According to the draw for the group stage on Saturday afternoon, Malaysia have been placed in a favorable group for the men football competition in next month’s SEA Games.
In the draw, Ong Kim Swee’s team were drawn in Group A with 2015 silver medallist Myanmar, Singapore, Laos and Brunei.
Placed in the relatively easier of the two groups, Malaysia have avoided powerhouse and defending champions Thailand, who have to compete in the so-called “group of Death” with Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Timor-Leste, and Cambodia.
“We have a good draw with Myanmar and Singapore being our main rivals. However, we cannot take Laos and Brunei lightly,” said Kim Swee after the draw ceremony, as quoted by the New Straits Times.
The men football competition is scheduled on 14-29 August at various venues in Kuala Lumpur. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.