The Singapore Cup Group B opening match against Balestier Khalsa this Sunday (February 2) could not have come at a better time for Geylang International.
On the back of last weekend's morale-sapping league defeat to Lion City Sailors (LCS) which ended their three-match winning streak, the Eagles - as they are affectionately known - are in search of a quick remedy to boost their spirits.
"Coming off from a narrow defeat to LCS is a bitter pill to swallow," says Ultras Eagles (UE) member Rishi Raja, who stayed behind after the match to join the players in a Viking Clap ritual to thank his heroes' valiant efforts. "But we have to quickly regroup for the next match and charge right away."
Drawn into a 'Group of Death' which also includes cup holders LCS, reigning Thai powerhouse BG Pathum United and a rejuvenated Tanjong Pagar United side, it becomes essential for the soaring Eagles - who lie third in the Singapore Premier League - to be off to a flying start in their cup adventure.
"Get the Win!" Eagles diehard Abdul Rahman stresses the importance of grabbing a good result. "It's key for us to gain momentum from the first cup game."
Looking at the tough competition in Group B, Geylang fan Terence Yip - who was among the 5,870-strong crowd at the 2009 cup final to witness the late Hafiz Rahim score the match-winning goal against Bangkok Glass - provides a fair assessment of his team's chances in the 2024/25 edition.
"To be realistic, I hope that the team can at least finish third," the UE capo shares. It is to be noted that only the top two teams of each group will advance to the semi-finals.
Others are more hopeful for the former cup champions to survive the 'Group of Death' and progress into the last four.
"It won't be a walk in the park," Rishi acknowledges. "But we have a good chance with this squad, so long as we put our hearts on our sleeves and execute the game plan well."
Concurring with this assessment is Rahman who is unfazed by the challenges ahead. "I don't see why we can't advance to the next stage. Geylang's performance in the league this season has been brilliant."
Terence - now seen regularly drumming away on matchdays in support of his beloved Eagles - hopes his heroes in green could evoke the spirit of 2009 and deliver the coveted cup for the storied club.
"Hopefully the team can end the season with a silverware. Nothing is impossible!"
Team news: Zikos Chua from the Geylang camp will miss out on this Sunday's cup clash, as he works towards full recovery from his injury.
Joining him on the sideline are Shakir Hamzah and Ahmad Syahir who are suspended for picking up a red card in their respective Singapore Cup matches last season.
Player to watch: Tomoyuki Doi - The Japanese hitman, who is on his way to breaking the SPL's record for the most number of goals scored in a single season, has his sight on Alexander Duric's all-time Singapore Cup goalscoring record of 23 goals. Having missed out on the cup tournament in 2021 due to its cancellation amid COVID-19 during his previous stint with Hougang United, Doi is eager to make up for lost time and rapidly ascend the goalscorer rankings.
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