S.League: Fazrul strikes again

S.League: Fazrul strikes again

SINGAPORE - Home United striker Fazrul Nawaz is certainly making up for lost time.

Last night, he grabbed his third goal in two games, following his comeback from a fractured skull and cheekbone suffered when he played for the LionsXII in the Malaysia Cup against ATM FA last October.

The 28-year-old was at the right place at the right time again to tap in a 90th-minute equaliser to rescue a point for 10-man Home United against a feisty Hougang United at the Bishan Stadium.

Home coach Lee Lim Saeng said: "After being out for so long, he showed he can still score and contribute.

"Thanks to him, we got a point tonight, and I hope he can continue playing well and eventually contribute to the national team."

After a drab first half, the match exploded into life early in the second half when Lee Kwan Woo was sent off by referee Irwan S.

The official went strictly by the book and showed the Home playmaker a second yellow card for taking a free-kick before the whistle.

He had received his first booking in the first half for a 50-50 challenge with Erwan Gunawan.

The Cheetahs took less than five minutes to make their numerical advantage count, with Geison Moura scoring his fourth goal of the season, poaching the rebound after his initial effort was saved by Shahril Jantan.

However, a poor clearance by Hougang goalkeeper Nazri Sabri against his own defender allowed Bruno Castanheira to score an open goal in the 61st minute.

GAMA GOAL

Diego Gama thought he had sealed the points for the visitors in the 89th minute when he finished off a well-worked goal that involved lovely passing by Azhar Sairudin and Nurhilmi Jasni.

But, just a minute later, Qiu Li's firm cross allowed Fazrul, who scored twice in the 3-0 win over Harimau Muda B last week, to steal the show and a point.

"I'm happy to score again, but I'm disappointed I had one goal disallowed for offside in the first half," said Fazrul.

"Hougang are a tough and experienced side, but we could have won even with 10 men.

"This has been a dream comeback for me, but I'm still not at my best yet. I need more games to improve on my positioning and finishing."

Despite conceding the late equaliser, Hougang coach Amin Nasir was "satisfied" to gain a point against a title contender.

The Cheetahs have now taken eight points off four of last season's top six teams, including Woodlands Wellington (2-2), Tanjong Pagar United (1-0) and Albirex Niigata (3-1).

Meanwhile, defending champions Tampines Rovers were made to sweat for three points as they scored three late goals to overturn a 2-0 deficit against pointless Harimau Muda B at the Clementi Stadium in last night's other match.

 

HOME UNITED 2

(Bruno Castanheira 61, Fazrul Nawaz 90)

HOUGANG UNITED 2

(Geison Moura 52, Diego Gama 89)

 


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