Singapore fans erupt ahead of the showdown with Quang Hải and Đình Bắc

The draw for the AFC Champions League Two (Asian C2 Cup) knockout stage in the East region has confirmed the key pairings for the last 16. Công An Hà Nội FC is set to compete against Singapore’s Tampines Rovers.

According to the draw results, Tampines Rovers (group H winners) will meet CAHN (second place in group E). This is considered a rare “Southeast Asian derby” in the C2 Asian Cup round of 16. Tampines impressed in the group stage by surpassing Pohang Steelers, former Asian champions, to top their group, while CAHN finished behind Australia’s Macarthur FC in group E.

For CAHN, drawing a regional opponent from Southeast Asia is seen as a relatively favorable outcome, especially with many strong teams from Japan, South Korea, and Australia still in the competition. The presence of Quang Hải, a continentally experienced star, alongside Đình Bắc, a young player known for speed and unpredictability, has drawn significant attention from their rivals.

On the other hand, Singaporean supporters are showing caution ahead of this encounter. On social media, many comments suggest Tampines Rovers have landed in a tough bracket. One Singapore fan commented: “This is a difficult draw for Tampines. I had hoped they would face Bangkok United instead of a Vietnamese team. If they get past this round, they might face an Australian team, and if luck favors them further, Gamba Osaka in the semifinals.”

Another opinion expressed relief but remained wary: “At least Tampines doesn’t have to face Korean or Japanese teams right from the start.”

Meanwhile, another fan was brief but to the point: “Really tough.” 

According to the schedule, CAHN will play the first leg at Hàng Đẫy Stadium before traveling to Singapore for the return leg. This is considered a significant advantage for the police-affiliated team, as they can try to build a lead at home with the support of Vietnamese fans. With Quang Hải in consistent form and Đình Bắc maturing in continental competition, CAHN is expected to capitalize on this opportunity to advance further in the Asian C2 Cup.

In other matchups, Macarthur FC will face Bangkok United, while Gamba Osaka will meet Pohang Steelers, a clash regarded as an “early final” in the East region. Indonesia’s Persib Bandung will take on Thailand’s Ratchaburi FC, promising intense battles among Southeast Asian representatives.

The AFC Champions League Two round of 16 is scheduled for February 2026, with the quarterfinals and semifinals set for March and April respectively. The single-match final between East and West representatives will take place on May 16, 2026.