^{Photo courtsey of Balastier Khalsa Football Club}

The battle for the last Singapore Cup semi-final berth comes down to this: a decisive game between Hougang United and Balestier Khalsa at the Bishan Stadium on Sunday (7 December).

Balestier’s hopes – and morale – had taken a hit when they were held to a 3-3 draw by Geylang International last week, with the Eagles battling back from behind twice, including a second equaliser deep into time added on.

As a result, the Tigers are third in the five-team Cup standings, trailing second-placed Hougang by three points – and also two goals behind in the Goal Difference tally –, and full-back Tajeli Selamat knows only a win will suffice for them to seal qualification.

“Converting our chances is crucial in these games. We created many opportunities against Geylang, but we should have scored more goals and killed the game early,” said former Geylang man Tajeli, who was making his Balestier debut in that fixture. 

^{Photo courtsey of Balastier Khalsa Football Club}

“But at the end of the day, it’s a team sport. We all have to take responsibility, and now our focus is on the next game.” 

With the stakes now much higher as Balestier face a do-or-die game, Tajeli is expecting a tough challenge from the Cheetahs, and he knows the threat that they carry – Tajeli was part of the Geylang side that defeated Hougang 2-0 in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) earlier this year.

“There have been a lot of changes within Hougang, but they are getting better and are much more organised,” said Tajeli. “It will be a competitive game, which will boil down to which team is hungrier and makes fewer mistakes. 

“We are very clear on what we want to achieve, so we will fight and give our best to get the three points and qualify for the semi-finals.” 

This hunger to win had been a constant theme throughout Tajeli’s career, who recently embarked on his fourth spell with Balestier after signing for the club on 14 November. 

“I have played football for 14 years, but I still get butterflies in my stomach before games, and my desire to win is still as strong,” he said.

“I am grateful to Balestier and the management for giving me this opportunity, and it’s nice to be back with them after playing here as a young player.

Having returned to familiar surroundings, Tajeli has quickly warmed up to his teammates and it did not take long for him to settle into his new home. 

“Everything has been good so far with Coach Marko (Kraljević) in charge, and the team is constantly pushing each other to improve every day,” he said. “The environment at the club is good, and all of us are working hard to achieve our objectives.” 

A win for the Tigers on Sunday will set up a semi-final encounter with the Lion City Sailors, and Tajeli is determined to seize the opportunity. 

^{Photo courtsey of Balastier Khalsa Football Club}

“This is a competition that means a lot to me as I’ve won previously with Balestier (in 2014). I don’t have a long runway left, so it will mean a lot to qualify for the semi-finals,” he said.

“We want to try our best to go all the way, as the winner will get to play in the AFC Champions League Two. I’ve played in that competition before with the Sailors, and I want to experience it again before I retire.”

Be there at Bishan Stadium on 7 Dec as Tajeli and the Tigers battle for the last spot in the semi-finals. Tickets available on Trip.com.