Geylang United beat Home United on penalties to move on to U-18 final

Story and photos by REDintern Maryam Nasihah.

St. Wilfred’s field, Wednesday, November 5, 2008 – The Geylang United (GUFC) U-18 team took their place in the final of the Challenge Cup after beating their Home United (HUFC) U-18 rivals 4-3 in a penalty shootout in a rain-delayed semi-final earlier this week.

The young Protectors and the young Eagles were not let down by the weather unlike the previous week which led to the postponement of the game. Both teams were more than ready to fight it out for the last available spot against COE West in the Challenge Cup final. COE West had won their semi-final after a 3-2 win over Tampines Rovers U-18.

Halfway through the first half, the young Protectors opened up the scoring account first through hot prospect, Khairul Nizam (HUFC, #9) and the score remained 1-0 till the end of the first half.

One hour in, the young Eagles pulled one back after Lutfi (HUFC, #1), the young Protectors’ custodian, brought down Haziq (GUFC, #5) with a sliding tackle. Nizam (GUFC #22) duly converted it from the spot. Game On!

However, with around 10 minutes of normal playing time remaining, a mid-air collision between Geylang goalkeeper and Home Utd scorer, Khairul Nizam (HUFC #9), resulted in a free kick given to the latter's team. The collision was so bad that both players had to receive lengthy treatment on the pitch with Khairul Nizam's eyes reported to have rolled upwards. He eventually had to be substituted, with the Geylang keeper carrying on.

From the resulting free kick, Home Utd restored their lead thru Dharham's (HUFC, #8) precision. When it seemed that Home Utd were well on the way to the final, Geylang Utd had other ideas.

With seconds to the final whistle, Home Utd conceded a free kick right at the edge of the penalty box. Nizam (GUFC, #22), who converted the penalty kick earlier on, equalised for the the young Eagles to bring the match into a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, both teams missed their first kick and converted their second kick. A Geylang player then stepped up and he made no mistake from the spot to put the pressure on Home Utd.

A Home Utd player then succumbed to the pressure and his shot hit the crossbar to allow Geylang the honour of playing in the final against COE West at Jalan Besar Stadium this Sunday.

Home Utd now meet Tampines Rovers at St Wilfred’s on the same day for the 3rd/4th placing.

The final will be held this Sunday at Jalan Besar Stadium. All the best for both teams!