RHB Singapore Cup 2017 (Preliminary Round)

Geylang International vs Global Cebu FC (Philippines)

(21 June, Wednesday, 8.30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

Written by: Shawn Lim

Geylang International will open their RHB Singapore Cup 2017 campaign as they take on foreign invitee Global Cebu FC in the Preliminary Round at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday night.

One of those sides tipped to challenge for the 2017 Great Eastern-Hyundai S.League title this season, the Eagles have struggled to put together consistent results and have only one win in their past five league games, leaving them fifth in the nine-team league table.

However, midfielder Safirul Sulaiman believes that the Singapore Cup is a competition that the Eagles can go far in to salvage their faltering season.

“Training has been good and the players have put in the intensity needed,” explained Safirul.

“We are trying to focus on how we are going to play, instead of focusing on the opponent and work on the areas we are weak in.

“Results have not gone our way in the league, but the Singapore Cup is a competition which are confident of performing in, but we are taking it one game at a time and doing our best.”

Apart from their exploits in the AFC Cup, Safirul admits he has not watched the Philippines side play much this season but insists Global are still a force to be reckoned with.

“Except for the coaches, the players have not really followed Global this season, but from what little we have seen, they have some great players,” explained the 24-year-old.

“However, we have also great players that can help us win, so we will definitely pose problems for them as well.”

Meanwhile, Global who lost to Home United over two legs in the AFC Cup ASEAN Zone semi-finals, will already have a good understanding of Singapore football and will look to tap on their experience to overcome Geylang.

The People’s Club, as they are affectionately known as, are currently five points behind league leaders Meralco Manila in the Philippines Football League and will want to avoid failing at the first hurdle in the Singapore Cup.

They will be hoping that Shu Sasaki can continue his good form when they take on Geylang, after the Japanese winger netted a brace in their 3-0 win over Ilocos United in their last game.

Geylang International – LLDWL

16/06/17  Geylang International 0-2 Warriors FC

26/05/17  Balestier Khalsa 0-1 Geylang International

20/05/17  Geylang International 1-1 Hougang United

11/05/17  Geylang International 0-1 Albirex Niigata (S)

28/04/17  Home United 3-0 Geylang International

Global Cebu FC – DWLLW

18/06/17  Ilocos United 0-3 Global Cebu FC

03/06/17  Ceres FC 1-0 Global Cebu FC

30/05/17  Home United 3-2 Global Cebu FC (AFC Cup)

24/05/17  Global Cebu FC 3-1 Kaya FC

21/05/17  Stallion FC 1-1 Global Manila