DPMM FC fell to a 2-1 loss to Geylang International FC in the Singapore Premier League at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore on Friday.
The Eagles stormed to a two-goal lead through midfield generals Gareth Low and Naufal Azman while Hakeme Yazid bin Said’s late reply for DPMM FC proved to be a consolation. The young Brunei star continued his prolific form in front of goal.
The visitors came close to the opening goal of the game after forward Iqbal Hussain saw his shot brush against the post in the 15th minute.
Five minutes later, Geylang took the lead as the unmarked Low planted a header home after Yushi Yamaya had produced a quality ball into the box.
The hosts had an opportunity to level the match when they were awarded a penalty after a defender was penalised for a foul on Helmi Zambin. However, Hakeme Yazid’s penalty was saved by Geylang goalkeeper Hafiz Ahmad.
Yamaya was a constant thorn in attack and nearly played through to Naufal whose subsequent shot struck the post.
The second goal was a brilliant team move as Naufal ghosted into the box to fire home his team’s second goal as Yamaya was credited with another assist.
But it was a measured pass by Iqbal that allowed Yamaya to deliver a cutback with Naufal’s movement a key in Geylang’s well-worked goal.It was all Geylang in attack as Iqbal was unfortunate to see his ferocious effort crash against the woodwork after being picked out by Takahiro Tezuka.
The visitors were caught napping at the back before Hakeme Yazid punished both defender Amirul Adli and goalkeeper Hafiz with a goal to hand his side a lifeline.
The Eagles survived a nervy finish as DPMM FC looked to steal a point but midfielder Farshad Noor dragged his shot wide in the dying stages of the game.
Geylang were reduced to 10 men deep into injury time after Amirul received a second booking of the game by the referee.
DPMM FC will look to return to winning ways when they play Hougang United at the Jalan Besar Stadium on August 4. – Fadhil Yunus
