Eagles aim to get back to winning ways

Geylang International will be looking to put last week’s disappointment behind them by returning to winning ways in the Singapore Premier League against table-toppers Tanjong Pagar tomorrow.

The Eagles let slip of what could have been at least a point in the bag with a heart-breaking 3-2 defeat at Hougang United last Friday.

A stunning injury-time strike by former Crystal Palace striker Andre Moritz right from the kick-off had stunned Noor Ali’s side within a minute after they celebrated Takahiro Tezuka’s leveller in the 89th minute.

The result left Geylang in fifth spot on three points but have a game in hand.

But the season has just started and Noor Ali wants his charges to keep their chin up and use last week’s defeat as driving force to score all three points from Jurong East.

“It’s heart-breaking indeed and I feel bad for the boys,” said Noor Ali.

“But there is so much to gain for all us in the team. It’s by going through such an experience they will become stronger and wiser.

“We have to learn from it and translate it into a positive result in the next fixture. That’s what a good team do.

“I have no doubts that the boys will show their character and bounce back strongly tomorrow.”

A trip to Tanjong Pagar will be a tough one as the Jaguars remain as the only unbeaten side in the SPL after three matches.

The Jaguars sit atop the SPL standings with seven points, one ahead of Albirex Niigata and Lion City Sailors.

Powered by foreign stars Rio Nishiguchi and Mirko Sugic, who already scored five goals combined between them, Tanjong Pagar will be seeking their third win of the season having last overcame Balestier Khalsa 5-3 last Saturday.

But Geylang will not be short of confidence either, especially when it comes to taking on the Jaguars.

Geylang International has an outstanding head-to-head record against Tanjong Pagar with four wins registered from the last five meetings since the latters made a comeback to SPL in 2020.

The Eagles’ only blemish came in last August when they were beaten 4-2 at home despite being two goals ahead after 18 minutes.