Coach Polking comments as CAHN faces the risk of a 0-3 forfeit loss

Facing the threat of a 0-3 forfeit for using ineligible players, CAHN’s captain shared an important statement, highlighting the entire squad’s morale before the return match.

The convincing 4-0 victory of Hanoi Police Club over Tampines Rovers in the first leg of the AFC Champions League 2 round of 16 is now at risk of being overturned. According to journalist Gabriel Tan (ESPN), the Vietnamese side might be handed a 0-3 loss for fielding two players who were not eligible to play.

Specifically, Stefan Mauk and Rogerio Alves both accumulated three yellow cards during the group stage. Their third cautions came in the final match against Tai Po. According to tournament rules, these two players were supposed to be suspended for the next match, which was the knockout game against Tampines.

Nevertheless, both Mauk and Alves were included in the starting lineup. Mauk played the full 90 minutes, while Alves was subbed off after 64 minutes and even scored to extend the lead to 3-0. The fact that one of these scorers makes CAHN’s situation even more precarious if the penalty is enforced.

Speaking to Thanh Niên Newspaper, coach Alexandre Polking stated he is aware of the situation. The Brazilian tactician did not treat it as luck or misfortune but addressed it straightforwardly: "What we need to do now is fight and beat them again." His viewpoint shows a complete focus on the sporting aspect rather than stirring controversy.

If the 0-3 forfeit is confirmed, CAHN will be forced to win by at least a three-goal margin in the second leg at 19:15 on February 18 at Jalan Besar Stadium (Singapore) to keep their hopes alive. This clearly presents a tough challenge, especially with the Singapore team having home advantage.

In fact, the AFC Champions League 2 has seen a similar case before. Last season, Lion City Sailors were awarded a 3-0 victory over Sanfrecce Hiroshima after their opponent fielded an unregistered player. That ruling completely changed the outcome, allowing the Singaporean club to stage a comeback and eventually reach the tournament final.

Whether the penalty is applied or not, the challenge for coach Polking’s squad remains ahead. Under mounting pressure, resilience and concentration will be key for CAHN to control their own destiny. Therefore, the second leg in Singapore is not just a battle for progression but also a statement of spirit and stature for the Vietnamese representative on the continental stage.