Eagles ready to move on ahead of home clash with the Tigers

The Eagles will be looking to return to winning ways when they host Balestier Khalsa at Our Tampines Hub (OTH) on Sunday after picking up just one point from a possible six in the last two games.

Geylang International were on the brink of victory before Tadanari Lee’s stoppage-time equaliser forced the Eagles to settle for a 2-2 draw with second-placed Albirex Niigata.

Currently sixth in the eight-team SPL, Head Coach Noor Ali, who won the Coach of the Month for July, still believes his side remains on the right track to finish strongly in the AIA Singapore Premier League.

“If you look at the table, we’re not too far from the third-placed Tanjong Pagar, just five points back,” said Noor.

“We almost stunned Albirex and had three points in the bag before the late equaliser. That’s a setback for sure, but we should not dwell on it too much.

“What’s important is how we respond to that.”

Noor is also wary of the possible backlash when the Tigers come to visit. With Akbar Nawas’s impending departure, his charges might want to give their coach the perfect send-off. 

Akbar is set to part ways with Balestier Khalsa after just eight months to take up a coaching role with Thai second-tier side Udon Thani. But he will only leave at the end of this month after handling his last game with Tampines Rovers on August 28.

Before tendering his resignation, Akbar had led Balestier Khalsa to a 6-1 win over Hougang United. 

“The news will have come as a blow to the team, especially after they secured a morale-boosting result in their last fixture,” said Noor.

“But if anything, it will probably fire the players up even more to give their coach a perfect send-off.

“As for Akbar, he will be determined to end his stint on a winning note and leave the team in good hands for his successor.

“So, I want the boys to be ready for this tough match.”