0 triumph.
Beyond the scoreline, it was a performance built on cohesion and relentless work rate. With four goals already to her name this season, Ain was quick to emphasise the collective over individual accolades.
“My assists matter more than my goals to be honest. I want to prioritise the team first and not myself so I feel really proud to contribute to them in that way.”
With a two-week break in the league ahead, the Sailors will look to maintain their intensity in training as they prepare for what promises to be their toughest test yet against Albirex Jurong on 13 March at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
