ACC Shopee Cup Pre-Match Press Conference | vs Buriram United

After a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over BG Pathum United, Tampines Rovers sit atop Group A of the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup. Another win would place the Stags firmly in pole position for a Semi-Final berth, but standing in their way are the reigning champions.

Buriram United, winners of the 2024/25 ACC Shopee Cup and four-time consecutive champions of Thai League 1, have endured an uncharacteristically difficult campaign in this season’s competition. Three draws from three matches leave them fifth in the six-team Group A. Yet, that record disguises the true quality within their ranks. This is a side built for the biggest stages, and one capable of turning momentum in an instant. Form may fluctuate, but pedigree does not. The Thunder Castle will arrive determined to remind everyone why they wear the crown. However, if this season has shown anything about the Stags, it is that they belong on this stage too, capable of standing toe-to-toe with the very best in Asia.

Here are all the details from the pre-match press conference with Head Coach Noh Rahman and Raoul Suhaimi:

On Buriram United

Noh Rahman: Buriram United is a quality side, and the table doesn’t reflect the whole picture. This is a team that played in the AFC Champions League Elite and so, I’m sure they have plenty of quality to show. For us, it’s a good opportunity to challenge these teams and as we return to this regional competition, the players are welcoming this opportunity.

On Team’s Confidence and Game Preparation

Raoul Suhaimi: It’s a good experience for me to play against quality teams. For the team, we are focusing on ourselves.

Noh Rahman: This is a chance for us to showcase our football, and show our quality. And that means to try and retain our top spot in the table. The last couple of months, especially in this competition, it was a bit of a “start-and-stop”. So, it’s a good opportunity to restart this competition well, and I believe that we can continue on a high.

On Factors of Recent Success

Noh Rahman: We started the competition positively. First of all, we played (DH) Cebu away, and we got a win there. Then, we played Selangor in which we lost the game. And more recently, we played BG (Pathum United). In the last couple of months, there were a lot of high moments, and that’s due to the collective efforts of the team. And the players deserve the credit for that.

On Hide Higashikawa’s Good Form

Noh Rahman: Hide is so important for us. The number of goals that he scored this season speaks for itself. But Hide is one player who works really hard for the team. Not only in attack, but he also does a lot of work for us in defence. I’m quite happy for him. He deserves the goals that he scored and I’m pleased with his contributions thus far.

On Possibility of Qualification

Raoul Suhaimi: Playing at home is a huge advantage for us, as our families and friends can come down and support us. That can be a morale booster for us to push on and win the game.

On Message for the Fans

Noh Rahman: It’s a big game for both teams. Playing at home, we can expect a good turnout by our local fans, and not only the Tampines supporters. We represent the country as well in this competition, so hopefully we can see a good crowd tomorrow and bring back the 3 points.

Raoul Suhaimi: Thank you for always supporting us, and see you all at the stadium!

The Stags vs The Thunder Castle - Catch the match LIVE on meWatch tomorrow, 28 January at 7:30pm SGT.

Online ticket sales for tomorrow’s ACC Shopee Cup home fixture against Buriram United are also available on SISTIC! For more information, visit the club’s official social media channels.

On-site assistance for e-ticket purchasing via SISTIC website will also be made available and will start 2 hours before Kick-Off at the Ticketing Booth located at the North Entrance of Jalan Besar Stadium.