No more slip-ups, says skipper Zaiful

Geylang International will aim to get their Singapore Cup campaign back on track against Hougang United on Tuesday following their opening defeat to eastern rivals Tampines Rovers in Group B.

The Eagles head to Hougang Stadium knowing that they can’t afford to leave empty-handed.

Geylang’s final fixture will be against Tanjong Pagar, who beat Hougang 3-1 in their opening game, at Jurong East Stadium on Sunday.

With a second defeat not an option, captain Zaiful Nizam said the team must get their act together if they are to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

“There can be no more slip-ups. It goes without saying that our next game at Hougang will be a crucial one, there’s simply no room for error,” stressed Zaiful, who picked up his first golden glove award by finishing the 2022 AIA Singapore Premier League season with the most clean sheets – nine in 25 games.

With both sides starting on the back foot, Zaiful is expecting a stiff challenge from the Cheetahs.

“A tough battle awaits us tomorrow. Hougang will be equally desperate to make amends too following a disappointing start, so we have to be ready for them,” said Zaiful.

Hougang have proven to be a tough nut to crack for Noor Ali’s side this season as the Eagles could only pick up four points from a possible 12 in their earlier four Singapore Premier League encounters.

The last time the two sides clashed in September, Geylang were beaten 4-2 at Our Tampines Hub.

Ends.