Late goal by Luiz Junior rescues Jaguars from defeat against Young Lions
Image credit: SPL Facebook
17 July 2021, Jurong East Stadium - A late goal by Brazilian Luiz Junior rescued a point for Tanjong Pagar United after Hami Syahin had put the Young Lions ahead from the penalty spot midway through the first half.
Following a two month hiatus, the AIA Singapore Premier League commenced with a replay of the fixture between Tanjong Pagar United and the Young Lions, with the previous meeting between the two sides being abandoned due to inclement weather.
Despite dominating early exchanges, a clumsy challenge by Jaguars custodian Zharfan Rohaizad on Zamani Zamri in the penalty box midway through the first half gifted the Young Lions a penalty, and Hami Syahin made no mistake to put his side ahead.
The Jaguars were then fortunate to stay just a goal down after Daniel Goh was denied with his effort cleared off the line following a clever corner kick from Young Lions teammate Joel Chew.
Tanjong Pagar United continued to threaten from set pieces throughout the first period, with Reo Nishiguchi's free kick on the left side of the area drawing a smart save out of Ridhwan Fikri.
The Young Lions continued to ride their luck and were fortunate to remain in the lead 10 minutes into the second period when a surging run and cut back down the left by Shodai Nishikawa evaded everyone in the six yard box.
Image credit: SPL Facebook
Minutes later, Jaguars forward Nishiguchi found himself in the clear down the left but could only find the side netting as Tanjong Pagar's profligacy in front of goal continued to haunt them.
They eventually found the much needed breakthrough when Luis Junior pounced on a mistake by the Young Lions rearguard to send his shot into the far corner to level the match.
The Young Lions absorbed a late surge and pressure from the home side as Tanjong Pagar United continued to pepper shots at the Young Lions goal, but were unable to find a winner that would have seen them go six points clear of the Young Lions and leapfrog Balestier Khalsa (5th) and Geylang International (6th) .
