Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Singapore: Recently installed Tampines Rovers head coach Akbar Nawas is planning to bank on tactical astuteness in the first leg of their AFC Cup quarter-final game against Indian champions Bengaluru FC in order to have a better chance of advancing to the next stage.
With previous head coach V.Sundramoorthy having left for a new assignment as Singapore head coach, Tampines were drawn against Bengaluru during the AFC Cup's official draw in the Malaysian capital on Thursday and will be hosting the second leg of their quarter-final encounter.
“At this stage of the competition, no team is an easy team to play against and we are looking forward to what will be a competitive contest against Bengaluru,” said Nawas on todayonline.com.
“We have to be tactically smart in the first leg, and if we can get a positive result there, we have every chance of reaching the semi-finals with our home support in the second leg."
The Stags, who finished second in Group E before defeating another Indian side, Mohun Bagan, 2-1 in extra time in the Round of 16 (pictured) are expecting a tougher test against the Indian powerhouse.
“We had to work hard for the win against Mohun Bagan and I am expecting Bengaluru, who have been doing well in the Indian league in recent years, to be even tougher opponents,” player-assistant coach Mustafic Fahrudin said.
“It may be difficult but we have to show that we can perform and will be ready.”
No Singaporean club has reached the semi-finals of the AFC Cup since 2004 and if Tampines do so, they will face either reigning champions Johor Darul Ta’zim of Malaysia or Hong Kong side South China.
Tampines will play their first leg on September 14 at Bengaluru’s stronghold the Sree Kanteerava Stadium before hosting the return fixture on September 21 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Photo: Lagardère Sports