The Protectors made it to the last-four after beating Geylang 3-2 last night to score a 5-2 aggregate victory.
Home United head coach Lee Lim-saeng wants his side to step it up for their RHB Singapore Cup semi-final clash with Balestier Khalsa.
The Protectors triumphed over Geylang International in the two-legged quarter-final, winning 5-4 on aggregate, but must now wait until October before meeting their S.League rivals for a place in the final.
However, Lee views this as a positive knowing the Muslim contingent of his squad will no longer be fasting for Ramadan and the ex-Korea Republic international is confident they will be at peak fitness in time for the showdown.
“Firstly, I want to say thank you to my players for their effort,” he said to Fox Sports. “Because of them, we are through to the semi-finals and will now face Balestier.
“I’m happy with some parts of our game today [Tuesday] but some parts weren’t enough, but they tried their best and I respect that they’re fasting. It’s very difficult for them to keep their strength during this period.
“I understand and I cannot push them because I need to respect their culture. Hopefully the FAS [Football Association of Singapore] can consider this because fasting is very difficult for the players.
“They are unable to drink until 7:30 in the evening and I cannot push them, but I really appreciate their effort. I think our fitness will improve by the time the semi-finals arrive.”
Tanjong Pagar United and Global FC will contest the second semi-final after seeing off Loyola Meralco Sparks and Brunei DPMM respectively in the last-16.
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