We can beat any ACL 2 group rival: Buhagiar

With three goals and an assist in three matches, BG Tampines Rovers forward Trent Buhagiar has hit the ground running for his new club.

- Deepanraj Ganesan

And while those three matches have yielded two wins, a draw and a piece of silverware in the form of the Community Shield, the 27-year-old Malta international is only just revving up his engine.

With a healthy record of seven goals in 12 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League matches in the 2020 and 2022 seasons for Sydney FC, the speedy Buhagiar could be the catalyst that Tampines need for a deep run in Asia.

The last time the Stags advanced to the knockout stage of a continental competition was in 2016, when they reached the AFC Cup quarterfinals.

The second-tier Asian club tournament is now known as the AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2) following its revamp in 2024.

The Stags’ second ACL 2 campaign starts on Sept 18 against the 2024-25 Philippines Football League champions Kaya-Iloilo at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium.

Continental action improves players as it is more demanding, said Buhagiar, who joined Tampines from Azerbaijani side Kapaz PFK in June.

“It’s more technical, it’s more intense, and obviously, you got to raise your game,” added the wide forward.

“You are always tested, and you learn from these games, and it makes you a better player.”