MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines will have a bumpy ride to the medal round in the 26th Southeast Asian Games men’s football competitions after its Under-23 team found itself bracketed with powerhouse Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand in the group stages.
Phl XI, competing for the first time since 2005, will have its hands full in Group B, a virtual “group of death” with Vietnam, the runner-up in the last SEAG; Singapore, the 2009 bronze medalist; and Thailand, owner of 13 golds, including four in the last five editions of the biennial meet that features Under-23 players.
Cambodia completes the group.
“We drew a hard group but we will try our best,” said Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta in reaction to the draw made the other day.
Defending champion Malaysia, host Indonesia, Laos, Timor-Leste, and Myanmar make up Group A. The teams play round-robin with their groupmates with the top two in each sides advancing to the knockout semis.
The Phl has assembled a mix of Fil-foreigners and homegrown talents under Azkals coach Michael Weiss with the objective of winning that breakthrough medal in men’s football.
Philstar
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