Bocaue, Bulacan (CNN Philippines) — The Philippine Azkals could not make the most of a one-man advantage against Singapore as they drew their opening match of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup, 0-0, on Saturday at the Philippine Sports Stadium.
A sluggish start for both teams saw little chances in the first half, but the Philippines received a boost after Hafiz Sujad was sent off in the 35th minute.
Hafiz leveled Phil Younghusband with a crunching tackle, which the referee deemed to be worthy of a straight red card.
With the introduction of Hikaru Minegeshi for the Azkals, the home side looked more dangerous after the halftime break.
Unfortunately for the Filipinos, the Singaporeans would weather the storm allowing them to secure a precious point in the competition.
“Obviously, a little bit disappointed playing against 10 most of the time and we didn’t score the goal,” Dooley said. “It’s obvious, like someone said yesterday (at the prematch press conference), that they were trying to park the bus in front of goal.”
“It is a part of the game, but I don’t like it,” Dooley added.
Thailand avoids Indonesia upset
In the first game of the day, a Teerasil hattrick powered tournament favorite Thailand past Indonesia, 4-2.
An error in the Indonesian backline in just the fourth minute of the contest allowed fullback Peerapat to give the Thais an early lead.
Teerasil doubled the War Elephant’s advantage in the 36th minute mark before halftime.
A reinvigorated Indo side came back firing in the second half, scoring two goals in three minutes to even things up at 2-2 in the 56th minute.
But Teerasil had other plans as he restored the Thai advantage in the 79th minute, before putting the game beyond doubt in injury time to complete his hattrick.
Indonesia plays the Azkals next, while Thailand will faceoff against Singapore on Tuesday at the Philippine Sports Stadium.
