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The Azkals have been drawn to the proverbial Group of Death, yet again. (file photo)
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By Kevin Estrada
YANGON--"Group of Death" it is.
The Philippines was handed the toughest draw yet since their Cinderella semifinal six years ago, as the draw for the eleventh edition of the ASEAN Championship was wrapped up in Novotel on Tuesday night.
Co-hosting for the first time in tournament history, the Azkals have been drawn in Group A along with reigning champions Thailand, 2012 holders Singapore, and four-time finalists Indonesia, with fans and pundits dubbing it as the "Group of Death".
In all semifinal appearances, those three nations were responsible in booting out the Azkals, starting with the 2010 edition, where Indonesia knocked them out in the two-legged tie which were both played at the Bung Karno Stadium.
Subsequently, Singapore and Thailand both showed them the proverbial door in their own pitch en route to their respective fourth ASEAN title.
Myanmar, the other hosts, was drawn to a relatively lighter Group B, as they were joined by both one-time champions Malaysia and Vietnam and a winner of the qualifier which is set to kick off in Oct. 15 between Brunei, East Timor, Cambodia and Laos.
The main tournament will kick off on Nov. 19 in Bocaue's Philippine Sports Stadium.
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