The Singapore Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg was a must-win match in the quest for a place in the final.

Albirex Niigata FC (S) travelled to the away ground of BG Tampines Rovers FC, having suffered defeat in the 1st leg, and took to the pitch determined to secure qualification for the final.

From the opening minutes, Albirex applied aggressive pressure from the front and took control of the game.

In the 16th minute, Nicky Melvin Singh broke through the back line and cut the ball back, allowing Haziq Kamarudin to take a shot, but it was denied by a save from the opposing goalkeeper.

In the 20th minute, a shot from Nozomi Ozawa, deployed as a defensive midfielder for the first time this season, took a deflection off an opposing player and was sucked into the goal, giving Albirex a long-awaited opening goal.

In the 32nd minute, a careless pass gave the opposition a clear chance, but goalkeeper Hassan Sunny remained calm and made a crucial save to protect the goal.

In the 41st minute, Syed Firdaus played a quick one-two to break through the defense and delivered a cross to Takumi Yokohata. The shot followed, but unfortunately sailed just over the bar.

In the 43rd minute, Shingo Nakano capitalised on an opponent’s misplaced pass during a short counter-attack to score an additional goal, extending the lead to two.

With the opponents not applying intense pressure from the front, Albirex dominated possession and controlled the match, heading into halftime with a 2-0 lead.

After the break, the opposition raised the tempo and increased their attacking intensity while moving the ball more aggressively.

In the 49th minute, the opponents created a promising chance, but Hassan Sunny made a solid catch. Further danger followed in the 52nd and 54th minutes from the left flank, but Albirex held firm and kept the goal intact.

However, in the 55th minute, the opposition converted a header from a corner kick to pull one goal back.

Despite this, in the 73rd minute, Katsuyuki Ishibashi stepped up to a free kick earned near the penalty area and fired it directly into the goal, restoring a two-goal advantage.

In the 76th minute, Albirex faced another dangerous moment, but once again Hassan Sunny came to the rescue with an excellent save.

In stoppage time of the second half, centre-back Kim Taeuk pushed forward and took a shot, but it narrowly missed to the left of the goal. The match ended with a 3-1 scoreline.

The aggregate score over the two semi-final matches against BG Tampines Rovers FC finished at 5-3, and with today’s result, Albirex were eliminated at the semi-final stage.

Today’s match also marked the final official fixture of the top team for this calendar year.

Thank you very much for all your support throughout the year. The next match will be in the Singapore Premier League, which resumes in January.

We sincerely appreciate your continued support.

【Next Match Information】
Singapore Premier League 2025/26 – Matchweek 5
Sunday, 17 January 2026, 19:30 vs. Tanjong Pagar United FC
@ Jurong East Stadium (Home)