Kibunguchy starts as Hougang United falls to clinical Lion City Sailors, 5-1
It was a difficult afternoon at Bishan Stadium as Hougang United suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat at the hands of league leaders Lion City Sailors. Despite an early lead for the Cheetahs, the Sailors demonstrated why they remain unbeaten this season, with Bart Ramselaar leading a relentless offensive display.
Match recap
Hougang United got off to an ideal start in the 11th minute. Settawut Wongsai, a late addition to the lineup after an injury to Jaushua Sotirio during the warmup, connected with a Jordan Vestering cross to put the hosts ahead. However, the lead was short-lived as the Sailors began to find their rhythm and pressure the Hougang backline.
The equalizer arrived in the 19th minute. Ramselaar delivered a sharp ball into the area, where Shawal Anuar managed to get goal-side of Nabi Kibunguchy and finish past the goalkeeper. The momentum shifted permanently just eight minutes later due to a stroke of misfortune. In an attempt to clear a loose ball in the box, Kibunguchy’s clearance struck teammate Ryaan Sanizal and ricocheted into the net for an own goal.
The Sailors widened the gap before the break when Lennart Thy headed home a third. The second half belonged to Ramselaar, who added two more goals in the 66th and 72nd minutes to complete the rout.
Kibunguchy’s performance
Nabi Kibunguchy went the distance for Hougang, playing all 90 minutes in the center of the defense. While he recorded four clearances and two blocks, it was a testing match against the most potent attack in the Singapore Premier League. The former Minnesota United defender was heavily involved in the defensive effort but struggled alongside his teammates to contain the movement of Ramselaar and Thy throughout the match.
Stats
- Minutes played: 90
- Clearances: 4
- Blocks: 2
- Interceptions: 1
- Tackles won: 1/2
- Ground duels won: 3/5
- Aerial duels won: 2/4
- Passing accuracy: 82%
Up next
The result leaves Hougang United in sixth place as they look to regroup for their next fixture. They will be looking for a more disciplined defensive showing as they continue their 2026 campaign and look to climb the table.
