Albirex End Home Campaign with Win, But Fall Short of Past Glory
Albirex Niigata FC Singapore closed out their home fixtures for the 2024/25 Singapore Premier League season with a convincing 5-1 victory over Tanjong Pagar United. However, the result did little to mask the reality of a season that fell short of expectations, with the White Swans confirming a fifth-place finish—an undeniable drop from their title-winning campaign last year.
Shingo Nakano was the standout performer, netting a hat-trick to lead Albirex’s charge. His early goal in the 4th minute was swiftly cancelled out by Salif Cissé’s strike in the 14th, but Junki Yoshimura’s first goal of the season in the 42nd minute ensured the hosts regained the advantage before the break. Nakano then struck again in the 66th and 78th minutes to complete his treble, while Shuhei Hoshino added a fifth in the 83rd.
Albirex had the chance to further extend their margin, but Daniel Goh missed a penalty in the 87th minute that could have made it 6-1.
While Albirex managed a strong finish at home, the season as a whole has been one of inconsistency, with results failing to match the standards they set in their championship-winning campaign. As they head into their final game of the season—an away fixture at Balestier Khalsa in Bishan Stadium on Sunday, 25 May—the focus will be on ending the campaign on a positive note before reflecting on the changes needed to return to the summit next season.
Shingo Nakano was the standout performer, netting a hat-trick to lead Albirex’s charge. His early goal in the 4th minute was swiftly cancelled out by Salif Cissé’s strike in the 14th, but Junki Yoshimura’s first goal of the season in the 42nd minute ensured the hosts regained the advantage before the break. Nakano then struck again in the 66th and 78th minutes to complete his treble, while Shuhei Hoshino added a fifth in the 83rd.
Albirex had the chance to further extend their margin, but Daniel Goh missed a penalty in the 87th minute that could have made it 6-1.
While Albirex managed a strong finish at home, the season as a whole has been one of inconsistency, with results failing to match the standards they set in their championship-winning campaign. As they head into their final game of the season—an away fixture at Balestier Khalsa in Bishan Stadium on Sunday, 25 May—the focus will be on ending the campaign on a positive note before reflecting on the changes needed to return to the summit next season.
