Philippines Host Vietnam In AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 Semifinal First Leg

The quest for regional supremacy continues for the Philippine Men’s National Team as they face Vietnam in the semifinal round of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018.

The first leg will be held this coming Sunday 2 December 2018 at the Pana-ad Park and Football Stadium in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Kick off time is at 7:30 PM.

It is the Azkals’ fourth time in the semifinals having advanced in 2010, 2012, and 2014. The Philippines join defending champions Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia in the knockout stages which begin this weekend.

The Philippines finished the group stage with 8 points having collected two wins, against Singapore and Timor Leste, and two draws, against Thailand and Indonesia.

“We know what this team, the Men’s National Team is capable of,” said PFF president Mariano Araneta Jr. “We have reached the semifinals for the fourth time and once again we call all football fans and stakeholders to show your support as the team bids for a spot in the final.”

“It feels good, we missed the semifinal the last time we hosted. The players are motivated and we hope everyone in the Philippines is happy with the achievement. We look forward to face Vietnam in the semifinals,” said team manager Dan Palami. “We have to credit the heart of the players who give their all every time they are on the pitch.”

The Philippines made their mark with a 2-0 win against Vietnam in 2010 in Hanoi, and followed it up by a 1-0 win in Bangkok. Their last meeting in 2014 saw Vietnam win 3-1 in Hanoi.

Match tickets will be sold at all SM Tickets outlets beginning Wednesday 28 November 2018. The purchased tickets from SM Tickets must be swapped for the actual match ticket to enter the stadium.

Ticket swapping will be held on Saturday 1 December and Sunday 2 December 2018 at the Pana-ad Park and Football Stadium starting at 3:00 PM
.

http://pff.org.ph/2018/11/28/philippines-host-vietnam-in-aff-suzuki-cup-2018-semifinal-first-leg/

1st Prime Mobility Futsal Cup - Domingo QC

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AFF Suzuki Cup - Daisuke Sato leaving AFF Suzuki Cup squad

REPORT: Indonesia 0-0 Philippines

Jakarta: The Philippines continued their unbeaten run at this year's AFF Suzuki Cup and secured a berth in the semi finals after a 0-0 draw with Indonesia on Sunday.

The Azkals, who have advanced to the semi final on three previous occasions, knew a draw in the Indonesian capital would be enough to secure their spot in the knockout rounds, while Indonesia was playing for nothing but pride having already been eliminated.

Despite just needing the draw, the visitors weren’t content on just sitting back, however, and had the first chance of the game when Stephan Schrock attempted to side foot the ball home with Andritany Ardhiyasa out of position.

But the German-born midfielder put his shot wide and for the remainder of the first half it was the home side that had the best of the proceedings as they looked to end their campaign on a winning note.

Stefano Lilipaly had the best chance for Bima Sakti’s side midway through the half, but he skied his volleyed effort and the Azkals were let off the hook.

The visitors were dealt a blow in the first half when inspirational leader Phil Younghusband was forced from the field after a nasty clash of heads left him worse for wear.

As it was in the first half, it was the home side doing most of the attacking in the second half, with Riko Simanjuntak in particular looking to create chances in the final third, but they struggled to find a way past the well organised defence of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side.

The visitors almost snatched the win and all three points late on when Manuel Ott's free kick forced a fine save from Andritany, who was determined to keep a clean sheet and in the end he did just that as the match ended without either side finding the back of the net.

The draw was enough for the Philippines to advance to the semi finals where they will face Vietnam, while Indonesia's campaign ended with just the one win from their four matches.

https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/news/highlights/1228-report-indonesia-0-0-philippines

Azkals return to Jakarta for Suzuki Cup oozing confidence

by CHRISTIAN JACINTO

WHEN the Philippine Azkals return to the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Indonesia it will be an entirely different situation than the last time they went there for an AFF Suzuki Cup game.

The Azkals played in the stadium in 2010 when they were mere minnows in the Asean football scene who were eager to prove themselves in the region. They got eliminated by Indonesia, 2-0, on aggregate.

The Filipino footballers now return to Jakarta as sharks, favored to go through to the semifinals – backed by a proven and tested coach in Sven Goran Erikkson and confidence high as they remain unscathed even after a clash against Asean powerhouse Thailand.

“I know it brings back some good memories. I think that game was very different from tomorrow. We have the chance to go through the semifinal and Indonesia doesn’t have,” said team skipper Phil Younghusband, one of the three remaining players from the 2010 team.

“It’s very difficult compare or take anything from that. But I remember the atmosphere here and a lot of us were new to that kind of pressure. Different game different time but hopefully a different result,” he added.

Longtime team benefactor Dan Palami remembers that day like it was yesterday, and he’s confident that they can get a different result this time when they return to Indonesia on Sunday in the final game in Group B of the 2018 Suzuki Cup.

A win, or a draw coupled with a Singapore loss to Thailand, will push the Philippines to the semis.

“It certainly feels that way, it’s still in the group stage pero parang it brings back a lot of memories since that time na naglaro kami doon. I’m just hoping that it would yield a different result,” said Palami.

“I think the team si ready to give us that. With the way we’re playing, based on the trend of how we play, we can achieve victory in Indonesia,” he added.

While it’s an entirely different situation now between the two teams, what won’t change is the hostile atmosphere that’s expected from the home crowd in a stadium that can seat up to 77,000 people

“We cannot take for granted yung support ng home nila, na sa pagkadami dami nila will always give them the extra boost,” Palami continued.

“We’re just hoping that the players be able to cope with it and play according to how we should play.”

https://www.spin.ph/football/philippine-azkals-bung-karno-stadium-aff-cup-suzuki-cup-a1331-20181124?ref=home_feed_1

AFF Suzuki Cup - Indonesia vs Philippines

CERES-NEGROS DRAWN INTO GROUP G OF 2019 AFC CUP

Philippine champions Ceres-Negros FC was drawn to Group G of the 2019 AFC Cup last November 22 at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur.

The busmen were grouped with Vietnam number two squad Becamex Bin Duong, Myanmar’s Shan United, and Indonesia’s number one or three club.

Match Day 1 is scheduled on February 26 against Shan United in Panaad.

The Negros squad however will also have the chance to break into the AFC Champions League group stage when they will participate in the Preliminary stages in February.

Should the club make it to the group stage of Asia’s elite tournament, the Davao Aguilas will replace them in the tournament.

http://ceresfootball.com/ceres-negros-drawn-into-group-g-in-afc-cup/