Azkals tame Lions, 1-0

Ed Sacapano made Cebu’s hosting of its first-ever international football match more memorable.

The Philippines’ goal keeper made spectacular saves that helped the Azkals edge the Singapore Lions, 1-0, in their friendly game yesterday at the jam-packed Cebu City Sports Center.

Sacapano said it was his best performance as an Azkal in an international match.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa tiwala na binigay sa akin ni coach at sa mga taong sumusuporta sa akin at sa team,” Sacapano said during the post press conference.

One of Sacapano’s saves included a direct kick after a foul that ended the first half. Sacapano had to stretch far out to the right to save the ball. Another one was in the second half, when he foiled a free kick attempt and jumped back right up to deny a rebound by a Singapore striker.

Head coach Hans Michael Weiss and team captain Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong said they are very proud with what Sacapano showed in this match.

“Even with or without Etheridge (Neil), we are in good hands,” Weiss said.

YOUNGHUSBANDS SHINE

The changes that Weiss made in the second half proved to be the right move as Marwin Janver Angeles, who came in for Simon Greatwich, scored just nine minutes into the half.

Angeles finished a pass from Cebuano Patrick Reichelt, who picked up a cross from Phil Younghusband. He said he just pushed himself and got rewarded when he scored the lone goal in the 54th minute.

Singapore coach Avramovic Radojko said that the Younghusbands made the difference when they played in the second half. He also noted Sacapano’s performance.

“They know where to go and how to pass,” Radojko said.

Phil Younghusband came in for Caligdong while James Younghusband subbed for Jeffrey Christiaens.

Weiss said that the changes in the second half erased the team’s lackluster performance in the first half. He said the Younghusbands are more adjusted to each other.

The coach also credited the great performance of Jason de Jong, Demitrius Irving Omphroy and Angeles. But he also noted some players who didn’t perform well, among them were Reichelt and Greatwich. But he believes that both will be able to improve their game.

He also had high hopes for Cebuano Ray Anthony Pepito Jonsson, who recovered from a so-so performance in the first half by playing better in the final half.

Weiss said the Azkals performance last night was a good boost as they start their campaign in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 in 10 days time.

He said the team needs to play more compact and more aggressive in working the ball.

Weiss added that the mix between young and old players was good for the team and that they just have to make the right adjustments come game time.