Azkals fall into Suzuki Cup Group A with Vietnam, Indonesia

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Football team will be clustered in Group A for the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup group stage after the draw on Tuesday, August 5.

A total of 8 national football teams divided into two groups will be going against each other in a single round league format to claim the title in the region’s premier football tournament.

The Azkals automatically qualified for the group stage of the cup after being slated as one of the top 6 teams in the Southeast Asia together with defending champs Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. 

Meanwhile, Brunei, Timor Leste, Myanmar, Cambodia and qualifying round host Laos will still vie for the two remaining spots in the tournament in October. 

Dooley's message for @PHI_Azkals fans 'Believe in us every player will try their best & give their all on the pitch' pic.twitter.com/UnRf0eNouH

— AFF Suzuki Cup (@affsuzukicup) August 5, 2014

The group of death, or group B, which will be played in Singapore, houses tough contenders Thailand, Malaysia, the hosts and the winner of the qualifying stage.

On the other hand, the Philippines, Indonesia, the qualifying round runner-up and group stage co-host Vietnam make up group A.

After two successful conquests in the previous editions of the competition, the Philippines will once again try and snatch the Southeast Asian football crown.

The country’s national team will be playing against the qualifying round runners-up to kick off their campaign November 22 followed by their game against Indonesia on November 25 and the game versus Vietnam on November 28. – Rappler.com