5 Things We Learned from Tampines 2-0 Balestier

Tampines Rovers started their 2026/27 Singapore Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win over Balestier Khalsa. Here are the 5 biggest things we learned from the match. Raoul Suhaimi was my Man of the Match, completely shutting down Balestier's Jakov Katuša down the flank all game. Tampines' Japanese contingent turned up. Yuki Kobayashi's corner led to the opener, and Shodai Yokoyama's assist set up Hide Higashikawa's header for the second. Balestier looked short of match fitness, Tampines were sharper and more intense as the game went on. Remember the name, Bill Mamadou. Balestier's new defender was physically dominant at the back despite the loss. Hide Higashikawa is off the mark for 2026/27, his first goal of the season and a big signal for his form going forward. Who was YOUR Man of the Match? Was there anyone else who caught your eye in this game? Let me know in the comments. Subscribe to SGF90 for more Singapore Premier League predictions, reactions, and post-match reviews all season long.