StarHub League Cup Group B

Tampines Rovers vs Warriors FC

(July 12, Saturday, 8.00pm, Clementi Stadium)

Written by: Khalis Rifhan

It is a do-or-die mission for Tampines Rovers in their final StarHub League Cup Group B match against Warriors after their loss to Geylang International in their opening encounter three days ago.

The equation is simple; another defeat for Tampines means Rafi Ali’s side will progress to the Plate semi-finals while a draw will leave them hanging, uncertain of their quarter-finals progression until the group’s final tie between Warriors and Geylang on 13 July.

“It is not over yet. We beat Warriors and we are in for a chance. It’s another game, though it’s not ideal during this Ramadan month and we only have two days rest,” said Rafi who will be without leftback Shaiful Esah and midfielder Shahdan Sulaiman, both away with the national team on a training trip to Austria.

Against Geylang, Tampines exhibited their attacking flair but were unlucky in the final third as they were met with resolute. Jozef Kaplan, Aleksandar Duric and Jamil Ali all had a go at goal but none went successful.

“We are gonna do the same in the game against Warriors, these boys have shown  that they can play football but I think that we have to be focused every single time,” explained Rafi who promised to put on his strongest eleven and go for the three points.

Over at the Warriors’ camp, they have not played a competitive match since their 4-1 mauling of the Jaguars two weeks ago. Preparing for the League Cup, Alex Weaver arranged a friendly match and stormed to a 5-2 win against National Football League outfit Singapore Recreation Club (SRC).

Weaver won’t have the full squad at his disposal as Marin Vidosevic is suspended while goalkeeper Hassan Sunny and midfield livewire Suria Prakash is on national duty.

“We used the game to try out a few things tactically, the outcome of which I was pleased with,” commented Weaver after their friendly match.

“We saw a few excellent performances from his lads who have stepped up really well with Amin Rossady playing especially well alongside Kevin McCann in the first half. A very smart and energetic player indeed,” added the ex-Stoke academy coach who gave the Prime League players a run-out against SRC.

Suspension: Marin Vidosevic (Warriors)

Tampines Rovers – LWWWD

7/7/14      Geylang International 2-1 Tampines Rovers (StarHub League Cup Group B)

1/7/14      Tanjong Pagar United 1-4 Tampines Rovers (RHB Singapore Cup QF 2nd Leg)

27/6/14    Tampines Rovers 4-2 Tanjong Pagar United (RHB Singapore Cup QF 1st Leg)

24/6/14    Balestier Khalsa 0-2 Tampines Rovers

19/6/14    Tampines Rovers 1-1 Hougang United

Warriors FC – WLDLW

23/6/14    Warriors FC 4-1 Tanjong Pagar United

20/6/14    Woodlands Wellington 1-0 Warriors FC

12/6/14    Warriors FC 1-1 Balestier Khalsa

8/6/14      Hougang United 3-2 Warriors FC

5/6/14      Harimau Muda 2-4 Warriors FC