ACL Two Pre-Match Press Conference | vs BG Pathum United

With their place in the Round of 16 already secured, the Stags won’t be resting on their laurels as they head into their final AFC Champions League (ACL) Two 2025/26 group-stage clash. Protecting their unbeaten run remains a key focus, and the team is prepared to bring the same level of intensity, hunger, and discipline that has defined their campaign thus far.

Standing across from them for the fifth time in 2025 are familiar foes BG Pathum United. After four meetings without a win against the Singapore side, the Thai giants will be eager to change the narrative, especially with back-to-back encounters ramping up the rivalry.

But this time, the stage changes. For the first time ever, the Stags will step out onto the Pathum Thani Stadium, facing not only a strong squad but a sea of home supporters hungry for a statement victory. The atmosphere will be different, the stakes will feel higher, and the challenge will be immense. And the Stags expect nothing less.

With momentum behind them and belief running through the squad, they enter enemy territory ready for a battle, one more test of character before the knockout rounds begin.

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

On Team Preparations

Noh Rahman: The preparations have been good. After the last game against BG (Pathum United) in the Shopee Cup, we had a little bit of time to recover. As for our approach in the next game tomorrow, we are taking it seriously because of a few reasons. One is because we are playing the (Singapore) Cup semi-final over the weekend and so, tomorrow’s game helps us to prepare for that as well. And of course, I’m sure they want to win the game first of all at home, and give some joy to their fans. It’ll be a good challenge for us.

Shah Shahiran: Everyone is important in our team. For the match tomorrow, it’s important to prepare for our Singapore Cup match this weekend. And the job is not done yet. We still have a game left to play in this group stage. So it’s important to give a good fight.

On Qualification to the Round of 16

Shah: It’s a very good achievement for us. Last year, we did quite well but unfortunately, we did not get the results that we wanted. And this year, we have the opportunity to showcase our talents and show people that this club can achieve something. We are happy with our performances, and we know that we can do better every game. Hopefully we can do well in the Round of 16.

On the Club’s Recruitment Strategy

Noh Rahman: A few of our players have gone on to some of the clubs here in Thailand. In that regard, it’s good progress for them. Playing in this (ACL Two) competition helps them to showcase their talent, and show regional teams that they have good abilities. So, recruitment is such an important point for us in the club. We try as much as possible to get players with good abilities that can play how we want to play our football. It also gives them an opportunity to test themselves against better opponents.

The Rabbits vs The Stags - Join us for the Live Screening at Our Tampines Hub, Festive Plaza (Level 1) tomorrow, 11 December at 8:15pm SGT. You can also catch the match on meWatch LIVE 5.