Fadli has scored four goals this season from right-back.

SINGAPORE, 31 AUG 2018 – Balestier Khalsa FC defender Fadli Kamis has backed his side to improve at Toa Payoh Stadium this Saturday, 1 September in the second leg of their RHB Singapore Cup first-round tie after slamming Geylang International FC’s pitch. Kick-off is at 5.30pm.

BACKGROUND There is all to play for still, with the aggregate score level at 0-0 despite Balestier playing much of the first leg with only ten men after Noor Akid Nordin received his marching orders.

And Fadli believes his side can step up a notch back at familiar grounds and get the result necessary for them to advance.

The Tigers have always relished playing at home and even became the first side to prevent Albirex Niigata FC (S) from claiming three full points this season when they hosted the White Swans in July.

“Honestly, this pitch (at Bedok Stadium) is rubbish; you can’t even pass the ball properly,” Fadli said.

“In Toa Payoh Stadium, it might be better (for us). We know what we must do and that is to stay focused and follow our coach’s instructions.”

Fadli has carved out a name for himself as a goal-scoring defender over the last few years, but he insisted the ultimate aim is always about the club’s progress.

“Scoring goals is one thing, but helping the team win and going through to the next round is another thing,” he said.

“Football is not an individual sport so whoever scores is good for the team; in any case, individual glory is not for me.”

TEAM NEWS
Raihan Rahman and Sharin Majid are long-term absentees, while the Tigers will also miss Noor Akid after his suspension.

Geylang will largely retain the same squad from Wednesday’s game. Goalkeeper Zainol Gulam returned from injury and should continue to stand between the sticks. Fumiya Kogure, Ryson Yap, Shawal Anuar remain sidelined.

FORM GUIDE
Balestier: DDWWL
Geylang: DLDLW

PREVIOUS MEETINGS
29/08/18: Geylang 0-0 Balestier – Singapore Cup
01/08/18: Geylang 1-0 Balestier – Singapore Premier League
02/06/18: Balestier 1-2 Geylang – Singapore Premier League
14/04/18: Geylang 0-1 Balestier – Singapore Premier League
09/09/17: Geylang 2-0 Balestier – Singapore Premier League

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR
Keegan Linderboom – Balestier
The frontman is the perfect foil for Hazzuwan Halim and will look to add to his five-goal tally.

Azhar Sairudin – Geylang
Robbed of Kogure’s services, Geylang will need to rely on veteran Azhar to dictate play. The two-time Singapore international is capable of stretching defenses with his long-range passing and his timely runs into box could prove lethal.

WHAT ELSE THEY SAID
Balestier defender Fadli: “The next game, it’s 11 versus 11, so I think our chances are good and I hope we can win. We are taking it one game at a time and we must focus on the second leg and hopefully get the win.”

Geylang midfielder Azhar: “We were just unfortunate not to get a goal to bring to Toa Payoh. With the hard work the boys are putting in the past few weeks, we will have our chances.’

“But we also have to give credit to Balestier, they are a good side, so it’s not going to be a walk in the park. They did their part, they made us work for it so hopefully in the second leg it will be a good game on that night.”

Get your tickets for ALL Singapore Cup games at fas.org.sg/tickets! and watch Balestier clash with Geylang at fas.org.sg/live1!