Stags' in danger of continental elimination

Tampines Rovers' continental campaign is in danger of not having themselves crossing the AFC Cup group stages for the first time since their participation with 1-0 defeat to Malaysian club side Terengganu FA at JBS.

A horrific start to the game when Tampines's' custodian Sasa Dreven and defender Benoit Croissant gifted Terengganu FA's Joseph Kalang Tie a perfect gift when the duo's miscommunication resulted an one-nil lead in less than five from the kick-off.

Latiff (in leap position) saw his effort twice denied in seconds

To be fair to the Stags, they were dominating much of the possession by pressing on after the early setback with ace winger Ahmad Latiff came close twice when his double header in front of goal were denied by the heroics of the Turtles' 'keeper Sharbinee Allawee Ramli in 7th minute coupled with a plenty of misfiring efforts from his team-mates.

Nothing much from the much touted Turtle's striker Francis Forkey Doe who was overshadowed by the possession dominance of the hosts.

Doe (9) is the main target man for the visitors

Doe himself did show a bit a flair as match progressed in the second half but fall short of making count where it matter most - in goal.

Same goes to the defending S.League champions that despite the continuing dominance in play, the duck remained the stumbling block as it looks increasing worrying for them to maintain their continental feat.

"We are disappointing that we conceded an early that saw us chasing the game." said Tampines coach Steven Tan after the match.

"It was the lost of concentration in the first five minutes that caused the goal and while Terengganu played a tight, compact game that didn't allow us to attack.

"I think we just have to keep on fighting, stay positive and must give up hope." he added.

Stags facing eliminate if fail to buck for the rest of their campaign

Meanwhile, coach Tan's counterpart Mohd Zan bin Mat Aris is pleased with his team's performance.

"It was a lucky win for us, as we scored early in the game with our defence played well tonight.

"Also the fact that we have not lost here (in Jalan Besar Stadium) made me very happy as well, "With the six points we have so far, we are looking forward to the next round of the competition." said a confident coach Zan at the post-match presser.

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