Azkals eye better Suzuki grouping

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ road to redemption in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup begins with today’s official draw in Indonesia, where the Azkals hope for the best possible grouping.

The Pinoy booters missed the semifinals in 2016 when the country hosted the biennial meet for the first time and they want to reclaim their spot among the elite when the next edition unfolds in November.

“I hope we’ll have a favorable draw and from there, we’ll plan the preparations of the team,” said Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta. 

Phl is in Pot 3 along with Mynmar in the 2 p.m. draw set at Hotel Mulia Senayan in Jakarta (3 p.m. Manila time). 

The AFF has changed the format of the Suzuki Cup, making it a home-or-away competition in the group stages instead of a centralized grouping. According to Araneta, there will be five teams to a group, where each country will play two games at home and two matches on the road.

The Azkals have marked their rise to prominence in the 2010 edition of the Suzuki Cup, breaking through with a surprise semifinal appearance. They made the Last-4 in the next two staging but unfortunately fell short to advance in 2016 at home.