The Cheetahs blew the chance to close within a point of second-placed Sailors as they were overpowered by their lower-ranked visitors.
Anaqi’s header was cancelled out by Doi’s stunning free-kick from the edge of the area but the visitors kept coming, with in-form Luiz hammering home from close range after great work from Shodai Nishikawa down the left to put his side back ahead.
Hasrin Jailani’s side sealed the victory in emphatic style late on with two neat finishes from Nishiguchi and Amri to ensure an unhappy Cheetahs debut for national goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud.
Source: Singapore Premier League
Date: 24 July 2021, Saturday
Stadium: Hougang Stadium
Kick-off: 5.30pm
Half-time: Hougang United 0-0 Tanjong Pagar United
Full-time: Hougang United 1-4 Tanjong Pagar United
Hougang United: Tomoyuki Doi 62′
Tanjong Pagar United: Anaqi Ismit 47′, Luiz Junior 67′, Reo Nishiguchi 88′, Khairul Amri 90+4′
Photography: Haiqal Tahir
