Eagles share the spoils with the Sailors

Geylang International overcame a disallowed goal to share the spoils with AIA Singapore Premier League leaders Lion City Sailors after a 1-1 draw at the Our Tampines Hub (OTH) in a Saturday evening kickoff.

The result means The Eagles are now unbeaten in five games dating back to 21 Jun, a result that keeps them in sixth place.

The Eagles came into this match without influential French playmaker Vincent Bezecourt, who was back home attending to family matters.

But the home side, who were on a three-match winning streak, more than matched the league leaders with a well-drilled display that left their opponents without much space to exploit.

The Sailors did get a glorious opportunity to take the lead midway through the first half, but Diego Lopes headed wide unmarked in the penalty box. Confusion then took over in the 36th minute after Hazzuwan Halim thought he had given the home side the lead after making a clever run from deep to find the bottom corner after the Sailors had failed to deal with an initial corner.

Hazzuwan’s goal was initially given after short deliberation from the officials, as the Geylang players celebrated.

But referee Md Hilmi Fuad changed his mind a minute later and chalked off the strike, much to the frustration of the Geylang International coaching staff.

But Geylang’s fury soon changed to jubilation after Hazzuwan turned architect for the opening goal five minutes later.

The midfielder played a neat one-two with Sime Zuzul before he was stopped in his tracks by Pedro Henrique for a clear penalty.

Zuzul dispatched the spot-kick with ease, sending Hassan Sunny the wrong way to notch his eighth goal of the season and put the home side into the lead.

But the Eagles’ lead was short-lived after Shahdan Sulaiman’s long-range effort took a wicked deflection past Zaiful Nizam for the equalizer in first half injury time.

The Sailors pressed for a second after the break and almost got it if not for Zaiful’s brilliant save, getting low to palm away Song Uiyong’s grounder.

Shortly after, it was Geylang International’s turn to come close through Khairul Hairie, whose curling effort from the left just flew wide of Hassan’s goal.

Hazzuwan then had a glorious chance to restore the Eagle’s lead after he was played in by Ahmad Syahir, but his angled drive was kept out by Hassan.

The Sailors had a big late chance through Lopes who looked destined to pull the trigger, only to be denied by a last-ditch tackle from Joshua Pereira as the match ended all even.

Geylang International Head Coach Noor Ali said: “I’m very proud of the performances of my boys. This is what Geylang International is all about. We have shown our positive fighting spirit and we never give up until the final whistle. We will continue to do this as the season goes on.”