Lionel Tan was the hero for the Lion City Sailors as his lone goal secured a crucial 1-0 victory over nearest title challengers BG Tampines Rovers at Bishan Stadium on Wednesday (26 Feb) night.
That was the Sailors’ seventh successive Singapore Premier League (SPL) victory as they extended their lead at the top to nine points — with a game in hand — and took a significant step towards reclaiming the SPL title.
Under the pouring rain at Bishan, the match began cautiously, with both sides cancelling each other out. The game then came into life towards the end of the first half, with BG Tampines spurning two glorious opportunities to score.
Joel Chew’s close-range effort in the 37th minute looked destined for goal but was denied by a brilliant last-ditch block by Diogo Costa, before Itsuki Enomoto’s header off Kyoga Nakamura’s deep cross forced a sharp reaction save from Sailors custodian Izwan Mahbud.
A potential concern arose for the Sailors in the 40th minute when centre-back Toni Datković was substituted due to injury, with Lionel taking his place.
Then, in first-half stoppage time, the Sailors nearly broke the deadlock when Maxime Lestienne’s goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Stags defender Dylan Fox.
At the post-match press conference, Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković addressed why his side struggled to create enough chances in the opening 45 minutes.
“This was definitely the most competitive game since the break. Even from the start of the league, BG Tampines have been very strong opponents,” Ranko reflected.
“There weren’t many chances because both teams defended and attacked well. I also think we were a bit fatigued. In the first half, we struggled to apply pressure, especially on their key players.”
The second half started much like the first, with both teams cautiously probing each other and creating few clear-cut chances. However, Rui Pires’ deflected effort early on in the second half signalled the Sailors’ intent to push for victory.
Both the Sailors and BG Tampines made substitutions in a bid to change the game, with the hosts introducing Christopher van Huizen and the visitors bringing on Faris Ramli. However, it was the Sailors who finally found the breakthrough in the 82nd minute.
After Maxime’s cross was half-cleared by Fox, Lionel seized the opportunity to take the ball down with his left foot before finishing with aplomb on his favoured right to give his side the crucial lead.
It was the centre-back’s first goal since July 2023, when he also scored at Bishan Stadium against Balestier Khalsa in the SPL.
Beyond sealing the victory, Lionel’s goal was also a response to his online critics. After the match, the defender reflected on how the criticism had only made him stronger and fuelled his determination to improve.
“I think I’ve matured as a player in how I handle pressure these days. For me, I just stay focused on my goals and find happiness in appreciating the small things — both in football and in life,” Lionel shared when asked about the online criticism.
“It’s a constant thing, and while it no longer affects me, it does impact my family and friends. But at the end of the day, this is football, and in other countries, it’s even worse.”
Soon after Lionel’s decisive goal, Tampines substitute Arya Igami saw his effort saved by Izwan, while at the other end, Maxime’s low shot was kept out by BG Tampines custodian Syazwan Buhari in a frantic finish to the game.
The Sailors eventually saw out the victory to claim their first SPL triumph over the Stags since August 2023, and open up a commanding lead at the league’s summit.
Another standout performer for the Sailors was defensive midfielder Rui Pires, who was duly named Man of the Match.
“I’ve had some injury issues over the past few weeks, but I’m really happy to be back and able to help the team,” said Rui, who once again embraced his role as a team player in Ranko’s side.
“Every time we secure three points, it’s a great feeling because it strengthens our position at the top of the table. As a team, we’re delighted, and we’ll keep pushing until the very end.”
With the Sailors’ Singapore Cup clash against Geylang International rescheduled to late March, their focus now shifts to a crucial away trip to Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima, where they will face J1 League powerhouse Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two Quarter-Final first leg next Wednesday (5 March).
For now, though, Ranko has just one immediate concern before the trip to Japan.
“We have to assess Toni’s condition,” said Ranko. “Fortunately, we have a full week to prepare since we don’t have a game this weekend. Hopefully, he recovers in time, and we’ll give it our best shot against one of Asia’s top teams.”
