Tough Suzuki Cup draw for Azkals

The Philippines’ road to redemption in the 2018 Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup in November will have the Azkals going through practically the same teams that denied them of a semifinal spot two years ago.

Following the draw held in Jakarta last Wednesday, the Azkals landed in Group B with defending champion Thailand, 2016 finalist Indonesia and four-time champion Singapore and the winner of the playoff between Brunei and Timor Leste.

With the exception of Brunei and Timor, the three teams were also in the same group as the Azkals, who failed to make the knockout stage when the tournament was held in Bulacan in 2016.

“As long as we get our preparation right this time, I think we are capable of doing well in this tournament,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami. “It’s not the easiest group, but we have to see this as an opportunity to improve especially with the Asian Cup in January 2019.”

The biennial tournament has been expanded to 10 teams divided into two groups.

Unlike the previous format where two countries host the group stage, each nation will now host two matches with two other games played away.

While the powerhouse Thais are expected to advance from the group, the second spot will be a tossup between the Azkals, Singaporeans and Indonesians.