Lion City Sailors were crowned Playback Community Shield winners after beating Tampines Rovers 2-0 at Jalan Besar on Sunday 6 September (GMT+8,  the same below).

The Singapore forward Ilhan Fandi could hardly have asked for a better debut with Lion City Sailors. In this match against Tampines,  the Sailors took the lead after 17 minutes when Portuguese left-back Diogo Costa sent a cross into the penalty area，then Ilhan got to the ball first and headed it home for his first goal for his new club. 

Just nine minutes later, the 23-year-old struck again. Farhan Zulkifli delivered from the right after combining with Bart Ramselaar, and Ilhan's attempt went in off the post to make it 2-0.

Tampines had opportunities to get back into the match before half-time. Hide Higashikawa, who was named the SPL Player of the Year last season, hit the post after Sailors goalkeeper Victor Aznar had come out of his goal. Seiga Sumi also struck the woodwork with a long-range effort shortly before the break.

Neither side scored in the second half, leaving Ilhan's two early goals to decide the match, as the result in 2-0.

Last season's Community Shield, Tampines beat the Sailors 4-1 in that match to claim the trophy for a record sixth time. Now, with the trophy back in their hands, the Sailors have got their new season off to the perfect start.

As reigning Singapore Premier League champions, Lion City Sailors will be aiming to defend their title this season while also competing in the AFC Champions League Two. Their SPL campaign kicks off at 7:30 PM on September 12 with an away fixture against Hougang United, before making their continental debut on September 17 at 6:00 PM, hosting BG Pathum United at home.