YANGON, MYANMAR, 2 AUGUST 2016: The official draw for the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2016 was held in Yangon today.

 

Singapore, joint-record holders of Southeast Asia’s biggest international football tournament which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, will face co-host Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia in Group A.

 

Coach V. Sundram Moorthy said: “It is an interesting draw for us – Singapore and Thailand are the most successful teams in the history of the AFF Championship. But this group isn’t just about Singapore and Thailand. Co-host Philippines are equally strong and will enjoy home ground support, and Indonesia is also a good team.”

 

Coach Sundram added: “I am very thankful to the management and S.League clubs for their support since my appointment. The recent training camp in Japan has enabled me to test several players and formations, and I am happy that the young players have shown a strong desire to succeed at the international level.

 

“Over the next three months, we will continue to strengthen the team as well as individual players through the National Team Training Days. In addition, we will play another six international matches against opponents of varying strengths during the upcoming FIFA international weeks with one of the aims being to build depth by giving opportunities to young players.

 

“As we embark on the final phase of preparations for the Suzuki Cup, my coaches and I will gradually narrow the list of players who will represent our country as we strive to do well in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2016.”

 

Speaking in Yangon where the draw was held, national striker Khairul Amri said: “There is little difference in standards among the teams in Southeast Asia today. In fact, I believe any of these teams which were drawn into either group earlier today has the ability to win the championship.

 

“We were very unlucky at the 2014 edition, where we conceded very late penalties against Thailand and Malaysia. However, let’s not forget that we had many young players who were then participating in their first international competition, such as Shakir Hamzah, Faris Ramli and Gabriel Quak. They have since matured and coupled with other young talents who have progressed through the youth development system, I am confident that our team will put up a good performance at the year-end Suzuki Cup,” Amri added.

 

National Captain Shahril Ishak said: ‚ÄúThis is a tough group with strong teams ‚Äì any of which can progress to the semi-finals. We respect our opponents but we know that we have a strong team which has been playing together for some time. We must remain focused and continue to prepare well for the competition. The first match is always key, and we want to kick off the competition with a good result in the first game.‚Äù

 

Details of the match fixtures will be released at a later time.

 

AFF Suzuki Cup 2016 Draw Results

 

Group A

 

•  Philippines
•  Thailand
•  Singapore
•  Indonesia

 

Group B

 

• Myanmar
• Malaysia
• Vietnam
• Qualification Winners

 

 

 

 

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