Lions Clinch Shanghai International Football League SIFL Title 2012/2013
The Shanghai Lions made history by clinching the Shanghai International Football League SIFL title 2012/2013 after a dramatic 2-1 win over the Vikings. It was our biggest game of the season, and we only needed one point to secure the title. Temperatures were rising, the pressure was high, and the atmosphere electric.
Unfortunately, our captain Jerome—who has led us superbly all season—was sidelined by doctor’s orders. He named Remy as his replacement for the day. Despite a chaotic warmup (Azz forgot his shoes, Felipe had his leg taped up), we stayed composed.
Just 5 minutes in, the Vikings—fighting relegation—took an early 1-0 lead. It was a typical championship game: tense, tight, and nervy. Still, we didn’t panic. A smooth combination set up Romain for an easy equalizer, and we went into halftime with the score level at 1-1.
In the second half, we took control. Azz powered through their defense and slotted the winner. He celebrated on the sideline with all the Lions and our fans—an unforgettable moment. When the final whistle blew, we were officially crowned champions of the Shanghai International Football League SIFL 2012/2013.
[ SIFL ] Shanghai Vikings FC 1-2 Shanghai Lions
A Season to Remember
The stats tell the story:
✅ 15 wins
✅ 1 draw
✅ 0 losses
✅ 82 goals scored
✅ 17 goals conceded
✅ +65 goal difference
No team could match our consistency and dominance. For perspective:
- DIB (2nd place) trailed by 8 points with a +35 goal difference
- Shooters (3rd) were 10 points behind with +23
- Azzurri (4th) were 21 points behind with just +2
We were also still alive in the SIFL Cup and had two league games remaining to complete an unbeaten season.
Title-Winning Celebrations
On the pitch, the celebrations were wild. We had Lions past and present celebrating together—Matze and Jamie even came out to support. Gwen put on a surprise La Nude show, and I got tossed under the shower fully clothed!
The party continued late into the night in town, with the Geisha Club hosting a night to remember. It was made even sweeter as the Shooters had earlier blown a 1-3 halftime lead against DIB—losing 4-3 and helping seal our path to the top.
These are the memories that will last a lifetime.
Building Up to the Big Day
Before the Vikings match, we called on all Lions to come out and support. After 14 wins and 1 draw, we were determined to write our name in SIFL history. The opponent might have been last in the league, but we didn’t underestimate the challenge. Focus and unity brought us across the line.
Now, with our first Shanghai International Football League SIFL title for the 2012/2013 season in the bag, we’re looking ahead to more trophies—still chasing silverware in both the SIFL Cup and the SPL.
📎 For more on the league, visit the Shanghai International Football League website.
📅 Save the date: April 13 – our final home match of the SIFL season.
🏆 Let this title be the first of many for the Lions.
Go Lions Go!
Super Happy Freek
