ACL Two Pre-Match Press Conference | vs Bangkok United

Tampines Rovers are in the Final 8 of the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two 2025/26. For a club that has spent years fighting for recognition on the continental stage, this moment feels almost celestial. But every ascent to glory comes with a familiar shadow.

Awaiting The Stags in the Quarter-Finals are Bangkok United, or commonly known as the Bangkok Angels. And they are a side that knows Tampines well. Their last meeting at the Jalan Besar Stadium in 2024 still lingers in memory as it was a night when The Stags defied expectations and sent the Angels crashing back to Earth with a 1-0 win. Now, under the lights of Pathum Thani, Tampines will look to summon that spirit once more. 

Currently sitting fourth in Thai League 1, Bangkok United arrive with plenty to prove. Having suffered an abrupt exit from the Thai FA Cup last weekend, the Angels will be desperate to resurrect their season and keep their continental dreams alive. Reinforced mid-season with experienced foreign signings, they carry both pedigree and purpose into this clash.

Once again, the Stags would look to enter as the underdogs. Yet time and again this season they have shown that labels mean little when the whistle blows. 

Here are all the details from the pre-match press conference with Interim Head Coach Robert Eziakor and Shah Shahiran:

On Match Objectives

Robert Eziakor: I know the match tomorrow will be a very close one. We are looking forward to it, and we need to make sure that we do our best.

Shah Shahiran: Every team in this competition is very strong. Every game is very important to us. Bangkok United is a quality team but if we stick to our plan, we can definitely overcome these challenges and get the result we want. 

On The Journey Ahead

Shah Shahiran: Qualifying for the Quarter-Finals is already very good. We are making history for Tampines Rovers and if we qualify for the Semi-Finals, it would be a good platform for us to show the quality of Singapore football. It is also a huge chance for us to compete against the elite teams across the continent. 

On Game Preparations

Robert Eziakor: I don’t think we have an advantage even though Bangkok United played lots of games in recent weeks. We have also played quite a few games leading up to tomorrow. Our team is full of seasoned, professional players and we are ready for the challenge. We will prepare, rest well and we believe that anything can happen.

Shah Shahiran: I don’t have to motivate the players because everyone wants to play on this big stage. The team is highly motivated. We have a chance to showcase our talent and quality, and we want to do our best.

On Support From The Fans

Shah Shahiran: To the fans at home, thank you for always supporting us and do continue to support us in the coming matches. We are always happy to have your support in both home and away games. It is important to have your support. In every football journey, the fans are always important to the players. 

The Bangkok Angels vs The Stags - Join us tomorrow for the LIVE Screening at Our Tampines Hub, Festive Plaza (Level 1) at 8.15PM SGT. Prefer to watch from home? Catch Our Stags LIVE on meWATCH. For the latest updates and more details, head over to the club’s official social media platforms.