Eagles land sucker punch on the Stags

Rio Sakuma scored deep into stoppage time to clinch a thrilling 3-2 win for Geylang International over Tampines Rovers- improving their prospects of our top-four league finish while derailing the title hopes of their Eastern Derby rivals.

The Eagles seemed destined for an eighth consecutive match without a win against The Stags since August 2021, before Sakuma seized on a rebound in the 97th minute, sparking jubilation among the fans at Our Tampines Hub on Saturday evening.

The result must have provided a massive relief for head coach Noor Ali, who had seen his squad relinquish a two-goal lead against their rivals. Tampines Rovers were forced to play nearly the entire second half with just 10 men following Irfan Najeeb’s dismissal a minute after the restart.

Akmal Azman had opened the scoring for The Eagles in the 35th minute when his long-range effort deflected off Tampines Rovers’ skipper Yasir Hanapi, directing the ball into the net.

Geylang International received an additional boost when The Stags’ Montenegrin hotshot Boris Kopitovic, had to be stretchered off the field after suffering a shoulder injury in the 43rd minute.

Along with their numerical advantage, Geylang International capitalised on the situation to double their advantage through Yushi Yamaya in the 53rd minute. The Japanese ace deftly slotted home a low shot after being perfectly set up by Iqbal Hussain from the left flank.

However, Tampines Rovers staged a remarkable comeback, with Hanapi netting a brace in the 61st and 83rd minutes to draw his side level.

He scored his first goal from a penalty kick- awarded as a result of Sakuma’s reckless challenge on Faris Ramli. He then unleashed a superb long-range free kick, which rocketed into the top right corner, leaving Hafiz Ahmad with no chance.

As the match seemed set to end in a 2-2 draw, Joshua Pereira made a crucial defensive intervention in their own half.

This sparked a blistering counter-attack carried out by the formidable Japanese trio – Takahiro Tezuka, Yamaya, and Sakuma – culminating in the match-winning goal.

With just five games remaining before the season’s conclusion, this victory keeps Geylang International’s pursuit of a top-four finish alive.  They currently stand fifth with 27 points, just five points behind fourth-placed Balestier Khalsa, and still have a game in hand.

Noor commented, “Winning a derby game is always fantastic. Credit to Tampines, they were still playing good football despite being down to 10 men.

“I think that’s the character of a team trying to fight for a title.

“As for us, I’m both glad and happy that we collected three points. It’s always gratifying to take away three points from a top team.

“With only five games left in the season, every point is crucial and today’s three points were valuable for us.”

Pereira stated that the thrilling outcome was fitting for fans on both sides.

“What a game, what a win. It means a lot to us because we have several injuries in the team,” he said.

“No matter who steps in to play, they give their best. The late goal demonstrates the boys’ desire and our determination to secure a win today.

“The atmosphere was great from both teams and fans on both sides. As professional footballers, we strive to play this kind of game where the fans come down and we deliver a good match. We were fortunate to clinch the late winner.”

Ends.