Tampines Rovers FC assistant coach Robert Eziakor called for a disciplined approach from his players against Công An Hà Nội FC on Wednesday as the Singapore Premier League side look to squeeze into the semi-finals of the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™.
Tampines Rovers are currently fourth in the standings with one round remaining but can force their way into the top two to claim a spot in the knockout rounds with a positive result if the outcome in the other matches in Group A go in their favour.
“Our objective is to stay composed throughout the game,” said Eziakor. “We want to control the match over the full 90 minutes and remain focused from start to finish.
“We are taking it one game at a time. Right now, our focus is fully on the Shopee Cup™ and on tomorrow’s match. We are not thinking too far ahead. The priority is to make sure we are prepared and get the job done.”
Tampines Rovers will be attempting to bounce back from a chastening 4-1 loss against defending champions Buriram United FC at Jalan Besar Stadium last week to put their challenge for the regional title back on track.
A win over Công An Hà Nội would take the Noh Rahman-coached outfit into the last four if Buriram United fail to defeat DH Cebu FC in Thailand and second-placed BG Pathum United FC do not win against hosts Selangor FC, the current leaders of Group A.
The Stags would also progress alongside Selangor with a draw should Buriram United and BG Pathum both lose.
The home side will be taking on a Công An Hà Nội side that has already been eliminated with Eziakor unconcerned that the opposition may have been able to gain insight into Tampines Rovers’ tactical approach.
“Just as people can see how we play, we can also see how our opponents play,” he said. “Football is about the moment. If we stay focused, take our chances and maintain our shape throughout the 90 minutes, we can perform well.
“Our concern is how we play, not what others may see.”
Công An Hà Nội’s hopes of a return to the Shopee Cup™ final, where they lost last season to Buriram United, were ended last week with a 2-0 loss against Selangor. That result has left the team in fifth in Group A with coach Mano Pölking planning to alter his line-up.
“Tomorrow’s match is still our responsibility, and we must take it very seriously,” said Pölking. “Our objective is clear — we want to win and take the three points.
“We are going to make some changes. We want to give opportunities to players who are training very well but have not had many minutes recently. This is a good chance for them to gain experience in an international competition.
“That said, we will not change everything. We will find the right balance — mixing players who need minutes with those who need some rest. We will still field a strong starting 11 that is capable of winning the game.”
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