Balestier Khalsa show the best performance in the opening match after beating Albirex Niigata(S), scoring 7-3 in the Singapore Premier League Pre-Season Friendlies at Jalan Besar Stadium.
The pre-season match between Albirex and Balestier certainly had its share of action and surprises. Despite missing key players like national goalkeeper Hassan Sunny and experienced campaigner Ho Wai Loon, Albirex fielded a mix of new signings and former Young Lions custodian Dylan Pereira.
However, it was Balestier who seized the early momentum, racing to a 2-0 lead within the first four minutes of the game. Japanese forward Riku Fukashiro, making a return to face his former club, opened the scoring before Harith Kanadi’s set-piece resulted in an own goal by Albirex’s Stevia Egbus Mikuni.
The first half ended with Balestier leading 3-1, with Ismail Sassi and Yohei Otake finding the net for Balestier and Albirex respectively. The scoring continued in the second half, with new signings Harith and Kodai Tanaka extending Balestier’s lead to 5-1.
Although Albirex managed to narrow the deficit with an own goal by Tajeli Salamat and a goal from Arya Igami, Balestier sealed their victory convincingly with two more goals, putting an end to any hopes of a comeback.
Singapore Premier League Pre-Season Friendlies is the tournament for 10 teams in the Singapore Premier League to prepare before the season 2024/25, which will begin in May 2024.
Credit Photo : SPL
