Singapore football team dismisses head coach just before rematch with CAHN

Tampines Rovers FC — CAHN's opponent in ACL2 — surprised by parting ways with their head coach only four days before the match.

On their official website on the morning of February 14, the club announced that both parties had mutually agreed to terminate the contract with immediate effect. This move came just days after Tampines Rovers suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat to CAHN in the first leg at Hang Day Stadium on February 11.

In the statement, the club said: “BG Tampines Rovers FC would like to announce that after constructive discussions, the club and Mr. Noh Rahman have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately.”

Although they “go separate ways” during a difficult period, the Singapore club expressed gratitude to the coach: “We sincerely thank Noh Rahman for his professionalism, dedication, and valuable contributions since 2023. His efforts have been an essential part of our journey, especially the unbeaten run in the AFC Champions League Two group stage 2025/26, which helped the club reach the continental knockout stage for the first time since 2016.”

Just within a week, Tampines Rovers had suffered two heavy losses against CAHN, with scores of 1-6 (Shopee Cup) and 0-4 (first leg of ACL2 round of 16). Nevertheless, parting ways with the head coach right before this crucial rematch puts the Singapore club at risk of a tactical and psychological crisis due to the lack of leadership.

To replace him, Tampines Rovers appointed Robert Eziakor as interim head coach. However, facing a large deficit after the first leg, the Singapore team will face a significant challenge against CAHN’s in-form players in the rematch.

The second leg between Tampines Rovers and CAHN will take place at 19:15 on February 18 (the second day of Lunar New Year) at Jalan Besar Stadium.