SINGAPORE, 11 September 2026 — Tampines Rovers made the ideal start to their 2026/27 Singapore Premier League (SPL) campaign on Friday night, securing a composed 2-0 victory over Balestier Khalsa at Our Tampines Hub.
A first-half own goal from Balestier captain Tajeli Salamat and a clinical late header from reigning SPL top scorer Hide Higashikawa sealed all three points for head coach Nazri Nasir, continuing the Stags' imperious unbeaten run on opening day.
First-Half Breakthrough After Weather Delay
Overcast conditions across the eastern corridor delayed kick-off slightly, but Tampines showed no signs of rust once proceedings got underway. Dominating possession from the opening whistle, the Stags sought early momentum down the flanks.
The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute. Yuki Kobayashi whipped a dangerous, in-swinging corner into the congested six-yard box, creating panic in the Balestier backline. The delivery struck Tigers skipper Tajeli Salamat, inadvertently deflecting into the net to give the home side a deserved 1-0 lead.
Tampines thought they had doubled their advantage just before the interval when Faris Ramli connected with a crisp volley, only for the assistant referee’s flag to cut the celebrations short for offside.
Photo: Grandstand SGP / Rudy
Tigers Push Back, Higashikawa Delivers the Clincher
Balestier Khalsa emerged from the break with renewed intent, pressing high in search of an equalizer. The Tigers came agonizingly close when Daniel Goh rattled the woodwork from close range, though any subsequent goal would have been scrubbed off by another offside call.
The contest heated up in the closing stages, punctuated by drama when Balestier’s Fudhil Iyadh was initially shown a red card. Following a pitchside VAR review, the decision was overturned, keeping the visitors at full complement.
Balestier’s hopes of mounting a late comeback were decisively extinguished in the 86th minute. Winger Shodai Yokoyama delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, where Hide Higashikawa reacted quickest. The Japanese marksman slipped effortlessly between Tajeli and Bill Mamadou to guide a clinical header home, securing the 2-0 scoreline.
The strike marked Higashikawa’s 33rd goal in just 40 appearances across all competitions for Tampines Rovers—reaffirming his status as one of the league's sharpest attacking threats.
Coaches' Post-Match Reactions
"After our disappointment in the Community Shield, the only objective tonight was three points. The defensive discipline was solid throughout, and Hide showed once again why he is so vital for us in the decisive moments."
— Nazri Nasir, Tampines Rovers Head Coach
"We felt hard done by conceding from an own goal after battling so hard. We lacked that sharp edge and quality in the final third tonight, though missing key players like Shakir Hamzah and Jun Kobayashi to injury certainly limited our options."
— Marko Kraljevic, Balestier Khalsa Head Coach
Photo: Grandstand SGP / Rudy
Up Next: Continental Action for the Stags
The victory provides the perfect springboard for Tampines Rovers before they turn their focus to continental duties. The Stags travel to China next week to take on Shanghai Shenhua in the AFC Champions League Two group stage on Thursday, 17 September.
Balestier Khalsa will look to regroup and collect their first points of the season when they host Tanjong Pagar United at home on Saturday, 19 September.
Key Match Details: Tampines Rovers vs Balestier Khalsa
| Metric | Detail |
| Competition | Singapore Premier League 2026/27 (Matchweek 1) |
| Date & Venue | Friday, 11 September 2026 | Our Tampines Hub |
| Final Score | Tampines Rovers 2–0 Balestier Khalsa |
| Goalscorers | Tajeli Salamat (OG 28'), Hide Higashikawa (86') |
| Player of the Match | Hide Higashikawa (Tampines Rovers) |