This was Albirex’s first league match since last October, marking a long-awaited return to league action.

Albirex Niigata FC (S) kicked off their first league match of 2026 at home against Tanjong Pagar United FC, a side they had defeated in last year’s Singapore Cup.

Taking control from the opening whistle, Albirex looked to threaten the goal early on.

In the 1st minute, Shingo Nakano broke through after a perfectly weighted through pass from Naoki Yoshioka, but his shot was denied by a fine save from the opposing goalkeeper. In the 20th minute, a fluid attacking move involving Takumi Yokohata, Nakano, and Katsuyuki Ishibashi ended with Yokohata firing a shot, only to be stopped once again by the goalkeeper.

In the 29th minute, Yoshioka delivered a cross into the box which new signing Zulqarnaen Suzliman met with a header, but the effort struck the crossbar. A minute later, Syed Firdaus acrobatically turned in a bicycle kick from a loose ball following a corner, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Despite these setbacks, Albirex finally broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute when Cho Eunsu picked up a loose clearance at the edge of the area and unleashed a thunderous long-range strike into the net.

Although the visitors appeared to score during first-half stoppage time, the goal was overturned following a VAR review, allowing Albirex to head into the break with a 1-0 lead.

The second half began with the visitors applying early pressure.

In the 47th minute, a turnover in midfield led to a dangerous situation, but goalkeeper Hassan Sunny came up with a brilliant save to keep Albirex in front.

Albirex doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute when Cho Eunsu delivered a free kick from the right flank into the penalty area. Yokohata reacted quickly to the loose ball and calmly slotted it home for the second goal.

However, just two minutes later, the visitors responded. A long diagonal ball down the right led to a cross, which was headed home to pull one goal back.

In the 68th minute, new signings Yang Hyeonju and Nicky Melvin Singh were introduced as Albirex looked to regain momentum. Yang nearly made an instant impact in the 75th minute, unleashing a powerful long-range effort that was superbly saved by the opposing goalkeeper.

As the match entered its final stages, Albirex were dealt a blow in the 84th minute when another cross from the right was met by a header, allowing the visitors to equalise.

Yet Albirex showed great resilience. In the 86th minute, Cho Eunsu once again delivered a precise free kick from the right, and Nozomi Ozawa rose highest to head home the decisive goal, restoring the lead in dramatic fashion.

The match ended with a 3-2 victory.

Albirex emerged triumphant in a thrilling end-to-end encounter, opening their 2026 league campaign with a hard-fought win.

Thank you for your tremendous support once again.

【Next Match】

Singapore Premier League – Matchweek 6

Sunday, 25 January | 19:30 vs Balestier Khalsa FC

@Bishan Stadium (AWAY)