Stags Show Heart Of Champions In Epic Derby Comeback

In an Eastern Derby that ended up lasting almost 4 hours, BG Tampines Rovers produced one of the most dramatic nights in Singapore Premier League history, as two stoppage-time goals sealed a breathtaking 4-3 comeback victory over rivals Geylang International at Our Tampines Hub on Saturday night. 

Coming into the contest on the back of a frustrating first league defeat to Albirex Niigata (S) the previous weekend - a match in which The Stags had also surrendered a two-goal advantage - there was an unmistakable sense of anticipation surrounding the club’s first home fixture in six weeks.

Supporters packed into Our Tampines Hub, eager to back their hometown side against familiar foes and hoping to witness a response under new Head Coach Katsuhito Kinoshi.

They got far more than that.

Dream Start For The Stags (Again)

Tampines entered the derby unbeaten in their first two meetings with the Eagles this season, and it looked as though that trend would continue after another blistering opening spell.

Just like last week’s match against Albirex, The Stags needed just five minutes to break the deadlock when top scorer Hide Higashikawa rose highest to power home Koya Kazama’s inviting cross.

Shortly after, proceedings were interrupted by a lengthy weather delay following a lightning warning, halting momentum for nearly two hours. But when play resumed, Tampines wasted no time in picking up where they had left off.

In the 12th minute, Hide struck again - this time turning home a dangerous delivery from compatriot Yuki Kobayashi to double the lead and send the Home support into raptures. 

At 2-0, Tampines were in complete control.

Derby Twist As Visitors Fight Back

Yet, as we have learnt, football can turn in an instant.

Against the run of play, Geylang pulled one back in the 21st minute when Kaisei Ogawa reacted quickest after Tampines failed to clear a set-piece, heading in from close range.

The visitors then stunned the home crowd eight minutes later. Shodai Yokoyama surged down the right flank before finishing past Syazwan Buhari to level matters at 2-2.

Suddenly, echoes of the Albirex defeat from the previous weekend began to creep in. A commanding lead had vanished, and tension around the stadium grew palpable. 

Deja Vu

Barely two minutes after the restart, the away side completed the turnaround.

Nazrul Nazari delivered from the flank, and Shuhei Hoshino was on hand to convert from close range, giving the Eagles a 3-2 lead and silencing much of Our Tampines Hub.

The Stags pushed forward in search of an equaliser, committing bodies higher up the pitch. Chances came and went, and when the 90th minute arrived, Geylang looked increasingly likely to hold on for a famous derby win.

But this side refused to fold.

A Determined Effort Pays Off At The Death

With five minutes added on and Tampines staring at consecutive league defeats, centre-back Jacob Mahler stepped up.

Thrown forward in the closing stages, the Singapore international showed heart to meet Shah Shahiran’s cross in the 95th minute with a powerful header into the corner of the net, making it 3-3 and igniting scenes of chaos inside the stadium. 

Then came the final twist.

In the 98th minute, substitute Taufik Suparno, brought on to add some added directness to Tampines’ play, slalomed beyond several defenders in typical fashion, before clipping an excellent cross toward the far post. Waiting there was Hide, who guided his pinpoint header into the back of the net to complete a sensational hat-trick and spark wild celebrations among players, staff, and supporters alike. 

From despair to delirium in a matter of moments - BG Tampines Rovers clinched a near 4-hour epic, in a marked display of pure determination. When the mirrors of last week shone brightest, The Stags made sure to smash them, making good on their goal to make their comeback stronger than their setback.

Hide Hits 30, Jacob Delivers Again

The Japanese frontman's treble was his third hat-trick in all competitions, taking his remarkable tally to 30 goals (and 8 assists) in 33 appearances this season.

Despite the heroics, the forward remained characteristically demanding of himself afterwards:

“I’m very happy, but I still want to play a better game. I wasn’t satisfied with my performance, so I want to do better next time.”

Jacob, whose equaliser set the stage for the winner, also added to this sentiment:

“What a game it was. I am happy to get the 3 points and to get on the scoresheet. We will work even harder for the next games to come.”

The hard work continues as The Stags look to finish this grueling season strong.

First Win For Head Coach Kinoshi

The result marked a significant milestone - Katsuhito Kinoshi’s first victory as BG Tampines Rovers Head Coach, and the gaffer shared his joy for the manner of the win.

“Today, I am so happy to give 3 points to our supporters, especially because they stayed on (throughout the rain delay). I (continued to) believe (even while trailing in the final minutes), because our players never lost their motivation to get the three points and fight until the end.”

The sentiment of having work to be done was also reflected, with him adding, 

“However, for the next match, we must look to make our supporters more comfortable during the match - i.e., keep the lead once we got the two early goals. In this aspect, we should have had a much stronger block as a team and a quicker transition against the counter-attack. We will address this well in the coming training sessions.”

The night’s victory was a triumph built on resilience, belief, and togetherness, and what had looked set to become another painful lesson instead became a statement of character to build on further.

The Stags showed heart. They showed fight. And on an unforgettable derby night in Tampines, they reminded everyone why this title race is far from over.

Next Up

The Stags return to Our Tampines Hub on April 17 for a Friday night clash against Balestier Khalsa, kicking off at 7:30pm (barring any weather delays).

Head Coach Kinoshi shared his gratitude for The Stand, saying, “I appreciate (your support of the team) so much - please keep supporting and pushing us, and let us all stick together for the bright future of Tampines.”

As the season enters its final stretch, the boys will be aiming to keep the pressure firmly on league leaders Lion City Sailors. Come down once again and bring the same electric atmosphere, as the team pushes ahead in the continued title race!