Written by: Rashid Sulaiman

RHB Singapore Cup (Quarter-Finals 1st Leg)

Tampines Rovers vs Global FC

(Wednesday, 29 June, 8pm, Jurong West Stadium)

Tampines Rovers coach Akbar Nawas is keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of their RHB Singapore Cup quarter-final first leg clash against Philippines’ Global FC at the Jurong West Stadium on Wednesday.

When queried about his game plan against the United Football League (UFL) leaders, Akbar said, “I’ve watched them the last time they played here against Cambodian side Nagaworld FC [in the preliminary round].”

“We do have some videos on them and we will analyse them. Once we return to training, we will work towards in trying to play the game against them.”

The Stags come into this match buoyed by confidence after defeating Great Eastern-Yeo’s S.League leaders Albirex Niigata (S) courtesy of a solitary goal by Singapore international Fazrul Nawaz.

With only goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud yet to regain full fitness, Akbar will have an otherwise fully-fit squad at his disposal against Leigh Manson’s side.

For Global, they advanced to the last eight after an empathic 5-0 win over Nagaworld in the preliminary round in May. They will welcome the return of seasoned campaigners Dennis Villanueva and Amani Aguinaldo who were suspended for their match last month.

It won’t be a walk in the park for Tampines as Global had previously expressed their intention to win the Singapore Cup. Global are currently on a seven match winning streak in their domestic league, scoring a staggering 25 goals and conceding just two goals this season in the UFL.

Both sides are known for their offensive prowess but the Stags will need to ensure they keep things tight at the back, having let in seven goals in their last five matches.

The first leg will be held on 28 June, Wednesday at the Jurong West Stadium with the return leg scheduled for 2 July, Saturday at the Jalan Besar Stadium. Both legs will be played at 8pm.

Tampines Rovers – WWWWW

24/06/16  Tampines Rovers 1-0 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)

17/06/16  Balestier Khalsa 2-3 Tampines Rovers (S.League)

14/06/16  Tampines Rovers 6-1 Garena Young Lions (S.League)

11/06/16  Tampines Rovers 4-3 Brunei DPMM (S.League)

24/05/16  Mohun Bagan 1-2 Tampines Rovers (AFC Cup)

Global FC – WWWWW

14/05/16  Global FC 1-0 Loyola FC (United Football League)

28/05/16  Nagaworld 0-5 Global FC (Singapore Cup)

12/06/16  Kaya FC 0-3 Global FC (United Football League)

02/06/16  Global FC 3-0 Pasargad FC (United Football League)

25/06/16  Forza FC 0-2 Global FC (United Football League)