Eagles stage stunning comeback to beat Hougang United

The Eagles stretched their unbeaten run to six matches as they staged a stunning second-half fightback to beat Hougang United 2-1 at the Hougang Stadium on Friday evening.

Although Geylang International remain in sixth place in the AIA Singapore Premier League, they have now hauled themselves back into contention for a place in continental competition next season. The Eagles are just separated by one point from fifth-placed Hougang United and two points from Tampines Rovers, who currently occupy fourth place. 

Hazzuwan had the early chance to fire the Eagles ahead straight after kick-off when a cross from Tajeli Salamat on the right gifted the forward with the opportunity, only for him to pull his shot wide of the post.

Chances were then a premium for both sides until the 34th minute when the Cheetahs drew first blood with Pedro Bortoluzo putting the home side ahead after slotting the ball into the back of the net from a Kristijan Krajcek’s cutback.

Hazzuwan had another opportunity to level the score right before half-time, but could only fire his shot straight at Mukundan Maran.

The introduction of Vincent Bezecourt at the start of the second half revitalised the Eagles as they went in search of the equaliser.

But against the run of play, Hougang United almost doubled their lead when Bortoluzo’s goal-bound shot looked destined for the back of the net. But it took Zaiful Nizam’s amazing full-stretch save to deny them from going further ahead.

Six minutes later, a corner set play from Takahiro Tezuka to Bezecourt saw the Frenchman’s strike from outside the box catch Hougang’s defence off guard as the Eagles finally got their equaliser.

Bezecourt then turned scorer to provider when his cross to Sime Zuzul two minutes from time saw the Croatian score his ninth goal of the season, sealing the Eagles’ remarkable comeback.

Geylang International’s Head Coach Noor Ali said: “The fighting spirit that my boys have shown was for all to see tonight. Although we were down 1-0 at half-time, we never gave up and still believed in ourselves.

The introduction of Vincent in the second half did indeed change the complexities of the game. But overall, it was also an excellent team effort which I’m really proud of.”