The Singapore Cup enters its final stretch with one more match for each semi-finalist to book their ticket to the 10 January 2026 Final, and while the Lion City Sailors and BG Tampines Rovers go into this Saturday’s (20 December) semi-final second leg fixtures with commanding leads, Balestier Khalsa and Albirex Niigata (S) could well spring surprises at the Jalan Besar Stadium and Our Tampines Hub. 

Balestier aim to defy the odds 

Lion City Sailors v Balestier Khalsa | Jalan Besar Stadium | 20 December 

Balestier Khalsa will travel to the Jalan Besar Stadium knowing they have it all to do as they look to overturn a three-goal deficit against defending champions Lion City Sailors. An upset briefly appeared to be on the cards when Bogdan Mandic steered the ball past Izwan Mahbud in the 11th minute at the Bishan Stadium on 14 December, but the Sailors responded in emphatic fashion, storming to a 4–1 victory in the first leg semi-final clash.

While an uphill battle awaits Balestier, they have shown throughout the season that they cannot be written off. The Tigers have already come from behind to secure points on four occasions during this Singapore Premier League campaign, and there is little doubt that when the Tigers dig deep, they often find that fiery fighting spirit. Once again, they will rely on Tin Matic to spearhead the attack, while Lazar Vujanic’s return from suspension is set to provide a timely boost.

Although history may not be on the Tigers’ side – they have just one win over the Sailors in their last 12 meetings – they will head into the contest determined to spring an upset.

White Swans primed to take the fight to the Stags

BG Tampines Rovers v Albirex Niigata (S) | Our Tampines Hub | 20 December 

Albirex Niigata (S) succumbed to a heavy 4-0 defeat against  BG Tampines Rovers in their Singapore Cup first-leg semi-final encounter on 14 December, but the White Swans are looking to defy expectations when the sides clash in the second leg on Saturday (20 Dec). 

The Stags dominated the first leg from start to finish, scoring four second-half goals without reply to put them on course to reach their second consecutive Cup Final, but Albirex are certain not to go down without a fight. 

The White Swans will need one of the greatest comebacks in Singapore Cup history to overturn the four-goal deficit and book their ticket in the Final, and they will draw inspiration from their dramatic turnaround against Balestier Khalsa earlier in the Singapore Cup group stage, where they scored two stoppage-time goals to secure a crucial 3–2 victory at the Jurong East Stadium.

Standing in their way, however, is one of the most in-form teams in the league. The Stags come into the tie on the back of an unbeaten AFC Asian Champions League Two group stage campaign and have looked unstoppable in recent weeks.

With their attacking trident of Katsuyuki Ishibashi, Shingo Nakano, and Takumi Yokohata at their disposal, expect the White Swans to throw caution to the wind and go for the jugular from the first whistle.

Tickets for all semi-final fixtures are available on Trip.com.