BANGKOK (10 July 2012) – Millions of football fans throughout the region will be tuning in on the AFF Suzuki Cup draw which takes place here tomorrow. Fans are undoubtedly excited over how the draw will favour their own national teams for this year’s edition of the region’s most prestigious football tournament.
Two years ago, Malaysia rose to the occasion and defeated Indonesia for the title. It was the first time Malaysia lifted the trophy since the AFF-organized tournament was inaugurated in 1996.
Past results however will count for nothing as the national teams of Southeast Asia prepare for this year’s event which has all the hallmarks of being one of the most competitive ever. Winning the AFF Suzuki Cup has almost become an obsession and all teams will be gunning for nothing less than victory.
The first step towards going for the prized piece of silverware begins with the draw tomorrow.
Malaysia and Thailand, as the group stage hosts, will obviously be separated. During the draw, the names of the eight finalists will be divided into 4 pots of 2 nations each based on the team rankings.
The first pot will contain the names of Malaysia and Thailand while the second pot will have the teams of Vietnam and Indonesia in it. Pot 3 will have Singapore and the Philippines while the fourth pot will be for the two qualifiers.
The qualifying competition will be held in Myanmar this October where the top two winners will earn their place in the final rounds. Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Timor Leste and Brunei will all be trying to book their places in the finals.
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