Malaysia escape SEA Games football’s ‘group of death’
Harimau Malaya avoid favourites Thailand and Vietnam in draw.
KUALA LUMPUR: The national Under-22 team is expected to have an easy path to the football semifinals at the Manila SEA Games next month.
In the draw in the Philippines today, Malaysia were placed in Group A with the hosts, Myanmar, Cambodia and Timor Leste.
Harimau Malaya, who last won gold at Jakarta 2011, avoided favourites Thailand.
The defending champions found themselves in tough company with Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, Singapore and Brunei in Group B.
At the last edition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia took home silver after losing the final 1-0 to Thailand.
The Thais are the most successful in Games history, having won gold 16 times.
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The national women’s squad meanwhile, was drawn into Group A with Myanmar and Philippines while Group B comprises holders Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.