ACL Two Pre-Match Press Conference | vs Bangkok United

The tie may stand at 2-1 after the first leg of the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two Quarter-Finals, but belief burns strong within the Tampines camp that their campaign is far from over. The Stags welcome Bangkok United to Jalan Besar Stadium with a point to prove, determined to overturn the deficit and secure their place in the Semi-Finals.

The Bangkok Angels arrive the fresher of the two sides, having had the weekend off without a domestic fixture. However, they will have to contend without key players Picha Autra and Philipe Maia. While questions may linger over potential fatigue for The Stags, the hosts will take confidence from their commanding domestic performance over the weekend - a result that has injected renewed momentum and belief into the squad ahead of this decisive encounter.

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

On First Leg Result & Approach for Second Leg

Robert Eziakor: It was a two-half game in the first leg but (for the second leg), we need to give our all to fight and stay in this competition. We’re not focused on who they are missing. All we care about is what we are going to do tomorrow and how we can get the result that we need.

Jacob Mahler: We conceded two soft goals at the start of the game which changed the momentum, but tomorrow is a new game. We all know what’s at stake. The team understands the importance of the game, and we are one step away from making it to the Semi-Finals of the ACL Two. So, we will focus on our performance, cut out the individual errors and go out there to work hard and get the ideal result. 

On Team Confidence

Robert Eziakor: Good results always build confidence, and we need to stay consistent. We have to stay focused to maintain the performances. Confidence is there but consistency is more important.

On Goals Conceded

Robert Eziakor: If we take a look at the first leg, the biggest lesson is to start well in the beginning. We have to start strong. This is football and mistakes happen. No one wants to make mistakes and so, the approach won’t change heading into this match.

Jacob Mahler: Of course, we have to be more cautious. Going into the game, we know that we are trailing by one goal. We need to create more chances and score, but we do have to be mindful of their attacks. We know Bangkok United is a good side, but apart from the two mistakes (in the first leg), we were in control of the game overall. We know that we have the quality and we have to realise that it’s a do-or-die game tomorrow.

On Career Resurgence

Jacob Mahler: I’m just happy to be playing week in, week-out, and getting more minutes. It helps me to be more confident and you can see it on the pitch. I’m just happy to be back playing football. 

On Guiding the Team

Jacob Mahler: I don’t really need to give much guidance in an experienced team that has many good players. These players also know what it means to play in the ACL Two Quarter-Finals. So, everyone knows what it takes to cross the finish line. There is a sense of belief, and we have the motivation. We are not only playing for the club, but for Singapore as well. We want to create history.

The Stags vs The Bangkok Angels - Online ticket sales for tomorrow’s ACL Two Quarter-Finals (Leg 2) fixture against Bangkok United (12 March 2026) are available on SISTIC! On-site assistance for e-ticket purchasing via SISTIC website will be made available and will start 2 hours before Kick-Off (6:15PM) at the Ticketing Booth located at the North entrance of Jalan Besar Stadium. Prefer to watch from home? Catch Our Stags LIVE on meWATCH. For the latest updates, head over to the club’s official social media platforms.