Written by: Rashid Sulaiman

RHB Singapore Cup (Quarter-Finals 1st Leg)

Balestier Khalsa vs Home United
(Monday, 27 June, 8pm, Toa Payoh Stadium)

Balestier Khalsa coach Marko Kraljevic is keen for his side to get a result against Home United in the first-leg of the 2016 RHB Singapore Cup quarter-finals on Monday night at Toa Payoh Stadium as he aims to replicate their title winning run in 2014.

While the triumph is still fresh in Kraljevic’s mind, they had a forgettable journey last year as they lost to eventual winners Albirex Niigata (S) 5-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals.

“We beat them (Home) few weeks ago and we got a good chance to progress. But of course it’s 50-50 for both teams. We should be hungry and go for the Cup,” said Kraljevic whose team defeated Home in the 2014 RHB Singapore Cup Final.

Despite his optimism, Kraljevic would need to lift his players’ morale ahead of the tie as they suffered a 4-1 defeat Brunei DPMM in their previous Great Eastern-Yeo’s S.League match.

Balestier are also sweating over the fitness of their two main strikers Miroslav Kristic and Niko Tokic, while they will definitely miss Fazli Ayob as the midfielder serves a two-match suspension after being sent off while playing for Home against Albirex last season in the same competition.

Left-back Ho Wai Loon is also unavailable because of reservist, while tenacious midfielder Shah Hirul continues to be on the treatment table.

“They must pick themselves up as there is only two cups (RHB Singapore Cup and The New Paper League Cup) left for us,” said Kraljevic.

“We need to focus on this first match against Home United and hopefully we can go all out. But I am worried about the injuries in our team, especially the two players upfront. I hope Miro (Miroslav Kristic) and Niko (Tokic) will be available.”

For Home, results have not been favourable for them of late as they are on a three-match losing streak and have looked shaky at back, with both goalkeepers Zulfairuz Rudy and Hyrulnizam Juma’at looking very unreliable.

In their recently-concluded S.League match, they capitulated towards the end of the match as they surrendered their lead and lost 2-1 to Geylang International.

The Protectors’ backline will not be help by the continued absence of captain Jum’at Jantan, defenders Sirina Camara, Ang Zhi Wei, R Aaravin, while midfielders Faris Ramli and Song Uiyoung are doubtful.

Balestier Khalsa – DDWLL

24/06/16  Balestier Khalsa 1-4 Brunei DPMM
17/06/16  Balestier Khalsa 2-3 Tampines Rovers (S.League)
14/06/16  Home United 1-3 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)
10/06/16  Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Hougang United (S.League)
20/05/16  Warriors FC 1-1 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)

Home United – WDLLL

23/06/16  Home United 1-2 Geylang International (S.League)
18/06/16  Albirex Niigata (S) 5-2 Home United (S.League)
14/06/16  Home United 1-3 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)
11/06/16  Garena Young Lions 2-2 Home United (S.League)
26/05/16  Home United 2-1 Hougang United (Singapore Cup)