Singapore coach satisfied despite stalemate vs Azkals

AFF Suzuki Cup match between Philippines and Singapore at Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan. They settled for a scoreless tie. Photo by Sherwin Vardeleon/INQUIRER

BOCAUE – Singapore coach V. Sundramoorthy was satisfied with the way his team started the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup, escaping with a scoreless draw against the Philippines Saturday at Philippine Sports Stadium here.

“Even though the boys were struggling, I think we left everything out there. Credit to the boys,” he said.

Defender Hafiz Abu Sujad was booked with a red card at the 35th minute for his kung-fu style challenge against Azkals striker Phil Younghusband. That left the Lions undermanned the rest of the way as they tried to hold fort in their tournament opener.

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Still, their efforts proved to be enough, dodging numerous bullets from the Philippine side to split the points after the first matchday.

Sundramoorthy said Singapore did well in preserving its cause early in the tournament with the team tied for second with the hosts with one point each.

“Obviously, I think it’s difficult to press and try to dominate the ball for a team with 10 players. We’re just trying to see chances where we can counter,” he said.

READ: Misfiring Azkals settle for draw vs Singapore

The Lions were whistled for three yellow cards in the second half for time-wasting, as they milked the clock while also diffusing the Philippines’ momentum in the process.

But felt his wards did all they could to snare the full three points for Singapore.

“We have a young team and we definitely tried to get the three points, but our task became more difficult with one man out,” Sundramoorthy said.

Singapore will next face defending champion Thailand on Tuesday.