Ahead of the second leg facing Tampines Rovers, the AFC supercomputer forecasted a 52% winning probability for Công An Hà Nội, providing encouragement while the team faces disciplinary pressure.
The second leg of the AFC Champions League Round of 16 between Công An Hà Nội and Tampines Rovers is taking place under special circumstances as the Vietnamese representative just received positive news from the AFC prediction system.
According to the released data, Công An Hà Nội is favored with a winning probability as high as 52%, while Tampines stands at 40%, and the chance of a draw is 8%. These figures indicate that Alexandre Polking’s team is still regarded as the slight favorite despite playing away.
The recent form of both teams is quite balanced. Tampines Rovers won 3 of their last 5 matches, with 1 draw and 1 loss. Công An Hà Nội also recorded 2 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw in their last 5 games. However, the key difference lies in squad quality and continental experience. CAHN has won 11 of their last 18 matches across all competitions, showing considerable consistency.
Previously, in the first leg, the Vietnamese side achieved an impressive 4-0 victory. However, that joy is now threatened by a possible 0-3 forfeit loss due to player registration errors. Two foreign players, Stefan Mauk and Rogerio Alves, had accumulated enough yellow cards but still played, violating AFC rules. If penalized, CAHN must win the second leg by at least a 3-goal margin to advance.
Nevertheless, Coach Polking has shown readiness to face the challenge. He openly admitted the mistake was a management error and emphasized that the sole goal is to continue defeating the opponent. His statement, “we need to fight and win again from scratch,” reveals CAHN’s intention to avoid getting caught up in administrative disputes.
Tampines Rovers is a tough opponent, especially at home. They have won 4 of their last 6 away games and are known for their fast-paced, quick transition style. However, head-to-head history favors Công An Hà Nội, who won both recent encounters by large margins.
Amid mounting pressure, the 52% winning forecast from the AFC supercomputer can be seen as a timely morale boost for CAHN. The upcoming match is not just about tactics but also a test of resilience. Overcoming adversity would make a victory over Tampines far more meaningful than merely securing a quarterfinal spot.