The Young Cheetahs produced a determined performance but were narrowly beaten 0-1 by Geylang International at Bishan Stadium on Saturday evening.
Hougang United returned to Singapore Premier League 2 action for our first home fixture of the 2026/27 campaign, looking to build on the experience gained from the opening match against Tampines Rovers.
Head Coach Razif Ariff named a full SPL2 squad for the encounter, while Geylang provided a strong test with a mixture of players from their first-team setup featuring across the match.
From the opening stages, the Young Cheetahs showed plenty of determination and togetherness, working hard across the pitch and competing well throughout the contest.
Hougang remained organised and disciplined as Geylang looked for a way through, with the visitors posing much of their threat from set-piece situations.
At the other end, the Young Cheetahs also found opportunities to get forward and threaten the Geylang goal as both sides competed for the breakthrough.
The decisive moment eventually arrived from a set piece, with Geylang finding the goal that separated the teams.
Despite falling behind, Hougang remained firmly in the contest and continued pushing for a response.
The Young Cheetahs kept working until the final whistle, with Denzel Ari Thrumurgan introduced from the bench for the closing stages as the hosts searched for an equaliser.
Denzel made an immediate impact with his energy and direct running, contributing to several promising attacking moments and coming close to finding the goal that would have brought Hougang level.
Geylang ultimately held on to their narrow advantage to secure the three points, but there were plenty of encouraging signs from the Young Cheetahs over the course of the 90 minutes.
The character and commitment of the group stood out throughout the evening, with the players fighting for one another and competing until the end against strong opposition.
The focus now turns quickly towards the next challenge, with the Young Cheetahs travelling to face Balestier Khalsa on Wednesday.
Hougang United FC 0-1 Geylang International FC
🏆 Singapore Premier League 2 – Matchday 2
📅 Saturday, 29 August 2026
🏟️ Bishan Stadium
⏱️ 7:30pm
Next: Balestier Khalsa FC vs Hougang United FC — Wednesday, 2 September 2026.
We keep going, Young Cheetahs. 🧡🖤