The group-stage fixtures for the tournament were confirmed during the official draw in Bangkok, Thailand on the afternoon of August 30.
This is the fourth consecutive time the Golden Star Warriors have been drawn in the same group with the Malayan Tigers since the AFF Cup 2016.
Group A consists of title holders Thailand, defending runners-ups Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia and the winner of the Timor Leste vs Brunei playoff.
Considered the stronger sides than Myanmar and Laos, Malaysia and Singapore will be the major challenges to Vietnam in their lead-up to the semi-final round.
In the AFF Cup 2022, Vietnam comfortably overcame Malaysia for the group stage. Under the dynasty of coach Park Hang-seo, the Golden Star Warriors have yet to concede a single defeat against the Malayan Tigers, while drawing just once. Meanwhile, Singapore was strongly surprised by advancing to the last four in the AFF Cup 2020.
Entering its 14th edition, this year’s tournament will make a welcome return to a full home and away format. Each team will play two matches at home and two away in the group stage. The top two sides of each group will advance to the knockout stage consisting of two-legged semi-finals and finals.
Vietnam could not defend their title in the AFF Cup 2020, crashing out in the semi-finals following an aggregate 0-2 loss to arch-rivals Thailand, who then lifted the overall trophy by beating Indonesia.
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The draw results of the AFF Cup 2022. |
