SINGAPORE, May 11 – The Lion City Sailors clinched the 2024-25 Singapore Premier League (SPL) title last night with a 1-0 victory over bottom-placed Tanjong Pagar, securing the trophy with two matches to spare.
Belgian winger Maxime Lestienne scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the first half, sealing the Sailors’ second league title under billionaire owner Forrest Li, also the new president of the Football Association of Singapore.
“We’re champions again! Campeones, ole, ole ole,” CNA reported fans chanting in celebration at Jurong East Stadium, as shown in a video shared on the club’s Facebook page.
The win brought the Sailors’ points tally to 71, placing them beyond reach of second-placed Tampines Rovers, who trail by eight points with only two games remaining.
Having finished second to Albirex Niigata in the past two seasons, the Sailors finally reclaimed the top spot in domestic football.
With the league title secured, the Sailors now shift focus to the AFC Champions League Two final on May 18 against Sharjah FC of the United Arab Emirates.
The match is set to be held at Bishan Stadium, with the Asian Football Confederation granting provisional approval, while efforts are underway to expand the venue’s capacity to 10,000.
Tickets to the final sold out within a day of going on sale, according to the club’s Facebook announcement last Wednesday.
The Sailors made history on April 16 by defeating Sydney FC 2-1 on aggregate, becoming the first Singaporean team to reach a continental final.
With their SPL triumph, the Sailors have also secured a spot in next season’s AFC Champions League Two tournament.