The stage is set. By the end of the night, we will see another brand new winner in this competition.
Giant slayers Hougang United stormed into the finals overcoming uniform group duo, Home United(1-0) and SAFFC(2-1) and also Woodlands Wellington(2-0) in the first round.
Albirex Niigata(S) made their way into the Finals, after overcoming Tanjong Pagar and Geylang United by the same scoreline(3-1) and then beat Tampines Rovers on Penalties in the semi finals.
This will be Hougang’s “second” appearance in a domestic final(if you consider Sengkang Punggol finishing runners up to Woodlands Wellingtoon in 2007) and Head Coach Aide Iskandar has vow to go one better by winning the tournament.
For Albirex Niigata(S), the Japanese side ensures that they keep the foreign contingent’s flag flying high as they became the third foreign teams to appear in as many years. DPMM won it in 2009 only to be succeeded by Etoile FC in 2010.
There is no suspensions worries for the White Swans, but whether the players could overcome fatigue will be crucial in the Japanese side’s quest for their first ever domestic silverware.
Bruno Castanheira will also be looking to win the top scorer award for this tournament. He is on three goals.
Koichi Sugiyama will be looking for nothing less than a victory as he look set to become the first Albirex Niigata(S) team coach, to win a silverware with the team.
With so much at stake, history will be re-written tonight. The finals will kick off at 745pm at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
In the third place playoffs, Tampines Rovers will take on Home United. This tie will kick off at 5pm.
Tickets pricing are at $6 for adults, and $2 for Children/ Students with Valid Concessions/ Senior Citizens.
Common down to the Jalan Besar Stadium, for a fun filled and action pack Saturday evening.
Photos courtesy of Balestier Khalsa FC, and Mr Ko Pohui
