Azkals to face Singapore in Suzuki Cup Semis 2012

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Source : AKTV

Singapore dug itself out of a big hole against Laos to pull off a 4-3 victory, topping Group B of the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup Saturday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.



With the win, the Lions booked a semifinals date with the Philippine national men’s football team. The two are familiar foes, with the Azkals having swept Singapore in two friendly matches this year.

Singapore finished first in the group by virtue of better goal difference over Malaysia, which defeated Indonesia Saturday to get the other semis ticket versus Group A first placer Thailand.

Laos jumped to a 2-nil lead early in the first half, putting the city-state in danger of missing the final four of the competition. But a late goal by Shahril Ishak in first half injury time cut the deficit to a single goal, allowing Singapore to regroup at the half.

Shahril continued his rampage after the break, scoring at the 52nd minute to tie the match. Khairul Amri and Fazrul Nawaz then scored goals within three minutes of each other just after the hour mark to give Singapore the lead.

Khampheng Sayavutthi, who scored the first goal of the match, scored on a penalty kick late, but Laos was unable to get the equalizer.

The Azkals will host Singapore on December 8 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, with the return date set on December 12 in the lions’ den on December 12.