Azkals to face Singapore in semis; tickets already on sale

By Alder Almo (philstar.com) MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals arrived last night with a little fanfare as their mission has not yet been accomplished. Standing on their way to a first ever Finals appearance in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup is a very familiar foe – the Singapore Lions. The Lions came out from a deep 0-2 hole against luckless Laos in their match yesterday to win a gutsy come-from-behind 4-3 victory that enabled them to top Group B on goal difference against defending champions Malaysia. The huge win earned them a chance to get back at the Azkals, who twice defeated them in friendlies leading to the tournament. The Azkals are hoping that their streak of luck against the Lions continue as they prepare to host them on Saturday 8pm at the historic Rizal Memorial Football Stadium for the first ever Suzuki Cup home match in the country to be aired live by Sports 5's AKTV on IBC. The Azkals won in Singapore 2-0 last September before repeating with a 1-nil win in Cebu last Nov. 15.