RP upset with denial of home match

The Philippine football team has said it is disappointed with the decision to allow both ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup semifinal legs against Indonesia to be held in Jakarta because there is not an international-standard stadium in the Philippines, a local newspaper reports.

The format of the dual-leg semifinal meeting was supposed to take a home-and-away format.

“This is a disaster. We’re absolutely gutted,” Filipino-British striker Phil Younghusband was quoted by the Inquirer.

“We have to play at home if we really want to promote the sport.”

“What’s the point of making the semifinals if we can’t play at home,” said Phil’s older brother, James, a midfielder.

“The players worked so hard and not playing at home is absolutely criminal,” said the Philippines’ English coach Simon McMenemy. “The AFF needs to rethink its decision.”

“Bringing the games home is the only way we can repay Filipinos for the support they have shown,” said team manager Dan Palami.

The Philippines held three-time champions Singapore 1-1 and humbled defending champions Vietnam before its own crowd at the My Dinh Stadium 2-0. The Filipinos battled Burma to a scoreless draw Wednesday night to finish second in their group.

The Philippines will take on hosts Indonesia in a two-leg semifinals at Bung Karno soccer stadium in Senayan, Central Jakarta.