Eagles and Cheetahs share spoils

Geylang International could not snap their seven-match winless run as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Hougang United despite enjoying a large share of the possession at Our Tampines Hub (OTH) on Sunday.

The Eagles had 14 shots at goal with five on target, but none of which could find the back of the net as they remain in seventh place with six points from nine games.

Geylang International had their first shot on goal in the 13th minute when Vincent Bezecourt’s fierce drive from outside the six-yard box tested Mukundan Maran, who palmed the ball away to safety.

They had another opportunity to seize the early initiative in the 28th minute had Hazzuwan Halim not missed a sitter after a precise cross from Ilhan Noor on the far right.

One minute later, Pedro Bortoluzo had the opportunity to put the Cheetahs ahead, but his shot was denied by the safe hands of Zaiful Nizam.

Geylang International continued to pile on the pressure in the second half. In the 59th minute, Takahiro Tezuka’s header was saved on the line by Mukundan, followed by another shot at goal, which found the side netting from Hazzuwan Halim three minutes later.

The Eagles survived a late scare in the 81st minute after a misjudged pass by Fareez Farhan presented Kristijan Krajcek with a golden opportunity to put the Cheetahs against the run of play. However, the Croatian failed to find the back of the net, giving the Eagles a glimmer of hope as the clock ran down.

The Eagles continued to search for the decisive goal in the dying minutes and had a penalty claim turned down deep into stoppage time. The elusive goal from the Eagles did not come, leaving them to settle for their third draw this season.

Geylang International Head Coach Noor Ali said: “It was a disappointing result for us as we really dominated the match. We could not score, and if you cannot score goals, you cannot win a football match. 

“We have to be sharper in front of goal, and this will be something we have to work on.”