Philippines holds Singapore to 0-0 in Suzuki Cup

MANILA, Philippines (AP) -Philippines held three-time champion Singapore to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the Suzuki Cup semifinals on Saturday.

Philippines, aiming for its first final after making a second consecutive semifinal appearance, held on at its home Rizal Memorial Stadium with Singapore missing at least one good chance in each half.

Singapore captain Shahril Ishak failed to tap in a cross from striker Aleksander Duric in the 26th minute, while Duric headed wide from a cross by Ishak in the 54th.

The second leg will be played in Singapore on Wednesday.

In the other semifinal series, Malayasia hosts Thailand in the first leg at te Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.