TWO FOUR-TIME champions and a four-time finalist stand in the way of the Philippines’ survival out of Group A in the AFF Suzuki Cup kicking off November at Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The Azkals landed in the tournament’s Group of Death after the draw in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma) Tuesday night put the co-hosts alongside defending champion Thailand, 2014 winner Singapore and Indonesia.
The Azkals open their campaign against Singapore on Nov. 19, before taking on Indonesia three days later. The Thais will be the Azkals’ last assignment in the group stage on Nov. 25.
Their opponents’ sterling records in the region’s showpiece football tournament notwithstanding, the Azkals see the group stage as an opportunity to exact revenge on their old conquerors.
The Thais overwhelmed the Azkals, 3-0, over two legs in the semifinals two years ago on their way to a record-equaling fourth crown.
Singapore nipped the Philippines, 1-0, on aggregate in their last four meeting in 2012 when the Lions wrested their fourth title, two years after the Indonesians dealt the Azkals a rude welcome to the knockout stage of the tournament with a 2-0 win in the semifinals in Jakarta.
“There will be no easy games for us in this group,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami. “Thailand of course is the top seed, but any other team in the group can cause an upset. Singapore drew with Japan last year and they will be a tough team to beat.”