Albirex Niigata retain Singapore Premier League title after 3-2 win over Tanjong Pagar

SINGAPORE – Albirex Niigata captain Asahi Yokokawa considered switching to semi-professional football at the end of 2022 after a lack of playing time at his previous club Shonan Bellmare in Japan.

But the 21-year-old persevered, and on Friday night, skippered his team to the Singapore Premier League title after their 3-2 victory over Tanjong Pagar United at Jurong East Stadium.

The result – which extends their unbeaten run to 12, with their last loss coming against Lion City Sailors on May 21 – confirms Albirex as champions with two games left. They have 56 points, while second-place Sailors have 48.

Their consistency has also been key. The White Swans have not dropped points in consecutive matches, recording 18 wins, the most in the league this season, along with two draws and two defeats. They own the league’s best offence (76 goals) and defence (19 conceded), proof of their superiority in all areas.

Yokokawa, who made just two appearances in two loan spells at Gainare Tottori and Tokyo Musashino United in the last two years, said via a translator: “I couldn’t find a team to play for at the start of the season, then Albirex picked me up, and I came here thinking this was my last chance.

“I’m really happy with winning the title after a tough past two years.”

While not the most vocal on the pitch, he believes he has left a lasting impact on the team. He added: “I’m not the most technically gifted player, but I’m a fighter. I go out there wanting to win every single game.”

His team were made to sweat early on Friday though, with Tanjong Pagar getting the first clear-cut chance of the game, Syukri Bashir firing wide in the 14th minute with only Hassan Sunny to beat.

Albirex took control three minutes later through Shuto Komaki. The 23-year-old winger received the ball from Sho Fuwa and fired a fierce shot into the top corner.

They had opportunities to extend their lead before the break, but efforts from Shodai Yokoyama, Junki Yoshimura, Tadanari Lee and Seia Kunori were either off target or denied by Jaguars goalkeeper Fashah Iskandar.

Albirex finally got their second in the 52nd minute when Yokokawa found space down the right flank and his cross was headed home by Lee.

Tanjong Pagar reduced the deficit in the 68th minute as Marin Mudrazija got on the end of Tajeli Salamat’s free kick but Albirex restored their two-goal lead eight minutes later thanks to substitute Riku Fukashiro.

Croat Mudrazija made it a nervy end with his second goal in the 82nd minute but Albirex held on to spark wild celebrations at the final whistle.

This was Kazuaki Yoshinaga’s fourth title as Albirex coach, with his previous wins coming in 2017, 2018 and 2022.

The 55-year-old said: “Having a good relationship with the players was the most important thing. Every player has different characters, but this year they showed their strengths as a team.”

Kunori, their top scorer in the league (18), humbly deflected praise to his teammates for their contributions. He said: “They make it possible by bringing the ball forward and passing it to me, then I score. I really appreciate them.”

A sixth league title means Albirex move one ahead of Tampines Rovers as Singapore’s second-most successful club. Warriors FC have nine championships.