Boosted by their opening day win against Jordan's Etihad Club, Sailors went ahead on 11 minutes thanks to an alert Miyu Inayama who pounced on a rebound after Nurdiana Syafiqah had parried Ami Takeuchi's attempt into her path.

An undeterred Kelana United then had opportunities to draw level but saw Sheva Imut drag a shot wide before Helsya Maeisyaroh's long range strike was well caught by Sailors’ goalkeeper Izairida Shakira.

Takeuchi - who struck a brace against Etihad - went close in the 29th minute with her grounder from just outside the box saved by Nurdiana.

The Singapore side were then denied by the woodwork after Riari Kitaoka turned away from her marker before unleashing a powerful shot that hit the post as Sailors headed into the break with a narrow advantage.

After a cagey start to the second half, Sailors gained control mainly through the introduction of Nur Ain Salleh.

The tricky winger was too hot for Kelana United defenders to handle in the 63rd minute, with her surging run on the left and cutback resulting in Takeuchi's effort blocked on the line by Mitchelle Oliva but only for Nur Ain to smash home the rebound.

The game was settled six minutes later when the nimble Nur Ain played Takeuchi through on goal, with the Japanese’s strike taking a wicked deflection and looping over Nurdiana.

Kelana United pulled a goal back in stoppage time through Viny Silfianus’ long punt forward that saw the ball bounce over Izairida.