The Philippines and Singapore played to a scoreless draw in the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semifinal duel at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Playing at home for the first time in the tournament, the Azkals woke up after a lethargic opening half where they struggled to create chances and put the Singaporeans under pressure in the last 30 minutes but still failed to score.
The three-time champion Lions held their ground despite wave after wave of attack in the second half from the home side, which was backed by an estimated 13,000 that sparked a fiesta atmosphere inside the 78-year-old stadium.
The result meant both teams will have all to play in the second leg on Wednesday at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore, where a scoring draw could be enough for the Azkals to advance to the finals.
The Azkals were not at their best in the first half as lapses in the midfield allowed them to succumb to relentless attacks by the Lions led by Mustafic Farudin and Aleksandar Duric.
The Singaporeans took the initiative early with Shahdan Sulaiman getting the first crack three minutes into the match.
The Philippines’ Ed Sacapaño had to work hard defending the goal and he did put up a sterling performance, refusing to concede any goals.
He was forced into action in the 18th minute when Khairul Amri beat Azkal Rob Gier to the ball but failed to get past the Filipino goalkeeper.
Another attempt within the box by Singapore also with five minutes into the match was kicked out by Angel Guirado.
Phil Younghusband had a chance to score in the 20th minute when he picked up a pass from Guirado but Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Bin Mahbud was on top of it.
Except for that effort from Younghusband in the first half and a free kick from Paul Mulders that went narrowly wide midway in the second half, the Azkals couldn’t carve up a solid opportunity.
With Marwin Angeles coming in at halftime, the Azkals got a semblance of control, while Patrick Reichelt had success marauding on the left flank before he was substituted by Chieffy Caligdong.
The entrance of Caligdong in the 76th minute was not able to produce its usual result as he failed to find the back of the net.
There was excitement when Phil Younghusband pick up a pass from James Younghusband and flicked it to Caligdong, who unfortunately bundled his attempt.
Singapore picked up three yellow cards against the Philippines one on Cagara who got upset when he was pushed by a Singaporean booter while trying to get the ball out while Phil Younghusband was down on the pitch./with a report from the inquirer