The Cheetahs first game back at Hougang Stadium after 563 days! However, with the recent Ministry of Health’s advisory on COVID-19 virus, FAS has taken the measure to play all SPL matches on closed-doors until further notice.
The precaution did not prevent supporters from watching the match from outside the stadium, particularly HOOLS. The group cheered on the boys from the fencing, on the opposite side of the stands.
With both teams started the game with a cautious approach, the opening few minutes exchanges were scrappy. Geylang International opened the scoring when Chris Van Huizen floated in a free-kick from the right. Captain Khairulhin misjudged the flight of the ball and it went straight in.
Both keepers had pretty much nothing to do as the ball possession were mainly played in the middle of the park. 1-0 to the away team in the first 45 minutes.
Soon after the restart, the Eagles counter-attack from Hougang United’s corner. Van Huizen struck a harmlessly ball from outside the box, Goalkeeper spills it and 2-0 up for the boys in green.
With the Cheetahs having most of the possession in the 2nd half, they could not make the opposing keeper work enough. The home side finally had a consolation in the 80th minute when substitute Hafiz Sujad cross in from the left for Shawal Anuar to head in from the far post.
The Cheetahs’ first loss of the season came from their own backyard while Geylang International recorded successive wins on the back from their 3-0 against Young Lions last weekend.
Date: 15 March, Sunday 2020
Stadium: Hougang Stadium
Kick-off: 5.30pm
Half-time: Hougang united 0-1 Geylang International
Full-time: Hougang united 1-2 Geylang International
Hougang United: Shawal Anuar 80′
Geylang International: Van Huizen 15′, 49′
Photography: Haiqal Tahir
