Bishan Stadium, Singapore — In one of the most chaotic encounters in Singapore Premier League history, Tanjong Pagar United edged Balestier Khalsa 4-3 in a frantic, seven-goal thriller that featured three expulsions and a decisive 104th-minute penalty from returning talisman Boris Kopitović.
Photo: Tanjong Pagar United
Early Red Cards Spark Bishan Mayhem
The tone was set just 16 minutes into the clash when Balestier defender Bill Mamadou was shown a straight red card, immediately giving Tanjong Pagar United numerical superiority.
The advantage was short-lived, however, as Tanjong Pagar midfielder Jared Gallagher received his marching orders before the break to level the playing field at 10 men apiece.
The dismissals cracked the match wide open, producing relentless end-to-end action before Balestier's disciplinary troubles resurfaced. Midfielder Fudhil I'yadh picked up a second yellow card, reducing the Tigers to nine men and giving the Jaguars a clear path to take control.
Photo: Tanjong Pagar United
Tigers Mount Heroic Nine-Man Comeback
With an extra man on the pitch, Tanjong Pagar pressed their advantage, surging to a commanding 3-1 lead that appeared to put the result beyond doubt.
Defying the odds, a depleted Balestier side produced an astonishing second-half rally. Backed by the home support at Bishan Stadium, the nine-man Tigers struck twice on the counter to claw back from two goals down, miraculously leveling the scoreline at 3-3 heading into stoppage time.
Photo: Tanjong Pagar United
Boris Kopitović Seals Stoppage-Time Drama
As the game stretched well past the 90-minute mark, the physical toll of playing two men down finally caught up with Balestier. Deep into the 14th minute of added time, Tanjong Pagar were awarded a penalty following a desperate challenge in the box.
Stepping up under immense pressure, Boris Kopitović marked his high-profile return to Singapore football with ruthless composure. The Montenegrin striker sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot in the 104th minute, burying the winner to claim all three points for Tanjong Pagar United and conclude one of the wildest fixtures ever staged at Bishan Stadium.