Challenging draw for the Azkals ahead of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020

The stage is set and once again, the Philippine Azkals are looking to make it past the group stages of the AFF Suzuki Cup and possibly bring home the country's first trophy in the competition.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020, which has been postponed on several occasions, is now pushing through with its kick-off scheduled on the 5th of December this year.

The road to December 5 officially starts with the draw for the group stages being done virtually as part of the ASEAN Football Federation's (AFF) effort to maintain the safety of its participating nations.

"The safety of everyone involved in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 is our top priority and we cannot compromise on the health of our teams, partners, and stakeholders during these uncertain times. As such, we have decided to host the Official Draw as a virtual event," said AFF President, Major General Khiev Sameth ahead of the draw.

As the draw concluded, the Philippines will be in group A with the five-time AFF Suzuki Cup winners Thailand, Myanmar, four-time winners Singapore, and the winner of the qualification round between Timor Leste and Brunei Darussalam.

After the draw, The Azkals team manager Dan Palami said, "The draw doesn't really matter as we still need to beat the best teams to win the Suzuki Cup."

As for the player's availability, Palami is one with the fans in hoping for the best players for the country to be made available for this tournament as it falls outside of the FIFA International window.

Asked about his reactions to the draw, The Azkals head coach Scott Cooper said, "I think as far as the draw goes, it’s an interesting one I never want to say I’m pleased with the draw but I’m not disappointed with the draw. We take it how it is and ironically the last time we played in the Suzuki Cup, we had Singapore, Timor-Leste, who could be there, and Thailand with the only difference is Indonesia, which is in the other group. It’s almost like a replay of 2018. It’s an interesting one."

Cooper also said, "You have to look at Thailand as the strongest team in the group and Singapore are always well organized and Myanmar always has talent, and you have both Brunei DS and Timor-Leste - two teams that will fight."

It will be a difficult group to get out of as the Philippines are grouped with nations boasting their regional dominance in Thailand and Singapore. Myanmar could also be one of the threats in this tournament as they are known for their fast-paced counter-attacking.

With Thailand looking to be the clear favorites to top this group, Cooper echoed the fans' sentiments by saying, "For sure Thailand will be the top team in the group, you can expect that from them. It’s interesting for me because I know Thailand so well and the players too."

Despite this, Cooper and the rest of the Azkals are quite confident in making it past the group stages and look to finish the job they've been waiting for since the "Miracle in Hanoi".

Meanwhile, in group B, defending champions Vietnam will be facing 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup winners Malaysia, five-time runners-up Indonesia, Cambodia, and Laos.

The Philippines are set to play in the AFF Suzuki Cup which will start on the 5th of December 2021 with the final expected to be played by the 1st of January, 2022.