Jakarta: The Philippines continued their unbeaten run at this year's AFF Suzuki Cup and secured a berth in the semi finals after a 0-0 draw with Indonesia on Sunday.
The Azkals, who have advanced to the semi final on three previous occasions, knew a draw in the Indonesian capital would be enough to secure their spot in the knockout rounds, while Indonesia was playing for nothing but pride having already been eliminated.
Despite just needing the draw, the visitors weren’t content on just sitting back, however, and had the first chance of the game when Stephan Schrock attempted to side foot the ball home with Andritany Ardhiyasa out of position.
But the German-born midfielder put his shot wide and for the remainder of the first half it was the home side that had the best of the proceedings as they looked to end their campaign on a winning note.
Stefano Lilipaly had the best chance for Bima Sakti’s side midway through the half, but he skied his volleyed effort and the Azkals were let off the hook.
The visitors were dealt a blow in the first half when inspirational leader Phil Younghusband was forced from the field after a nasty clash of heads left him worse for wear.
As it was in the first half, it was the home side doing most of the attacking in the second half, with Riko Simanjuntak in particular looking to create chances in the final third, but they struggled to find a way past the well organised defence of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side.
The visitors almost snatched the win and all three points late on when Manuel Ott's free kick forced a fine save from Andritany, who was determined to keep a clean sheet and in the end he did just that as the match ended without either side finding the back of the net.
The draw was enough for the Philippines to advance to the semi finals where they will face Vietnam, while Indonesia's campaign ended with just the one win from their four matches.
https://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/news/highlights/1228-report-indonesia-0-0-philippines
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