Pre-match information
Hanoi Police entered the 1/8 round of AFC Champions League Two 2025–2026 with high expectations and a perfect start when they won big 4-0 against Tampines Rovers at home.
However, a serious off-field error caused all advantages to collapse. According to AFC regulations, players who receive enough yellow cards will be automatically suspended in the next match. Two foreign players Stefan Mauk and Rogerio Alves received enough 3 cards from the group stage but were still registered and played, even Alves scored. As a result, AFC defeated Hanoi Police 0-3.
This mistake caused heavy losses in terms of both score, finance and image of a largely invested club with the goal of going deep in the continental arena. The incident also raised questions about the management process and internal coordination. From being almost certain to advance, Quang Hai and his teammates were pushed into a situation where they had to win big in the second leg.
The rematch away from home is even more pressured as Tampines Rovers have a great advantage and play on artificial turf. The Singapore representative is likely to choose a tight defensive style, waiting for counter-attacks to maintain the gap.
To reverse the situation and win a ticket to the quarter-finals, Hanoi Police must win with a minimum difference of 4 goals. This is not only a tactical challenge but also a test of the team's bravery and professionalism after a regrettable mistake.
