By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Philippine Azkals absorbed a stunning loss against host country Singapore, 2-1, in their opening match of the 2021 AFF Suzuki Cup.
After a tightly-contested first half with both teams deadlocked at zero, the Singaporean squad suddenly flipped the switch and cashed in goals at the 62nd and the 64th minute of the match.
It was team captain Hariss Harun who drew first blood for the home bets after perfectly timing his header from Safuwan Baharudin.
The Singaporean attack didn’t stop and inflicted more damage two minutes after the opening goal as Zulqarnaen Suzliman cruised past Azkals’s backline defense to double the cushion.
However, five minutes after Singapore’s second goal, Azkals’ Amin Nazari lifted the PH’s spirits after converting their first goal off a sweet corner kick pass from Kevin Ingreso.
The Azkals had two clear chances to equalize the match but Angel Guirado wasn’t able to convert as he missed a short stab attempt in the 89th minute and another one during stoppage time.
The Azkals had to endure a physical game as Singapore took it into the teeth of their defense every time they were in attack mode.
Due to the excessive physical contact of both teams in the first half, Azkals’ Amani Aguinaldo and team captain Stephan Schrock were penalized with respective yellow cards.
Despite the loss, the Azkals will still have the chance to take the top spot in Group A if they sweep their remaining matches and Singapore loses.
All eyes are on the PH booters as they take on Timor Leste on December 11, Saturday, in their second match of the AFF Suzuki Cup.
