Header Ads Widget

Azkals U22, Malditas in favorable groups for SEA Games football

By Gil Moriones

MANILA—Both the men's and women's football teams of the host country Philippines for the 2019 SEA Games football event were already given their tasks as the draw for the group seeding was settled in Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay on Tuesday.

The Philippine Malditas, following an impressive run in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament last April, will face Myanmar and Malaysia in Group A, while 5-time defending champions Vietnam will play in Group B with last 2017 SEAG silver medalist Thailand and Indonesia.

The top two teams from both groups will qualify to the knockout stage of the competition which will be held at the Biñan Football Stadium in Laguna.

Meanwhile, the under-22 team of the Philippine Azkals will set their tone prior to their SEA Games appearance as they were assigned in Group A with Malaysia, the runners-up of 2017 SEA Games men's football, Myanmar, Cambodia and Timor Leste.

Meanwhile, 16-time defending champion Thailand is expected to pass through Group B as they face Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore and Brunei.

The top two teams from both groups will qualified to the knockout stage of the competition which will be held at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium here and the Imus Grandstand in Cavite.

The South East Asian Games football men's and women's division will run from Nov. 26-Dec. 10.

Follow him on Twitter: @GilMoriones