PHL AZKALS DRAW 'GROUP OF DEATH' IN 26TH SEAG

The Philippines will have a bumpy ride to the medal round in the 26th Southeast Asian Games men’s football competitions after its Under-23 team found itself bracketed with powerhouse Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand in the group stages.

Phl XI, competing for the first time since 2005, will have its hands full in Group B, a virtual “group of death” with Vietnam, the runner-up in the last SEAG; Singapore, the 2009 bronze medalist; and Thailand, owner of 13 golds, including four in the last five editions of the biennial meet that features Under-23 players.