It goes without saying that the AFF Suzuki Cup is definitely the most exciting football tournament in the South East Asian region, and what’s even more fascinating is that we’re just a matter of days before the next one!
Singapore are the reigning champions, after that scintillating triumph over Thailand in 2012, but this time around, things could be significantly different and volatile, as the ASEAN-level tournaments has always proved to be. Well at least one thing is different now, the hosts. Singapore and Vietnam are hosts for this year’s Suzuki Cup, and the Groups have panned out in a rather mindblowing way as well. FourthOfficial.com will be providing unique coverage of the tournament, and having previewed Group A of the tournament, we now take an exclusive look at Group B, which is made up of hosts Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar.
SINGAPORE
Manager: Bernd Stange
Captain: Shahril Ishak
Squad: TBA
Key Players: Baihakki Khaizan, Shahril Ishak, Hariss Harun
VERDICT: The reigning champions come into this edition of the tournament as favourites, primarily due to the home advantage that they possess. But beyond that, this is a Singapore squad that is filled with plenty of talent. Baihakki is recognized as one of the top defenders within the region, while Hariss Harun continues to play an integral role in the star studded Johor DT team. They have been in decent form as well, particularly in recent friendly games. But with two powerhouses in the form of Malaysia and Thailand, Bernd Stange and his troops will have to be careful with how they approach the games. One thing for sure, their fate is totally in their hands.
MALAYSIA
Manager: Dollah Salleh
Captain: Shukor Adan
Squad: Farizal Marlias, Khairul Azhan, Khairul Fahmi, Mahali Jasuli, Afif Amiruddin, Azmi Muslim, Shukor Adan, Zubir Azmi, Muslim Ahmad, Fadhli Shas, Safiq Rahim, Indra Putra, Badhri Radzi, Gary Steven Robbat, Kunanlan, Azamuddin Akil, Hafiz Kamal, Baddrol Bakthiar, Norshahrul, Safee Sali, Amri Yahyah, Manaf Mamat
Key Players: Amri Yahyah, Gary Steven Robbat, Norshahrul Idlan
VERDICT: Malaysia come into this one as massive darkhorses. They’ve not exactly been in top form since their loss in the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup, but since then, they have also proved their capabilities of turning on the style for specific periods during the game. Dollah Salleh has had six months to prepare the squad and if they were to be judged primarily on their performances in recent friendly games, there is not much to cherish. But when it comes to the level of quality that exists within the squad, there are no significant doubts. The onus though, will solely be on Dollah to make the team tick when the competition kicks off this weekend.
THAILAND
Manager: Kiatisuk Senamuang
Captain: Adul Lahso
Squad: Kawin Thamasatchan, Chanin Sae-Ae, Peerapat Notchaiya, Chayapat, Suttinan, Narubodin, Pravinwart, Narubodin, Adisorn, Tanaboon, Artit, Sarach, Charyl, Chanatip Adul, Mongkol, Kroekrit, Sarawut, Prakit, Adisak, Chainarong, Kirati, Sompong,
Key Players: Adul Lahso, Kawin Thamasatchan, Adisak Kraisorn
VERDICT: Thailand definitely head into the competition as massive favourites. Not only were they so close to clinching the last Suzuki Cup, but the Thais have always been a class apart in recent times. They recently dispatched New Zealand 2-0, despite having a very youthful squad, but more than that, the belief seems to be overflowing in this particular side. Under the tutelage of Senamuang, Thailand are extremely confident in pushing forward, and they also have the backing of a youthful squad in this tournament. Enthusiasm is out of the question, but whether or not they allow complacency to affect their chances, is totally up to the Thais themselves.
MYANMAR
Manager: Radjoko Avramovic
Captain: Khin Maung Lwin
Squad: Thiha, Vanlal, Kyaw, Aung, Zaw Min, Khin Maung, Sithu Aung, Ye Win, Win Min, Nay Myo, David Htan, Yan Aung, Min Min, Chit Su, Aung Kyaw, Tin Win, Nanda Lin, Kyi Lin, Kyaw Ko Ko, Soe Min Oo
Key Players: Khin Maung, Kyaw Ko Ko, Kyi Lin
VERDICT: Myanmar are definitely dark horses in this group for several reasons. First and foremost, they will head into the tournament under the guidance of Radjoko Avramovic, who knows what it takes to win this particular tournament, having done so with Singapore back in 2012. But secondly, there is visibly exciting talent within the squad. Kyi Lin exploded into the South East Asian scene back in 2012, and should be a crucial player for them. But beyond that, the likes of Kyaw Ko Ko and Khin Maung are equally influential within the side. Myanmar would have to work their way past this group carefully, and they certainly can’t afford to be complacent in any way. Odds are stacked against them, without a single doubt. But if they are able to turn on the style, then Myanmar could really spring a surprise.
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