DEJA VU | Azkals reunited with 2016 foes in Suzuki Cup

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New format, same old foes for the Azkals as their opponents were known in the Suzuki Cup. Michael Joseph Romero/file
MANILA -- It was 2016 all over again.

The Philippines grouped once again with Indonesia, Singapore holders Thailand at Group B as the draw for the approaching AFF Suzuki Cup was held on Wednesday in Hotel Mulia Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia.

In a cruel twist of fate, the draw was a repeat of the 2016 edition, but with a new twist.

The format for this year’s tournament was shifted to home-and-away basis last year. The entire region will be split in two groups to play each other in home-and-away format to determine their campaign within the tournament.

Still, the top two teams per group will proceed to the knockout stage with the same process.

Completing the Azkals' group will be the playoff winner between Brunei and East Timor, which will kick off on September 3.

ASEAN top side Vietnam will collaborate with Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos in Group A.

The main phase will commence on Nov. 8.

Follow him on Twitter: @GilMoriones