By Teng Kiat teng.kiat@goal.com @TengKiat

Singapore huffed and puffed in Manila, but ultimately failed to break down a resolute Philippines defence as the first leg of their AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final ended goalless.

Shahril Ishak and Aleksandar Duric both missed gilt-edged chances for the visitors, while the home side will be somewhat relieved to have come away with a draw.

It looked like getting an early goal was on the minds of the Singapore players, as they pressed hard straight from kick-off and nearly went ahead with just two minutes played.

Left-back Shaiful Esah’s freekick from the right was heading for the top corner, until Philippines goalkeeper Eduard Sacapano tipped it over. He then pushed away an improvised effort from Khairul Amri in the 17th minute, after the striker had latched on to a bouncing ball.

The home side’s first notable attempt came through Phil Younghusband three minutes later, although his scuffed shot was easily gathered by Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud.

The Lions should have gone ahead in the 26th minute, but skipper Shahril somehow failed to score his fifth goal of the tournament as he toe-poked wide at the far post with the goal gaping.

Singapore started the second half the same way they did the first, as Khairul Amri whipped a freekick from the edge of the box narrowly over. Duric then headed wide at the far post from a Shahril cross, when he perhaps should have at least hit the target.

The Azkals started to gain more of a foothold as the half progressed, with Rob Mulders bending a 30-yard freekick just past the near post in the 72nd minute.

It then all turned into a bit of a scrap in the final 20 minutes though, as tempers frayed and both sides struggled to make any headway in front of goal as the match ended in a goal-less draw.

The second leg will be played at Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday.