Ikhsan Fandi scores historic first Singaporean J.League goal
Ikhsan Fandi became the first Singaporean to play and score in Japan’s professional football league after netting for Thespa Gunma against Reilac Shiga on Saturday. The 27-year-old striker came on as a substitute in the 56th minute of the J3 League match and headed home in the 89th minute, reducing Gunma’s deficit to 3-2. The score remained unchanged, with official J.League records confirming Reilac Shiga’s victory. Fandi’s goal came after he had already made history on 8 August, when a 20-minute substitute appearance against Kagoshima United made him the first Singaporean to feature in the Japanese professional league.
The milestone gave Singapore football a significant landmark despite Gunma’s inability to complete a comeback. Fandi’s late header added a notable chapter to his international career, which has included experience in Europe and Thailand before his move to Japan. His appearance and goal also distinguished him from Anders Aplin, who joined Matsumoto Yamaga on loan in 2018 but did not make a competitive league appearance. Fandi’s record now combines participation and scoring in the J.League, while Gunma will have to respond from a 3-2 defeat in their next fixtures.