Football
Kenneth Tan 9y

Balestier's Zaiful wary of Hougang's late League Cup goals ahead of SF

Balestier Khalsa captain and goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam wants his side to be cautious of Hougang United's scoring prowess late into normal time when the two sides clash in The New Paper (TNP) League Cup semifinals on Monday night at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

In their two previous group games, the Cheetahs scored late equalisers to salvage draws. Returning forward Diego Gama was the hero against Geylang International with a brace in the final six minutes. Centre-back Kenneth Chang scored in the 89th minute against semi-professional side Singapore Recreation Club (SRC).

Those couple of points proved decisive in Hougang's progress into the semifinals. Therefore, Zaiful has called on his troops to stay focused throughout the upcoming 90 minutes.

"We're fully aware of their habit of scoring late goals," he told ESPN FC. "Hence, we have to defend better and always keep a high level of concentration."

Both sides have had contrasting fortunes in the S.League this season. Balestier are currently sitting on a decent fourth position with 14 points from 10 games, while Hougang are languishing second from bottom with just seven points from 11 games.

When the two sides faced each other earlier in the season at Hougang, Balestier triumphed by a one-goal margin thanks to Miroslav Kristic's late strike.

However, with Hougang now revitalised by their mid-season signings such as Gama, Vuk Sotirovic, Carlos Delgado and Atsushi Shimono, Zaiful believes it is dangerous to underestimate the new-look Cheetahs side.

"Hougang have struggled in the league, but that was in the first round," said the 27-year-old custodian. "They've now brought in a few new players. So we can only judge them when we face them."

Having played a prominent role in the Tigers' League Cup and RHB Singapore Cup triumphs in 2013 and 2014 respectively, the former Gombak United man insists that he still retains the hunger to win trophies.

Now, just one step away from making Friday's Cup final, he wants his side to give their 100 percent to defeat the resurgent Cheetahs.

"Cup tournaments are important for us because we want to win something every year," said Zaiful, who is in the Singapore Selection squad for the Barclays Asia Trophy.

"I don't want to compare the achievement of this side with those of the teams of the past seasons. I believe all players who represent Balestier want to do their best and achieve something for this club."

Zaiful, however, was candid that their sights are set on yet another potential Cup title.

"All teams who have managed to reach the semifinals would surely be looking to win the competition," he said. "So everything really depends on how much effort we want to put in and the extent of our desire."

Balestier Khalsa Probable Lineup: Zaiful Nizam (GK, C), Ahmad Syahir, Igor Cerina, Emir Lotinac, Ho Wai Loon, Fadhil Noh, Poh Yifeng, Tarik Cmajcanin, Zulkiffli Hassim, Robert Pericic, Miroslav Kristic

Hougang United Probable Lineup: Ridhuan Barudin (GK), Faizal Amir, Kunihiro Yamashita, Kenneth Chang, Lau Meng Meng, Nurhilmi Jasni, Atsushi Shimono, Carlos Delgado, Fairoz Hasan (C), Muhaymin Salim, Vuk Sotirovic

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