Newly crown Singapore Premier League Champions, Albirex Niigata, dismantled Balestier Khalsa this evening at Bishan Stadium with a convincing 1-5 victory.
As early as in the 5th minute, an unmarked attacking midfielder Seia Kunori at the far post headed in Shodai Yokoyama's corner to give the White Swans the lead.
However, Balestier equalised 12th minutes later also through a corner. Jordan Emaviwe's powerful shot left Hassan Sunny rooted to the ground.
Balestier had the better chances but Hassan Sunny stood firm to prevent the Tigers from taking the lead.
【#18 Hassan Sunny】
The White Swans punished Balestier for their profligacy in the 44th minute. Yokoyama picked up the ball in midfield and chipped it over the Tigers' defence to a lurking Tadanari Lee. Lee still had work to do but he made it look easy by lobbing the ball over the Balestier keeper and into the net.
Albirex took a 1-2 lead into half time.
In the second half, the White Swans brought on right back Ryo Takahashi to replace Junki Yoshimura. He made an instant impact as his cross in the 52nd minute found Shuto Komaki who placed the ball into the net to extend Albirex lead to 1-3.
In the 70th minute, Kunori broke down the left flank. Although his cross was punched out by the Balestier keeper, captain Asahi Yokokawa was the fastest to react. He drilled a fierce shot into the bottom left corner for Albirex to lead 1-4.
6 minutes later, Yokokawa turned provider. His long ball out of defence found Keito Komatsu who rounded the Balestier keeper to tap the ball into an empty net.
There were no more goals although Komatsu hit the crossbar from an excellent cross by substitute Shakthi.
The final score is 1-5 in favour of the White Swans.
Albirex will play its final game at home against Hougang Utd in Jurong East Stadium on 16 Sep (Sat). Kickoff is 6pm and the trophy presentation ceremony will be done at the end of the game.
Match Detail
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As early as in the 5th minute, an unmarked attacking midfielder Seia Kunori at the far post headed in Shodai Yokoyama's corner to give the White Swans the lead.
However, Balestier equalised 12th minutes later also through a corner. Jordan Emaviwe's powerful shot left Hassan Sunny rooted to the ground.
Balestier had the better chances but Hassan Sunny stood firm to prevent the Tigers from taking the lead.
【#18 Hassan Sunny】
The White Swans punished Balestier for their profligacy in the 44th minute. Yokoyama picked up the ball in midfield and chipped it over the Tigers' defence to a lurking Tadanari Lee. Lee still had work to do but he made it look easy by lobbing the ball over the Balestier keeper and into the net.
Albirex took a 1-2 lead into half time.
In the second half, the White Swans brought on right back Ryo Takahashi to replace Junki Yoshimura. He made an instant impact as his cross in the 52nd minute found Shuto Komaki who placed the ball into the net to extend Albirex lead to 1-3.
In the 70th minute, Kunori broke down the left flank. Although his cross was punched out by the Balestier keeper, captain Asahi Yokokawa was the fastest to react. He drilled a fierce shot into the bottom left corner for Albirex to lead 1-4.
6 minutes later, Yokokawa turned provider. His long ball out of defence found Keito Komatsu who rounded the Balestier keeper to tap the ball into an empty net.
There were no more goals although Komatsu hit the crossbar from an excellent cross by substitute Shakthi.
The final score is 1-5 in favour of the White Swans.
Albirex will play its final game at home against Hougang Utd in Jurong East Stadium on 16 Sep (Sat). Kickoff is 6pm and the trophy presentation ceremony will be done at the end of the game.
Match Detail
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