The Vietnamese side entered the return leg under immense pressure after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had awarded Tampines a 3-0 win in the first leg due to a player eligibility violation. That decision nullified Hanoi Police FC’s earlier 4-0 victory in Hanoi and left them needing a major comeback.

Tampines opened the scoring in the 36th minute through Hide Higashikawa, further increasing Hanoi Police FC’s uphill task. The situation worsened in the 55th minute when Leo Artur was shown a straight red card, reducing the visitors to 10 men.

Moments later, striker Nguyen Dinh Bac appeared to give his Hanoi Police FC a lifeline when he found the net in the 56th minute. However, after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed, a decision that proved pivotal.

Higashikawa extended Tampines’ lead in the 60th minute, and Trent Buhagiar added a third in the 79th. The visitors managed a consolation goal from the penalty spot through Alan in the 77th minute, but it was not enough to alter the outcome.

Speaking after the match, Hanoi Police FC head coach Alexandre Polking admitted the psychological impact of the AFC’s pre-match ruling.

The team entered the game with strong determination despite the difficult circumstances, Polking said, adding but playing with 10 men was extremely challenging.

He admitted that the decision to award Tampines a 3-0 win before kickoff significantly changed the team’s mindset and tactical approach.

Polking also praised his players’ effort, calling the experience a painful but important lesson.

The Singaporean side advanced confidently, capitalising on home advantage at Jalan Besar Stadium.

Hanoi Police FC sanctioned, forfeited 3–0 after eligibility breach

VOV.VN - Hanoi Police FC has been handed a 0–3 defeat by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Two 2025–2026 Round of 16 against Tampines Rovers FC, following a breach of player eligibility rules.