Albirex successfully defended their Singapore Premier League title tonight at Jurong East Stadium, although they suffered a scare from Tanjong Pagar Utd's fightback. This is the White Swans' 6th titles in 8 years.
The White Swans knew that a win tonight would make it mathematically impossible for nearest rivals, Lion City Sailors, to catch up in the table standings. Thus, Albirex went on the offensive from kickoff.
Left winger Shuto Komaki opened the scoring in the 17th minute when he turned at the edge of the box and shot past Jaguars goalkeeper Fashah Iskandar's near post. There were numerous chances for the White Swans to extend the lead but the forwards were profligate in their shooting. The first half ended 1 nil to Albirex.
Albirex continued to dominate in the second half while Tanjong Pagar were content to sit back and counter attack.
In the 49th minute a slick move inside the box saw star striker Tadanari Lee one on one with Fashah. However, Lee dragged his shot wide.
However, 3 minutes later, Lee made amends for his earlier miss when he headed in Captain Yokokawa's cross from the right wing to extend Albirex's lead. 0-2.
In the 68th minute, Fuwa carelessly gave away a free kick with a handball outside the box. From the resulting free kick, Jaguars forward, Mudrazija stole in unmark to pull a goal back. 1-2.
The White Swans thought they have sealed the title in the 76th minute when good work down the right flank again saw Riku Fukashiro tapping in Shodai Yokoyama's cross at the far post in the 76th minute.
Mudrazija had other ideas though. He managed to slip through Albirex's back line in the 82nd minute and pulled another goal back. 2-3. Tanjong Pagar was intent on spoiling the White Swan's party.
Albirex held firm and slowed the game down to thwart Tanjong Pagar's attack. Although Tanjong Pagar had a couple of free kicks, Hassan Sunny was able to marshal his defence successfully.
The final whistle finally came after 6 minutes of additional time to send the away supporters celebrating the hard fought win.
The White Swans sealed their title with 2 games to go. The first of these 2 remaining games will come next Sunday, 20th Aug, at Bishan Stadium against Balestier Khalsa. Kickoff is 6pm.
Match Detail
The White Swans knew that a win tonight would make it mathematically impossible for nearest rivals, Lion City Sailors, to catch up in the table standings. Thus, Albirex went on the offensive from kickoff.
Left winger Shuto Komaki opened the scoring in the 17th minute when he turned at the edge of the box and shot past Jaguars goalkeeper Fashah Iskandar's near post. There were numerous chances for the White Swans to extend the lead but the forwards were profligate in their shooting. The first half ended 1 nil to Albirex.
Albirex continued to dominate in the second half while Tanjong Pagar were content to sit back and counter attack.
In the 49th minute a slick move inside the box saw star striker Tadanari Lee one on one with Fashah. However, Lee dragged his shot wide.
However, 3 minutes later, Lee made amends for his earlier miss when he headed in Captain Yokokawa's cross from the right wing to extend Albirex's lead. 0-2.
In the 68th minute, Fuwa carelessly gave away a free kick with a handball outside the box. From the resulting free kick, Jaguars forward, Mudrazija stole in unmark to pull a goal back. 1-2.
The White Swans thought they have sealed the title in the 76th minute when good work down the right flank again saw Riku Fukashiro tapping in Shodai Yokoyama's cross at the far post in the 76th minute.
Mudrazija had other ideas though. He managed to slip through Albirex's back line in the 82nd minute and pulled another goal back. 2-3. Tanjong Pagar was intent on spoiling the White Swan's party.
Albirex held firm and slowed the game down to thwart Tanjong Pagar's attack. Although Tanjong Pagar had a couple of free kicks, Hassan Sunny was able to marshal his defence successfully.
The final whistle finally came after 6 minutes of additional time to send the away supporters celebrating the hard fought win.
The White Swans sealed their title with 2 games to go. The first of these 2 remaining games will come next Sunday, 20th Aug, at Bishan Stadium against Balestier Khalsa. Kickoff is 6pm.
Match Detail
