Mighty Eagles soar against Sailors again with resounding 3-1 victory

Geylang International put up a football masterclass against the reigning AIA Singapore Premier League champions as they inflicted a punishing defeat on the Lion City Sailors with a resounding 3-1 win at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday.

It was the Eagles’ second victory over the Sailors this season with the first coming in their season-opening clash. Their latest victory meant they extend their unbeaten run to four matches and continue to stay in contention for a top-three finish with five games remaining, trailing third-place Tampines Rover by four points.

In their fourth encounter of the season, the Eagles showed they would not be cowed into submission by their rivals’ lofty position on the league table despite starting the match as the underdogs.

Sailors drew first blood early in the game when a swift counterattack saw Maxime Lestienne finishing off a neat pass from South Korean Kim Shin-Wook in the eighth minute. But just four minutes later, Vincent Bezecourt struck again to equalise after a loose ball fell onto his path which he made no mistake in firing into the back of the net.  

The Eagles continued to threaten the Sailors with their intense pressing and were duly rewarded when Ilhan Noor’s perfect low cross to Bezecourt from the right flank saw the Frenchman netting his brace to the delight of the boisterous away fans.

Hazzuwan Halim then made an immediate impact after coming on as a substitute for the injured Sime Zuzul. It took the hitman just five minutes for him to extend Geylang International’s advantage after he cleverly flicked the ball over the onrushing Hassan Sunny in the 43rd minute, ensuring the Eagles headed into the break with a comfortable two-goal cushion.

Lion City Sailors came back from the break looking to break down the Eagles’ defence with all guns blazing. But for all their attacking prowess, the league leaders simply could not find a way past the well-marshalled defence led by skipper Zaiful Nizam in goal.

Ilhan, who had a superb game so far, almost scored in the dying minute of the game but his attempt was blocked by the Sailors’ shot stopper.

The joy of bagging another well-deserved three points and the celebrations that erupted after the final whistle was indeed pleasing for Geylang International’s Head Coach Noor Ali.

“This is truly an epic match and I’m simply very proud of the boys. I’ve always believed in them and I know we can take on any team on our day. We showed lots of character today.

From attack to defence, the boys were simply outstanding and for that, I applaud them,” said Noor. 

Ends.