10-men Eagles falter again against the Stags

Geylang International’s winless run stretched to 10 matches after their latest 2-0 defeat to Eastern rivals Tampines Rovers at Our Tampines Hub on Saturday. The Eagles continue to remain in seventh place in the eight-team standings with six points from 11 matches. 

Geylang International enjoyed the early possession and threatened in the 15th minute after Vincent Bezecourt fired a thunderous shot from outside the six-yard box, forcing a top-drawer save from Syazwan Buhari.

The Frenchman continued to be the live wire in the Eagles’ midfield with his commanding presence. His cut back to Sime Zuzul could have put the Eagles ahead in the 20th minute, who unfortunately slipped and saw his chance go begging.

Hazzuwan Halim then had the opportunity to get his name on the scoresheet after another precise pass from Bezecourt from the right flank. However, his shot was again well saved by Syazwan.

The Eagles eventually paid the price for their profligacy when Yasir Hanafi, who had come on as a substitute for the injured Ong Yu En, slotted the ball into the goal against the run of play in the 33rd minute.

It was a similar tale when the second half resumed with Geylang International left to rue several missed chances again as they went in search of the equaliser. A neat build-up play between Bezecourt, Tajeli Salamat and Zuzul in the 57th minute almost drew the Eagles level, only for Syazwan to thwart the Eagles’ attack again.

Hazzuwan had an open goal at his mercy in the 75th minute, only for the forward to spur his chance that could have put the Eagles back on level terms with the Stags. Six minutes later, Geylang International was left with a mountain to climb when they were reduced to 10 men after Huzaifah Aziz saw red for his second bookable offence.

Boris Kopitović then showed his predatory instinct in front of goal again as he notched his 13th goal of the season with a sublime finish off an assist from Christopher van Huizen.

Geylang International Head Coach Noor Ali said: “It has been a similar story all season. We were just not clinical enough in front of goal and are paying the price for it. We must pick ourselves up again, remain positive, and do better in our next match.”