Balestier Khalsa tighten their grip on fourth, edging out Hougang United 2-1 in SPL clash

Balestier Khalsa winger Riku Fukashiro up against Hougang United's Anders Aplin in their 2-1 win on April 24. PHOTO: BALESTIER KHALSA

Melvyn Teoh

UPDATED Apr 25, 2025, 05:24 AM

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SINGAPORE – Balestier Khalsa took a major step towards equalling last season’s fourth-placed finish in the Singapore Premier League, as they defeated Hougang United 2-1 on April 24.

Goals from Anton Fase (10th) and Riku Fukashiro (70th) at Our Tampines Hub helped the Tigers leapfrog Albirex Niigata into fourth spot. Both clubs are on 36 points, but Balestier have a game in hand over Albirex and sixth-placed Hougang (30 points).

The Tigers are on course to finish fourth in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1997 and 1998. Their best finish was third in 1996.

Tigers coach Peter de Roo believes his side deserved the win, although there are still areas where they could do better.

The Dutchman said: “We left it late in the game and should have finished it way earlier.