Nguyễn Quang Hải’s standout performance puts Tampines Rovers’ AFC Champions League Two aspirations in jeopardy.

Vietnam’s Nguyễn Quang Hải has consistently posed challenges for numerous Southeast Asian opponents over the years, particularly on the international stage.

Although his prominence may have waned somewhat recently due to various factors, including persistent injury issues, he provided a timely reminder of his game-changing prowess on Wednesday.

Similar to several renowned players whose responsibilities evolve as they progress in their careers, Quang Hải — known for his lethal left foot — stepped up as a finisher this time, rather than a playmaker.

In previous encounters, it was Singapore that faced the brunt of a Quang Hải showcase; however, this time it was their last remaining representatives in the AFC Champions League Two — BG Tampines Rovers — who fell victim to a significant 4-0 loss in the first leg of their round of 16 matchup against Công An Hà Nội, which nearly seals the outcome ahead of next week’s return leg.

Perhaps Tampines can argue that Quang Hải was entirely absent from their last encounter just a week prior during the final round of group-stage matches in the ASEAN Club Championship.

On that occasion, they endured a heavy 6-1 defeat in what was essentially a meaningless match — as both teams had already been eliminated from semifinal contention.

However, there was much at stake on Wednesday, particularly since Tampines had exceeded all expectations with their impressive performances in the group stage — where they amassed an impressive 16 points out of a possible 18 to finish first, even ahead of South Korean heavyweights Pohang Steelers.

This left them aspiring to replicate the achievements of their compatriots Lion City Sailors, who made history in the tournament last season by becoming the first Singaporean club to reach a continental final.

Those aspirations, however, have been effectively dashed in a decisive manner — as a three-goal flurry within 13 first-half minutes set the tone for a commanding CAHN victory.

The deadlock was broken in the 24th minute when a powerful shot from the edge of the box by Léo Artur forced Tampines goalkeeper Syazwan Buhari into a low save, but he could not deflect the shot far enough, allowing Quang Hải to calmly finish the rebound.

Just three minutes later, with effectively the next significant action of the match, the hosts doubled their advantage.

A swift counterattack initiated by Alan Grafite was soon taken over by Léo Artur, whose clever reverse pass set up Quang Hải. As he entered the penalty area, the 28-year-old demonstrated awareness and composure by poking the ball through the legs of a recovering Shah Shahiran before slotting it past Syazwan.

Eight minutes before halftime, it was 3-0, and this time, some responsibility must fall on Tampines.

A misdirected clearance by Glenn Kweh, under minimal pressure, allowed Léo Artur to unleash a shot towards goal. Stags defender Dylan Fox instinctively — and courageously — put his head in the way, but it only resulted in the ball looping high into the air.

While many might have assumed the ball was heading out for a corner, China remained alert and reached it just before it crossed the byline. Although his initial attempt was blocked by Syazwan, he was rewarded with a follow-up effort that found the back of the net.

At this point, it appeared that a rout was imminent, but to their credit, Tampines performed significantly better after the break.

They created several promising opportunities that should have at least resulted in a goal, although they also appeared vulnerable defensively as they pushed more players forward.

Their task was admittedly aided by the fact that Quang Hải had done enough to warrant an early substitution in the 64th minute.

It was fitting that his exit saw Vietnamese football’s brightest star of the past decade replaced by the talented prospect expected to be his long-term successor, Nguyễn Đình Bắc.

Having begun his career at Quảng Nam FC, even playing in the second tier as recently as 2023, Đình Bắc’s ascent eventually led to a significant transfer to CAHN.

In 2025, he was named the Most Valuable Player in Vietnam’s victorious ASEAN U23 Championship campaign, while — just last month — he was the top scorer at the AFC U23 Asian Cup as his nation achieved an impressive third-place finish, which included victories over South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan — whose senior teams will all participate in this year’s FIFA World Cup.

Significantly, it was Đình Bắc who capped the scoring in the second minute of injury time — just when it seemed that Tampines’ improved performance in the second half would leave them with only a three-goal deficit to overcome next week.

Once again, the Stags might feel they could have done better to clear their lines, but once the ball fell to Đình Bắc in space, he required no second invitation to turn onto his right foot and deliver a powerful shot into the far corner.

The latest starlet of Vietnamese football had the final word, but it was the player who has epitomized their golden generation of the past decade that was undoubtedly the standout performer of the evening.

With a Quang Hải showcase reminiscent of many from the past, Tampines’ ACL Two aspirations now hang by a thread.