CHAMPS WITHOUT PLAYING

Albirex win women's league early, thanks to Aerion-Sailors dramatic draw

- Kimberly Kwek

Sitting in the stands at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Sept 28, Albirex Niigata forward Manami Fukuzawa felt nauseous as she watched the Women's Premier League (WPL) fixture between Still Aerion and the Lion City Sailors.

It was not just any regular gamethe outcome will determine whether Albirex can claim the league title with a game to spare or have to wait until the final round of matches.

Just a day earlier, Albirex had moved closer to the title after a 10-1 victory over Balestier Khalsa, putting them top of the table with 42 points from 14 wins in 15 games in the nine-team league.

Meanwhile, Aerion were on 37 points and needed a win over three-time defending champions Sailors to keep their title hopes alive, ahead of the deciding match against Albirex on Oct 5.

But a dramatic 2-2 draw meant Albirex were confirmed champions at the final whistle, prompting jubilation in their section of the stands.

"I felt like vomiting. At the point when Aerion was leading and it became 2-0, I was already thinking about next week's game," said Fukuzawa, who was named WPL Player of the Year at the Amateur Leagues Awards Night Season 2024 in February.