Stags stagger again in AFC Cup

SINGAPORE - Tampines Rovers' AFC Cup dreams were dealt another blow when they suffered a 3-1 defeat away at the hands of Myanmar's Nay Pyi Taw FC on Wednesday.

After losing to Hong Kong's Kitchee SC two weeks ago, the Stags had hoped to breathe life into their Group E campaign with a good result against the capital side, who are making their debut on the continental stage this year.

Coach Salim Moin showed his intent from the start, restoring top scorer Miljan Mrdakovic to the side after his return from suspension. However, the Serbian striker failed to make the required impact on the game, and was substituted in the 65th minute.

By then the hosts were already 3-0 up. Italian forward Michele di Piedi sent his team into the lead in the 39th minute and South Korean midfielder Jung Yoon Sik sealed the victory with two further goals in the 60th and 67th minutes.

Although Aleksander Duric pulled one back for Tampines in the 70th minute, it was not enough to spark a comeback as Nay Pyi Taw held on for the win.

The result sent the Stags to the bottom of Group E, with no point from two games.

In the group's other game, Kitchee retained top spot on goal difference with four points, despite drawing 2-2 with India's Pune, who are third with two points.

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