Philippine Azkals battle host Singapore to open AFF Suzuki Cup bid

The Philippine national men's football team will be pitted against regional powerhouse and host Singapore when they open their campaign in the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup on Wednesday, December 8, at the National Stadium in Singapore.

The Philippine Azkals will face the hometown bets at 8:30 p.m. with the intent to eclipse their semifinal finish in the previous edition in 2018.

The Philippine team will be without some key players like star goalkeeper Neil Etheridge while Carli de Murga and Alvaro Silva won't be able to suit up due to injuries.

Despite the absence of these players, though, the Azkals will still be bannered by team captain Stephan Schrock and some seasoned players like Patrick Reichelt of Suphanburi, Martin Steuble of Muangkan United, and Amani Aguinaldo of Nongbua Pitchaya FC.

All eyes will be on Bienvenido Marañon as well as the Spanish-born striker is set to make his Philippine national team debut after completing his naturalization process this year.

Aside from Singapore, the Filipino booters will also tangle with Timor-Leste on December 11 at 5:30 p.m. They will also face Thailand on December 14 before colliding with Myanmar on the 18th to end the group stage.

The Philippines has to finish inside the top two of Group A in order to advance to the semifinal round.

—JMB, GMA News