StarHub League Cup Semi-Final
Tanjong Pagar United vs Hougang United
(July 21, Monday, 8.00pm, Queenstown Stadium)
Written by: Khalis Rifhan
Tanjong Pagar United and Hougang United continue to defy the odds as both perennial mid-table clubs prepare to square up in the StarHub League Cup semi-final. Both are a game away from the making an appearance in the final on 25 July at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Patrick Vallee’s side survived Warriors’ bombardment in the quarters and squeezed through with an extra-time winner from substitute Firdaus Idros while the Cheetahs sealed a last-minute win over Home United.
While Valle does not hide his intention of advancing to the next round, Hougang coach Amin Nasir remained humble and prefer to be focus on their immediate task.
“Of course we did like to aim high for sure, when you participate in tournaments, you want to aim high but when you look at our this set of players we have to be realistic,” explained Amin after their win 2-1 victory over the Protectors.
“Even though I can’t say we will win, but what cannot be doubted is that we want to win,” added the former Singapore international who will be sweating on Deigo Gama’s fitness for the tie.
Gama missed their previous match and Amin acknowledged that the Brazilian’s absence is greatly felt by the team.
The other semi-final will pit Jorg Steinebrunner’s Geylang International and Brunei DPMM. For Vallee, he hopes to meet the Eagles should they make it to the final.
“I will field my best team for every match. I am happy and congratulate Jorg (for advancing to the semi-final). Now hopefully we meet in the final,” explained Vallee after their triumph over Warriors at Queenstown Stadium.
While confidence may be high after seeing off eight-time Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League champions Warriors, Tanjong Pagar will be without captain Ahmad Latiff who is suspended for this match.
Suspension: Ahmad Latiff (Tanjong Pagar United)
Tanjong Pagar United – WWWLL
18/7/14 Tanjong Pagar United 1-0 Warriors FC (StarHub League Cup QF)
13/7/14 Tanjong Pagar United 7-1 Police SA (StarHub League Cup Group A)
7/7/14 Tanjong Pagar United 4-0 Albirex Niigata (S) (StarHub League Cup Group A)
1/7/14 Tanjong Pagar United 1-4 Tampines Rovers (RHB Singapore Cup QF 2nd Leg)
27/6/14 Tampines Rovers 4-2 Tanjong Pagar United (RHB Singapore Cup QF 1st Leg)
23/6/14 Warriors FC 4-1 Tanjong Pagar United
Hougang United – WLWWD
17/7/14 Home United 1-2 Hougang United (StarHub League Cup QF
14/7/14 Hougang United 2-3 Brunei DPMM (StarHub League Cup Group D)
8/7/14 Balestier Khalsa 0-3 Hougang United (StarHub League Cup Group D)
23/6/14 Hougang United 2-0 Geylang International
19/6/14 Tampines Rovers 1-1 Hougang United