Match Preview: Misfiring Eagles to Put Sputtering Start Behind Them

Photo credit: Geylang International FC

A 2-0 victory over a nine-man Hougang United on September 19 - Geylang International's first win of the 2025/2026 Singapore Premier League (SPL) campaign - was not enough to quell the incessant online backlash posted on the Eagles' social media pages.

Despite snapping a two-game goal drought while securing three points in the bag, the platforms were flooded with vitriolic remarks in response to the team's inability to up their attacking tempo and plunder more goals when presented with a two-man advantage for a good part of the match.

Ultras Eagles (UE) member Fabian Siew reflects on that prevailing mood: "The Cheetahs game is a classic example of indecisiveness displayed by our team." Not mincing his words, he continues, "We were not sure to attack or settle for two goals. In the end, it's neither here nor there, which made things difficult for ourselves."

Despite assembling an impressive cast during the off-season, Fabian is concerned with the lack of choreography within the team, resulting in average performances from the players.

Having seen his beloved team off to a stuttering start to the season with four points from three matches to land fourth in an eight-team league, the long-time supporter observes, "The coaches and players seem to be struggling to gel and find a coherent style of play. Hopefully it's due to a few games played and the long time gap in between fixtures."

The lack of team synergy is also not lost on Eagles diehard Razni Razak. "There is alot more work to be done in terms of improving team bonding and communication. We have a good mix of Japanese and experienced local players. So it is up to our coaching staff to maximise the pool of talent and build an Eagles Dream Team."

Urging his fellow faithful to not press the panic button so early in the season is UE capo Terence Yip. Known for his fierce passion on matchdays, he shows great composure when assessing Geylang's performance thus far.

"So far so good," he exudes calmness in his words. "Just need some improvements on the attacking side with Riku Fukashiro having more of the ball.

"But yah all round it's still okay. Like what fans, players and backroom staff say, trust the process," the superfan of over 15 years reassures while shrugging his shoulders without a tinge of bother.

When asked what is top of his wishlist for the Eagles' remaining SPL Round 1 matches starting with the Tanjong Pagar United clash this Saturday (October 18), Terence replies simply: goals.

"I hope to see more attacking from the team," he elaborates before turning his attention to Shuhei Hoshino who has yet to open his account this campaign. "I also want to see more goals coming from Jumbo."

For straight-talking supporter Fabian, it would take more than one player to help the former two-time league champions improve from their current mid-table standing.

"Our foreign players need to provide more spark and inspiration for the whole team. That's what they are hired for. Likewise, our local players need to take responsibility and step out of the shadows of their foreign teammates."

While hardcore fan Razni hopes the fallen Singaporean giants can string consecutive league victories against the Jaguars, Young Lions, and the Tigers in their upcoming fixtures, what is more important to him beyond results is the players putting in the effort as a team which would be a good gesture of repaying the faithful's unwavering backing.

"For us the diehard fans, we will always be here win, lose or draw," Razni says before serenading a popular chant often belted out on the terraces of the Eagles Nest. "We will stand together, Geylang International... Go Eagles... We're International!"

Team news: The Geylang community was given a health scare last month upon receiving the news of head coach Noor Ali admitting to hospital for treatment of a collapsed lung. Instead of resting at home after his discharge, he was soon seen attending a Centre of Excellence game. There is a fighting chance that fans will be seeing the club legend back at the dugout this Saturday.

On the other hand, it is absolutely certain that Shakir Hamzah will not play any part in the Tanjong Pagar fixture as he continues to serve his red card suspension.

Player to watch: Riku Fukashiro - The most livewire Geylang player thus far, it is apt that he scored the team's first goal of the campaign in the previous league fixture. So long as his team members can give him the much-needed service by playing the ball to his feet, he will be sure to create more havoc down the flanks.