National Team - Lions ● Nov 12, 2018
Lions land in Bacolod, gear up for Azkals clash
BACOLOD, 12 NOVEMBER 2018 – The Lions resumed training for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 on Sunday evening after a 10-hour journey to Bacolod.
After the morale-boosting 1-0 win over Indonesia on Friday night, 9 November, the Lions had little time to celebrate as they took an early flight the next day to the Philippines, whom they play in their second Group B match tomorrow evening.
To aid in their recovery process, the players wore compression sleeves during the flight and took care to stretch between flights – there was a transit in Manila – to reduce muscle aches.
Team physiotherapist Nurhafizah Sujad explained: “We usually do a pool session, followed by massages and treatment for selected players the morning after the match. Since we had little time between the game and our flight, the boys had to do what they could to aid in their recovery.”
She added: “They also watched their diet and tried to get more protein (intake) post-game such as taking more protein drinks to aid recovery.”
Upon checking in at the hotel in Bacolod on Saturday evening, the players did their own recovery in the pool before turning in for an early night.
Fitness coach Aleksandar Bozenko eased the team back into training by leading them on a brisk walk around a nearby park yesterday morning. In good spirits, the boys laughed and joked among themselves throughout the 20-minute walk.
Training was at Ceres North Field in the late afternoon and head coach Fandi Ahmad put the Lions through their paces as they prepare to face the Azkals.
In a field that they shared with frogs and two stray dogs, the Lions trained through a brief evening shower before calling it a day.
Goalkeeper Hassan Sunny said: “Everyone is geared up for this game. The mood in the camp is very good and we are very focused for this coming game. I think Philippines is a very strong team with a lot of Europe-based players. But if we stay focused, I think we can get something out of this game.”
Singapore’s match against the Philippines will kick off at 8pm on Tuesday, 13 November. The match is LIVE on okto and Toggle.
