Still Aerion's disallowed goal meant they were forced to settle on a draw against Hougang United, who earn their second point of the season.
Hougang United defend a Still Aerion Corner in the 2nd half. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Singapore, 7th August 2022 - Hougang United and Still Aerion were forced to share the spoils yesterday at Yishun Stadium in a 1-1 draw with goals scored by Dhaniyah Qasimah and Nurhannah Qistina. While Aerion were disappointed to not walk away with all three points in what was quite an end-to-end game, Hougang were relieved to steal a point and earn their second of the season.
The first solid chance on goal fell for Still Aerion’s Nurhannah in the 8th minute. The attack led by Joie Teo was then laid off for Nurhannah by Carolyn Chan but the forward’s shot from inside the box flew over the bar.
More photos from the match available in SportPlus.sg's photo gallery here.
Hougang United's players celebrate Dhaniyah Qasimah's free-kick goal from range. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
In the 13th minute, Dhaniyah Qasimah found the back of the net to give Hougang United the lead through a well taken free kick from range. The 18-year-old forward stood over the ball out on the left flank before lofting it up and over the wall. Miscalculating the ball’s trajectory, it dipped just as Nur Faizah stepped forward to parry the ball away. Though she managed a palm on it, it was not enough to keep it out of the net.
The lead was short-lived though, as Nurhannah, having missed the first chance found sweet redemption. The delivery from the corner flag found her waiting in the middle. Loose marking meant the forward was able to head it in easily to make it 1-1.
Still Aerion players embrace Nurhannah Qistina after her equaliser.
PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Hougang seemed to lose their spark after the equaliser as they began playing themselves into trouble with sloppy back passes in their half, often finding the feet of an Aerion player instead of a white shirt. Gladys Cheng was the busier of the two keepers, but she had strong hands and was clear in her demands for the ball, albeit a couple of spills which were quickly recovered.
The Cheetahs came out for the second half with a surge of energy as they began with an onslaught of attacks, sending Aerion’s defence to panic stations for the first time in the game. Dhaniyah, who had been Hougang’s best player was beating players in the middle before pivoting to either the left or right flanks.
Nur Darwisyah flicks the ball away from her marker, Peh Chin Ee.
PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
As the game passed the hour mark, Still Aerion were awarded a penalty after a handball in the box but the fire only grew for Hougang when Cheng saved Nur Afiqah’s effort.
Just a few minutes later, almost against the run of play, Farhanah Ruhaizat’s free kick from outside the box found its way in. However, as cerebrations died down, the goal was disallowed. Hougang however, seemed rattled from the switch of pace.
Dhaniyah Qasimah makes her return to the WPL and leads her team in attack.
PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Aerion had another chance to take the lead when the ball was laid off for Pamela Kong. She took it on on a one-time shot and Cheng was unable to take it cleanly. Pink shirts were left with hands on their heads as the ball then rolled across the goal line and stayed out.
It was an intense end to the game as both teams were fired up in the search for the elusive winner but the three added minutes were insufficient. Still Aerion have the weekend off in the next round and will be looking to work toward a win against 3rd place, Albirex Niigata. Meanwhile, Hougang are still in search for their first win of the season and will play a struggling Tiong Bahru next week.
More photos from the match available in SportPlus.sg's photo gallery here.
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