Azkals face host Singapore

MANILA, Philippines — Even without a full-strength roster and sufficient buildup time, the Philippine Azkals are raring to take on their tough rivals in the AFF Suzuki Cup starting with host and Group A leader Singapore tonight.

“I think the players’ attitude is good and I think we’re ready for the challenge,” Azkals coach Stewart Hall said on the eve of the team’s 8:30 p.m. debut against the Lions at the National Stadium in Singapore.

The difficulties of the pandemic and the unavailability of top guns like Neil Etheridge have forced the squad to form a mix of old faces led by Stephan Schrock and new faces led by Spanish-born naturalized player Bienvenido Marañon.

The Pinoy booters drew a bye in Day 1 last Dec. 5 and watched as Singapore blanked Myanmar, 3-0, to take the pace in Group A ahead of Thailand, which opened with a 2-0 shutout of Timor Leste.