All systems go for Suzuki Cup

Philippine Azkals playing at the Philippine Sports Stadium. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

The Philippine Football Federation yesterday expressed its readiness to stage one of the group stages of the biggest football tournament in Southeast Asia for the first time, four years after it was given the hosting job.

PFF general secretary Ed Gastanes said they are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a smooth staging of the AFF Suzuki Cup kicking off Saturday at Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The Azkals needed to qualify for the semifinals in 2012 and 2014 to bring the Suzuki Cup to the country.
This year, the country will host defending champion Thailand, four-time winner Singapore and Indonesia.

“We know that the entire region will be watching us because the Suzuki Cup is the biggest sporting event in Southeast Asia,” said Gastanes during yesterday’s PSA Forum held at Shakey’s Malate.

The Philippines battles Singapore at 8 p.m., after Thailand tackles Indonesia in the 4:30 p.m. kickoff.