Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Yangon: Four-time ASEAN champions Thailand and Singapore will cross paths with co-hosts Philippines in the 2016 AFF Championship, after the draw for the Group Stage was held in Yangon.
The Azkals – co-hosting the event for the first time in their 20-year history – will meet the competition’s two most successful ever nations, as well as four-time finalists Indonesia in a difficult Group A.
Reigning champions Thailand (pictured) will be among the tournament favourites. The War Elephants have featured in the final in four of the last five tournaments in addition to progressing to the final stage of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
In Group B, the other co-host Myanmar - attempting to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2005 – will need to overcome challenges from 2008 winners Vietnam, 2014 runners-up Malaysia and the winner of a qualifying tournament to be held in Cambodia in October.
The Group Stage of the 2016 edition of the AFF Championship begins on November 19, while the second leg of the final takes place on December 17.
2016 AFF Championship Draw
Group A
Philippines
Thailand
Singapore
Indonesia
Group B
Myanmar
Malaysia
Vietnam
Winners of qualification tournament
Photo: AFP