The Philippines open up its bid to gain the elusive AFF Suzuki Cup title as it takes on four-time champion Singapore in the opening day of Group A at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan on Saturday night.
Also in the bracket known as the “Group of Death” are Indonesia and defending titlists Thailand, which will face each other in the opener at 4:30 p.m. The Philippines-Singapore tiff follows at 8:00 p.m.
All other teams in the group knocked off the Philippines in the last three editions and went on to win the title, with the exception of Indonesia in 2010.
Meanwhile, Malaysia, Thailand, qualifiying winners Cambodia, and bracket host Myanmar comprise of Group B.
Singapore last faced the Philippines in the tournament during the 2012 semi-finals, where it went on to win the title against Thailand under then-Coach Raddy Avramovic. In its last three outings the Lion City pride fell in defeat to both Japan (0-3) and Syria (1-2) at home, and against Afghanistan (1-2) in Iran.
On the other hand, the Azkals will make do without Javier Patino and Daisuke Sato, who failed to get their respective releases from their international clubs. The tournament playing dates do not fall under the FIFA window dates, but will count under the international federation’s world rankings system. Diego de la Paz / Eagle News Service
