September 23, 2004

Both of the Singapore representatives in the AFC Cup will meet Syrian opposition in the semi-finals after Geylang United & Home United's advances to the last 4.

Eagles, who overcame 2003 Malaysian champions Perak 5-3 on aggregate, will face Syrian side Al Wahda at Damascus' Al Abbassiyyin Stadium on October 19 before the return leg at Bedok on October 26.

Al Wahda had cut it close with their ticket to the semi-finals after losing away to Lebanese side Al Nejmeh 3-2 at Beirut but with the 2 away goals scored they advanced on the away goals rule. Al Wahda had triumph 2-1 in Damascus in the first leg.

Last season's Double champion Protectors are also heading to Syria, after disposing of Lebanese side Olympic Beirut 5-4 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, where they meet Al Jaish in Damascus on October 20, with the Bishan leg on October 27.

Al Jaish eliminated ASEAN & Indian league champions East Bengal with a 3-0 triumph in Damascus on Wednesday evening after a 0-0 draw in Kolkata in the first leg.

Bordered by Iraq, Lebanon, Turkey & Israel, Syria are more well-known for their exploits in youth international football but both Al Wahda & Al Jaish's progression to the AFC Cup semis is a clear indication that league football in this nation of 18 million people is on the up.

AFC Cup draw

Red half

• Al Jaish (SYR) v Home United (SIN)

Blue Half

• Al Wahda (SYR) v Geylang United (SIN)