Balestier remained in the driving seat to finish as the third-best local team and snuffed out Hougang’s hopes of returning to the AFC Cup in the process.
The Tigers got off to the best possible start when 2018 Golden Boot winner Hoshino swivelled on the edge of the area before sweeping home an instinctive left-footed shot that left Ridhuan Barudin rooted to the spot.
The home side swiftly found an equaliser through young attacker Hui, who tapped in from a yard after a superb run by Shawal Anuar into the area. The game looked to be heading for a draw until a moment of brilliance. Kristijan Krajček floated in an inch-perfect cross from the right for Croatian compatriot Žužul, who escaped the attentions of two Hougang defenders to nod home the winner, leaving Marko Kraljevic’s side in fourth courtesy of a better goal difference.
Source: Singapore Premier League
Date: 2 December 2020, Wednesday
Stadium: Hougang Stadium
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Half-time: Hougang United 1-1 Balestier Khalsa
Full-time: Hougang United 1-2 Balestier Khalsa
Hougang United: Justin Hui 10′
Balestier Khalsa: S. Hoshino 5′, S. Žužul 76′
Photography: Football Association of Singapore
