BANGKOK (Reuters): Defending champions Thailand will face Malaysia and Singapore in the group stages of the Asean Championship in November when Masatada Ishii's side begin the nation's quest for a record-extending eighth regional title.
The Thais, who defeated Vietnam over two legs in the 2022 final to lift the trophy, will also meet Cambodia and either Brunei or Timor Leste in Group A.
Brunei and Timor Leste will go head-to-head in a two-legged playoff in September to determine who advances to the group phase.
Vietnam, winners of the title in 2008 and 2018, will look to improve on their runners-up finish in 2022 when they play Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos in Group B.
Group matches will be played on a home-or-away single round robin basis from Nov. 23 to Dec. 7 with the top two finishers in each group advancing to the semi-finals.
The final will be played over two legs, on Dec. 17 and Dec. 21.
2024 Asean Championship draw:
Group A: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Brunei or Timor Leste
Group B: Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, Laos
