Date: 19 January 2025
Venue: Jalan Besar Stadium
Competition: Singapore Premier League (SPL)
Match Overview
Hougang United produced a clinical display to secure a 3–1 victory over Balestier Khalsa. The match showcased the Cheetahs’ attacking precision and tactical discipline, with key contributions from Shahdan Sulaiman, Nazrul Nazari, and Stjepan Plazonja. While Balestier found some momentum through Madhu Mohana’s goal, their defensive lapses and missed opportunities proved costly.
Key Match Events
2’ – Hougang’s Opening Goal
Shahdan Sulaiman delivered a perfect corner kick, met by Jovan Mugoša with a powerful header that gave Hougang the lead.
10’ – Madhu’s Missed Opportunity
Balestier’s Madhu Mohana came close to equalising from a corner, but his header narrowly missed the target.
12’ – Ignatius Denied
Ignatius Ang unleashed a shot for Balestier, but Zaiful Nizam made a strong save to keep Hougang in control.
14’ – Shahdan Orchestrates Another Chance
Shahdan Sulaiman started another promising opportunity for Hougang, but the chance went unconverted.
31’ – Hougang’s Second Goal
Nazrul Nazari delivered a precise pass to Deni Račić, who slotted the ball into the net to double Hougang’s advantage.
45+4’ – Balestier Strike Back
Alen Kozar’s pinpoint free kick found Madhu Mohana, who scored with a free header, cutting Hougang’s lead before halftime.
65’ – Enrique’s Close Call
Enrique nearly extended Hougang’s lead, but his effort narrowly missed the target.
67’ – Missed Chance for Ignatius
Ignatius Ang missed a critical opportunity for Balestier with a shot off target.
75’ – Hougang Seal the Win
Nazrul Nazari played a through ball to Deni Račić in a two-on-one situation. Račić unselfishly passed to Stjepan Plazonja, who calmly slotted home Hougang’s third goal.
Player Performances
Hougang United:
• Shahdan Sulaiman: A midfield maestro, contributing an assist and creating multiple opportunities.
• Nazrul Nazari: Delivered two key assists, showcasing excellent vision and creativity.
• Zaiful Nizam: Made crucial saves to maintain Hougang’s dominance.
Balestier Khalsa:
• Madhu Mohana: Scored Balestier’s only goal and remained a consistent aerial threat.
• Alen Kozar: Provided an assist with a pinpoint free kick and demonstrated strong playmaking skills.
• Ignatius Ang: Energetic but missed key opportunities that could have turned the game around.
Tactical Analysis
Hougang United:
• Set-Piece Precision: The opening goal highlighted their effectiveness in dead-ball situations.
• Composed in Key Moments: The third goal showcased excellent decision-making in attacking transitions.
• Defensive Discipline: Limited Balestier’s chances while maintaining composure at the back.
Balestier Khalsa:
• Effective Set Pieces: Madhu Mohana’s goal demonstrated their potential from dead-ball situations.
• Missed Chances: Poor finishing undermined their efforts, with Ignatius Ang missing two critical chances.
• Defensive Fragility: Early lapses allowed Hougang to take control of the game.
Conclusion
Hougang United’s creativity, clinical finishing, and tactical execution earned them a deserved 3–1 win. Balestier Khalsa showed glimpses of promise, particularly through Madhu Mohana and Alen Kozar, but their inefficiency in both attack and defence ultimately cost them. As Hougang continues to establish themselves as contenders, Balestier will need to regroup and refine their approach to remain competitive in the SPL.
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