S-League champions Albirex Niigat staged a spirited comeback to defeat eight-man Tampines Rovers 2-1 and claim the Community Shield at Singapore Sports Hub on Sunday.
Trailing at the break after Ryutaro Megumi nodded Tampines in front in the 36th minute, but Shoichiro Sakamoto struck twice in eight minutes to seal the victory for Albirex.
Tampines finished the match with eight men as they had both captain Madhu Mohana and Ismadi Mukhtar sent off in the closing stages.
“For the head coach, the most important thing is to get three points,” Albirex coach Kazuaki Yoshinaga told reporters after the game.
“There are many players who are young and not so experienced and this win will put them in good stead for future games.
“I want to thank all the fans and everyone involved who made this match a success.”
The satellite team of Albirex Niigata of J.League won Singaporean domestic treble in 2016 after clinching S-League, Singapore Cup and League Cup.