Young Lion test awaits the Eagles

Geylang International, brimming with confidence after beating Balestier Khalsa 2-0 for their second win in as many matches last Saturday, will seek to continue their revival when they travel to Jalan Besar Stadium to take on Young Lions on Friday.

The Eagles’ next game is a crucial one if they are to continue their charge up the AIA Singapore Premier League standings. Geylang International are currently sixth with 13 points from 14 matches, nine ahead of Young Lions and three behind fifth-placed Hougang United. 

With the team ending their barren spell following a 11-match winless run, Head Coach Noor Ali hopes the two consecutive wins, including a 1-0 home win against Tanjong Pagar, can help instil a winning mentality in his squad.

“It’s very important for us to build a winning mentality and the best way to do that is by winning matches in a row,” said Noor.

“If one win to snap a long winless streak wasn’t convincing enough, we chalked up our second win to prove a point.

“I have always said we needed that one win to turn things around. What we need to do next is a string of wins together.

“To give yourself a chance, you must develop a winning mentality.

“Even in some of the matches we did not win, the team played well but couldn’t put the ball into the net.

“We were more clinical in the last two matches, and it’s very important to continue this progress.”

Sime Zuzul and Hazzuwan Halim both got their names on the scoresheet against the Tigers, lifting their season tally to six and four goals, respectively. Their 10 goals combined accounted for 62.5% of the 16 goals scored by the entire team to date.

“I’m delighted by Zuzul and Hazzuwan’s contribution. But, we cannot be relying on just a few to get us the goals,” said Noor.

“Let’s hope the rest of the team will chip in the goals too,” 

Friday’s encounter between the Eagles and the Young Lions will be their third encounter this season. The first two matches have ended in a loss and draw for the Eagles.