Philippines begin AFF Suzuki Cup campaign against Singapore

The Philippine Men’s National Team embark on their journey in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 when they face tournament hosts Singapore today, 08 December 2021 at the Singapore National Stadium.

The Philippines is in Group A and will face 5-time winner Thailand, Myanmar, Timor-Leste and tournament hosts Singapore. Group B, on the other hand, is composed of defending champions Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Laos. The top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout stages.

Team captain Stephan Schrock leads the team, along with vice-captain Patrick Reichelt. Reinforcing the squad are Thailand-based players Bernd Schipmann, Amani Aguinaldo, Daisuke Sato, Martin Steuble, Kevin Ingreso, and Iain Ramsay.

Forward Bienvenido Marañon, midfielder Amin Nazari, and defender Jesper Nyholm will make their debut appearance in the competition.

Key members of the Azkals Development Team, who were part of the Philippine Under-23 National Team during the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2022 Qualifiers last October, were also included in the lineup.

The team will be under head coach Stewart Hall with Scott Cooper also in the coaching staff. Former Philippine national team player Norman Fegidero, Jr. and goalkeeping coach Noel Marcaida complete the coaching staff with Dan Palami as Team Manager.

“We want to go as far as possible in this competition,” said Hall. “The tournament will give a good opportunity for the players, who are here to make their mark in the region.”

PFF officials led by president Mariano Araneta, Jr. and general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes expressed their support to the team ahead of the matches.

“I thank all the players who have answered the call to represent the country for the AFF Suzuki Cup, the tournament which served as the springboard of football resurgence in the country a decade ago,” said Araneta. “Even with the challenges, we believe that the team will give their 110% for the flag.”

“We wish the Men’s National Team all the best as they open their AFF Suzuki Cup campaign against Singapore,” added Gastanes. “The team had tough preparations due to the pandemic, but we are confident that the team will play hard and fight for regional supremacy.”

Players: