SHAKIR SUCKER-PUNCHES TEAM

Geylang defender's silly red card turning point as Nakano seals game with hat-trick

- Melvyn Teoh

Albirex Niigata's Shingo Nakano is smiling after scoring during their 3-0 Singapore Cup win over Geylang International at Our Tampines Hub on Nov 1. Looking dejected is Geylang's Kaisei Ogawa. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

(GAVIN FOO)

Capitalising on their numerical advantage, Albirex Niigata clinched a 3-0 win over 10-man Geylang International in their Singapore Cup opener on Nov 1, with captain Shingo Nakano notching a hat-trick.

Shakir Hamzah’s 23rd-minute sending off changed the complexion of the game at Our Tampines Hub, as Nakano took his tally to seven goals in five matches in both the Singapore Premier League and Singapore Cup this season.

Nakano, who had urged his team to bounce back from their 3-0 SPL loss to the Lion City Sailors on Oct 27, said: “As the captain, I feel responsible for leading the team to victory, so getting the win today was a big takeaway.

“There’s still plenty of room for improvement both for the team and for me personally.

“We can't be satisfied here; we need to keep pushing and make sure we win the next one too.”

Albirex coach Keiji Shigetomi was pleased not only with the 20-year-old’s prolific form, but also his other contributions.

Shigetomi said: “He’s not only scoring, but also working very hard for the team. I’m really happy to see his progress this season — he deserves this success.”