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Philippines fight off Singapore for goalless draw

Philippine midfielder Paul Dela Cruz Mulders (L) tries to take the ball from Aleksandar Duric of Singapore during the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 first leg of the semi-finals at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila. The match ended 0-0

The Philippines fought off a dominant Singapore on Saturday in Manila to cling on for a goalless draw in the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final. But it was clear the Lions now have the initiative following the match in which they had two clear chances to score a precious away goal, with the Philippines on the defensive for most of the game. Singapore captain Shahril Ishak had the best chance to put his team ahead during the first half, when he had a shot at an open goal but sliced the 26th-minute effort inches wide of the near post. Home keeper Eduard Sacapano earlier saved a shot from striker Khairul Amri to keep his side in the game. The Philippines had hoped for a victory to lift a country which has been hit by a deadly typhoon, but quickly found themselves on the back foot. Their best efforts were Patrick Reichelt's tame shot straight at the keeper, and Paul Mulders's swerving free-kick that flew just wide after clearing the Singapore wall. A minute's silence was observed before kickoff at the Rizal Memorial Stadium to remember those killed by Typhoon Bopha. The Azkals now have a tough time ahead of them when they travel to Singapore for the return leg on December 12. Malaysia hosts the first leg of the other semi-final against Thailand on Sunday.