Stags Get ACL Two Campaign Underway With An Emphatic Win

The Stags kicked off their 2025/26 AFC Champions League Two campaign with a resounding 3-0 win over Kaya FC-Iloilo on the road. Noh Rahman’s side put away the Iloilo City-based club after a brace by Trent Buhagiar either side of Takeshi Yoshimoto’s strike.

The gaffer made three changes from the side that won against Tanjong Pagar United in the Singapore Premier League over the weekend. New signing Tara Ndao replaced Hide Higashikawa up front for his full debut, while Amirul Adli was preferred over Irfan Najeeb in defence. Trent also made a welcome return after being rested the previous game.

In the pre-match press conference, Coach Noh alluded to the pitch conditions, sharing that “the team that adapts quickest to the environment will win the game.” Both teams initially struggled to find rhythm, but it was the away side who eventually settled in and began dictating play.

The Stags carved out promising situations in and around the box. The pair of Glenn Kweh and Trent Buhagiar - whose pace was a constant threat - were regularly picked out by the midfield and fullbacks, only for attacks to unfortunately break down at the final pass. Still, the first-half showing was encouraging against a side fresh off a domestic league title.

The hosts, who themselves were playing nearly 800 kilometres away from their usual base, entered the game buoyed by two wins from two in their league campaign, leaving them top of the table with a staggering 13-goal difference. Without key player Shuto Komaki for this fixture though, their attacking edge was reduced and they posed only occasional challenges to Tampines in the first half.

There was a sense that it was only a matter of time before the breakthrough arrived. That moment came shortly after the restart when a defensive miscue left Trent free in the box to calmly tuck home the opener.

Speaking after the match, the Australian-born Maltese international reflected:

“Yes, conditions were tough today and the pitch was quite heavy, so it took us a while to get into the game. That early goal in the second half helped us a lot to settle into the match and we were able to carry on with a few more goals and see out the game.”

The opener spurred Tampines on, and it wasn’t long before they doubled their lead. A move that began deep in their own half ended with Trent bursting down the right flank before cutting the ball back for Takeshi, who finished clinically for his second goal in as many games.

Tampines took full control when a third goal duly arrived as Trent once again broke free, this time curling a precise finish into the far corner to seal his brace and the victory.

Trent, who has hit the ground running since his arrival, added:

“Yes, I think I’ve adapted quite well to my time here at Tampines, and it also helps that we play a style of play that suits my game. I’m hoping for the team and myself to keep up the form.”

Captain Syazwan Buhari was also quick to praise the team’s collective effort in keeping a third consecutive clean sheet:

“I am happy to be able to get this good start but it shows how well the team has defended. It is a collective effort on everyone's part, and the team’s desire to ensure that we do not concede.”

He also spoke about how the squad responded after a testing start to the game:

“It was tough as the conditions meant that we did not get a chance to train on the actual pitch until the warm ups, and that affected the ideal start we wished for. However, as a team we always find solutions together and not use anything as an excuse - that was one main reason that we were able to come out stronger for the second half. Coach Noh also mentioned pre-game that it’s important to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations and we like to think that we did just that.”

Coach Noh was satisfied with the opening result, noting the importance of starting strongly:

“We wanted to start the campaign on the right note, and to go into every game with the mindset that we have every chance to win - this has always been the intention.”

On striking an ever-important balance between both ends of the pitch, he added:

“It is important indeed. Ultimately you need to score goals to win the game, but we know that keeping clean sheets is equally important.”

With a tricky Shopee Cup tie against Selangor next, Noh urged his players to recover well:

“We hope to carry on the good work we started from Community Shield. But first, we need to recover, and gain some freshness before we start thinking of Selangor which will be another tough test for us.”

There were also positive moments off the bench as Faris Ramli and Jacob Mahler are being regularly called upon to action after long-term injuries. The pair’s reintegration will be crucial given the club’s packed schedule across four competitions this season.

Looking ahead, Syazwan knows that this squad depth, and a strong mentality will be key:

“It is important to keep the morale high and there is no better way to build this than through wins. But at the same time, it is equally important that we do not get carried away, and to be consistent in approaching every game with the same winning mentality. On top of this, the depth of the squad is also very important, and that is where everyone comes in and contributes in whatever way they can for the team.”

For Trent, the win sets the tone for the road ahead:

“Of course wins always help with morale and the team is feeling really good. We just need to keep our heads down and stay focused on the task ahead, and take it game by game. I’m sure we will be ready for the fight come next game.”

The boys in Yellow and Black could hardly have asked for a better start to their ACL Two campaign. Against tough group opponents, this opening victory was as powerful as it was pivotal for the team.