Noor rallies charges for crunch match against the Jaguars

Geylang International Head Coach Noor Ali has told his side to never lose hope ahead of their trip to Jurong East Stadium to face Tanjong Pagar United on Sunday.

Noor expects the players to keep their spirits high and fight all the way to the last whistle although knowing that only a miracle will take them to the semi-finals of the Singapore Cup.

The Eagles are currently bottom of Group B without a point to show yet after losing in the first two games, including a 4-1 drubbing at Hougang United on Tuesday.

Qualification for the knockout stage is now out of Geylang’s hands as they must win by more than three clear goals against third-placed The Jaguars to stand any chance of
progressing, while hoping for the other match outcome to go their way.

As it stands, it’s still mathematically possible for Geylang to edge Hougang by a superior goal difference if the two sides eventually finish level on points.

But if second-placed Hougang secure at least a draw with table toppers Tampines Rovers, the only team with maximum six points, Geylang will be eliminated regardless of how big the margin of victory is.

“We definitely need a miracle. But the door is not entirely shut yet, there’s still a glimmer of hope,” said Noor.

“We need to take the game to Tanjong Pagar, not just to get the three points, but the precious goals too.

“That’s the only thing that we can do and make a difference. What happens in the other match is not within our control, we can only hope it favours us.

“The most important thing here is never to lose hope.”

The Eagles can take inspiration from the fact that they have beaten Tanjong Pagar twice in their four-match unbeaten streak this season.

It was against The Jaguars that Geylang scored their biggest win, winning 5-0 at Jurong East Stadium in July.

If Noor’s boys are able to repeat that resounding win, who knows?

Ends.