After posting a magical victory against strong favourites Albirex Niigata in a Group A opener of the 2023 Singapore Cup last month, Geylang International look to build on their soaring start when they entertain Brunei DPMM on home soil this Sunday (October 22).
Goals from Yushi Yamaya and Naufal Azman saw off the superior White Swans with a 2-1 win, helping the Eagles earn an unlikely three points.
Placed in a Group of Death which also includes Tampines Rovers and Young Lions in the mix, Geylang as the underdogs have the opportunity to seize pole position in the group should they string another victory against their Bruneian rivals.
Fired up for this mission is Naufal who returned from a two-match suspension with a goal in the last outing.
Having made a good account for himself by plundering five goals in the league this year, all his commendable work went down the drain after he unleashed a horrific flying kick on a Balestier player during a league match in August.
While his violent conduct will remain a stain in his career for a foreseeable time, he is nonetheless determined to redeem himself by helping the club to do well in the cup.
With Yamaya recovering from an ankle injury and Iqbal Hussain undergoing a mini goal drought, this burning desire to carry the goalscoring load is welcomed by head coach Noor Ali and the Eagles faithful.
If Naufal can fuel Geylang's charge to the knockout stages with his goal contributions, it would go some way towards restoring his reputation as a talented professional whom young supporters can look up to.