The first two match days of the newly revamped AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 gave up some important indicators that the revised format is not only well received but could yet turn out to be another solid decision from the regional body.
Moving away from two centrally located venues meant it is almost equal opportunity for every team to make the next round as it all depends on how prepared they are and how far they would go to capitalise on playing at home.
But while playing at home does not guarantee anything, still the response from the local fans have been nothing but fabulous.
And certainly it beat having an almost empty stadium when the home team do not play, as it was previously.
In Phnom Penh, it was close to 35,000 when Cambodia played Malaysia while in Vientiane, more than 17,000 saw hosts Laos entertained Vietnam.
And last night, more than 30,000 thronged the National Stadium to watch the Singapore-Indonesia tie as 8,000 braved the rain to witness the opening ‘away’ game of defending champions Thailand against Timor Leste.
At the end of the first match day, the indicators are good.
And while only one home team out of three won their match to give their fans plenty to cheer on home soil, still there are upcoming matches to play for and one can only hope that the teams make further improvements to return the faith of their faithful fans.
