Albirex beats Global in Singapore Cup

Albirex Niigata successfully defended its crown in the RHB Singapore Cup with a 3-1 (2-2) penalty shootout victory over Global Cebu FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.

Albirex, a Singapore-based club composed of Japanese players, drew first blood with a volley by Tsubasa Sano in the 32nd minute. Brazilian defender Wesley Dos Santos equalized with a header in the 48th minute that came off a free kick.

With the match tied at 1-1, the match went on to extra time. Kento Nagasaki gave Albirex the lead again in the 95th minute before Paolo Salenga scored in the 108th minute, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.

Nagasaki converted his shot as Albirex’s first kicker. Dos Santos’ shot was off in Global’s first attempt. The second kickers of both teams missed their mark with Sano’s shot going too high and Darry Roberts’ attempt hitting the crossbar.

Soichiro Sakamoto hit the back of the net to give Albirex a 2-0 lead on penalties. Hikaru Minegishi finally converted for Global to make it 1-2.

Naofumi Tanaka hit his shot, while Albirex goalkeeper Yosuke Nozawa made a crucial save from Salega’s attempt to secure the win and the title.

Global will return home to defend its turf against Ceres Negros FC on Nov. 28 at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Global is in fourth place with 44 points and three points behind Kaya FC-Makati. Ceres is in second place with 57 points and has a chance to overtake FC Meralco Manila for first place with either a draw or a win.