KUALA LUMPUR: Southeast Asian rivals Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia are to battle it out in the same group when the Suzuki Asean Football Federation (AFF) Championship kicks off in late November. A total of 8 countries will battle for the title, which begins November 24 and runs through December 22. Malaysia is the defending champions, but will face a stiff test in their group stage, with neighbors Singapore and Indonesia vying for a place in the next rounds. Already 6 countries have qualified for the tournament, while two more will be decided at a qualifying tournament in Myanmar's capital, Yangoon in early October. Five teams will be involved in the qualifiers. They are hosts Myanmar, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Laos and Brunei. Group A comprises hosts Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and the winner of the qualifying tournament. Group B will see Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the runners-up of the qualifying tournament. Malaysia face neighbors Singapore in the opening match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on November 25 before taking on the runners-up from the qualifiying round two days later. They then face Indonesia, which lost to Malaysia in the 2010 edition on December 1. Malaysia's national team coach Datuk K. Rajagopal said local football fans can expect a treat. “Looking at the draw, I am sure it will be an electrifying atmopshere for the fans ... and this will further motivate the national team," he said after being in Bangkok on Wednesday for the draw. He said that even the two teams who will qualify from the playoffs in Yangon will be strong contenders. “The teams who make it from the qualifiers could very well be the surprise packages of the tournament," said Rajagopal.
