CAHN delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Tampines Rovers in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 round of 16, placing one foot firmly in the continental quarter-finals.

The visitors began with confidence and forced CAHN’s defense into action during the opening 10 minutes with early attempts on goal.

After weathering that initial pressure, the hosts tightened their shape, regained control of possession and gradually imposed themselves on the match for the remainder of the first half.

The breakthrough arrived in the 25th minute.

Leo Artur unleashed a thunderous long-range strike that forced goalkeeper Buhari to parry.

Quang Hai reacted quickest, pouncing on the rebound to open the scoring.

Just three minutes later, the No.19 completed his brace with a composed angled finish following a sharp counterattack.

Before the interval, Rogerio Alves capitalized on a loose ball inside the box to extend the lead to 3-0.

CAHN entered halftime firmly in control.

In the second half, the home side deliberately slowed the tempo and handed opportunities to younger players.

Dinh Bac made his mark in stoppage time.

Receiving a through ball from Le Van Do, he twisted past defenders inside the penalty area before curling a precise effort into the top corner, sealing the emphatic 4-0 win.

The result gives CAHN a massive advantage ahead of the return leg at Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore next week.

Goals: Quang Hai (25’, 27’), Rogerio (37’), Dinh Bac (90+2’)

Starting lineups

CAHN: Nguyen Filip, Van Hau, Hugo Gomes, Viet Anh (Dinh Trong 79’), Pendant Quang Vinh (Minh Phuc 74’), Vitao (Thanh Long 79’), Mauk, Quang Hai (Dinh Bac 64’), Rogerio (Van Do 64’), Leo Artur, Alan.

Tampines Rovers: Buhari, Raoul, Yamashita, Takeshi, Fox, Sumi, Shah, Glenn Kweh, Buhagiar, Kazama, Higashikawa.

Match summary

Full time: CAHN 4-0 Tampines Rovers.

The V-League representatives head into the second leg with a commanding cushion.

90+2’: Dinh Bac makes it four.

From Le Van Do’s through pass, Dinh Bac maneuvered inside the box and curled home a clinical finish that left the visiting goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

81’: Dinh Bac nearly produced a stunning solo effort from outside the box, his shot deflecting narrowly wide.

64’: Head coach Mano Polking introduced Dinh Bac and Van Do, replacing Quang Hai and Rogerio.

57’: Tampines Rovers missed a golden opportunity as Buhagiar fired over the bar in a one-on-one situation with Nguyen Filip.

37’: Rogerio made it 3-0 after Leo Artur’s initial effort was blocked.

27’: Quang Hai doubled the lead with a composed finish after a swift attacking move.

25’: Quang Hai opened the scoring from close range following Leo Artur’s powerful shot.

Kick-off: Iraqi referee Zaid Thamer Mohammad signaled the start at Hang Day Stadium.

Despite a cautious opening on home soil, CAHN gradually asserted control and turned dominance into a decisive victory.

Thien Binh