AFF Suzuki Cup Group A Matchday 1

Teerasil Dangda as he celebrates one of his goals against Australia
Photo Courtesy ESPNFC

The AFF Suzuki Cup 2016 officially kicked off last night in the Philippines for Group A actions, which are composed of the regining champions Thailand, 4x Champions Singapore, 4x Runnner Up Indonesia and 3x Semi-finalists the Philippines.

Thailand 4-2 Indonesia

The competition has been opened up by the reigning champions Thailand and Indonesia, and the War Elephants were already 1-0 to the good thanks to a volley goal by Peerapat Notchaiya after the defense of Indonesia were caught being lazy in their own penalty box. Even though Thailand had the lead, it was Indonesia who became the better team as the half went by, with multiple chances and dominating the possesions. But with another bad defending in the box the War Elephants took a 2-0 lead courtesy of Teerasil Dangda who tapped in a missed kick clearance by the Indonesian defender, Teerasil also redeemed himself with that goal after he hit the crossbar earlier in the half. Things are looking good for the defending champions until Boaz Solossa headed the ball in to the goal in the 53rd minute to put his team back in to the match. Then just 3 minutes later Lerby Eliandry equalizes the game after an almost exact same goal. The Thailand defense were caught napping on the two goals that they conceded. However things went back to plan for them in the 79th minute when Dangda scored his second goal of the game from outside the box. Then he scored his hat-trick in the 90+4th minute to ensure that there is no more comeback for the Indonesians. 

Philippines 0-0 Singapore

The Azkals and the Lions were the second game scheduled, after the amazing game prior, fans are hoping the same thing for this particular match-up, but instead this match turned into a fouls galore. Which saw a number amount of bookings for both teams and also a straight red for Hafiz Sujad after a dangerous challenge to Phil Younghusband. The entire match has only 1 story throughout. The Philippines attacking hard while the Singaporeans are contented of just defending hard in the back and hope for the draw. The chances are hard to come by for the Philippines, with Shrock only had the best chance in the first half with a great dipping free kick. However, the best chances of the Azkals belonged to Hikaru Minegishi who forced Sunny two great saves to keep the ensure that his team will leave the match with a point.