Kuching City FC and Tampines Rovers FC played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup at the Sarawak State Stadium on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The hosts surrendered a two-goal lead as the Singaporean side staged a dramatic late comeback to claim a share of the spoils in the regional club competition.

Match Overview

Kuching City started brightly in front of a passionate home crowd and took the game to their opponents from the first whistle. The Malaysian side pressed high and forced Tampines Rovers into several early turnovers, capitalising on their momentum with two well-worked goals before the interval. However, the visitors regrouped after the break and gradually wrestled control of the midfield, pulling one back midway through the second half before snatching a dramatic equaliser in the closing stages.

The result leaves both teams with a point from their opening fixture in the competition, setting up an intriguing battle for group supremacy in the matches to come.

Key Moments

• 18th minute: Kuching City take the lead when Jordan Mintah latches onto a through ball and slots past the Tampines goalkeeper.
• 39th minute: The home side double their advantage as Danial Ashraf finishes off a swift counter-attacking move with a low drive into the bottom corner.
• 61st minute: Tampines Rovers halve the deficit through Boris Kopitović, who rises highest to head home a pinpoint cross from the right.
• 89th minute: Faris Ramli completes the comeback, arriving late in the box to convert a cutback and silence the home supporters.

Tactical Story

Kuching City’s high-pressing 4-2-3-1 caused Tampines problems early on, with the front four denying their opponents time on the ball and forcing long passes that were easily intercepted. The Malaysian side’s willingness to attack down the flanks paid dividends, and their two-goal cushion looked comfortable at the break.

Tampines coach responded with a switch to a more direct 4-3-3, pushing their full-backs higher and overloading the wide areas. That adjustment stretched Kuching’s defensive shape, and the Singaporean side’s persistence eventually told as they exploited gaps late on. Kuching will rue their failure to manage the game in the final 20 minutes, while Tampines will take confidence from their fighting spirit.

Standout Players

Jordan Mintah was a constant menace for Kuching, using his strength and movement to occupy the Tampines centre-backs and opening the scoring with a clinical finish. Danial Ashraf also impressed with his energy and direct running. For Tampines, Boris Kopitović led the line superbly and his header gave his side a lifeline, while Faris Ramli’s late impact off the bench proved decisive.

Group Standings Impact

Both clubs sit on one point in the early group table, with the draw leaving everything to play for in the coming matchdays. Kuching City will be frustrated to have let a two-goal lead slip, but the performance showed they can compete with the best in the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup. Tampines Rovers, meanwhile, will view the point as a valuable away result that keeps them firmly in the qualification mix.