The Philippines is set to face a pair of tough opponents after being drawn in Group A of the ASEAN Football Federation Women’s Championship which the country will host in July.
Australia and Thailand were drawn in the same group, putting the Filipinas in a difficult task to secure a semifinal spot in the regional competition which starts July 4.
Also in Group A following the draw ceremony held Saturday, May 28 are Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia.
Group B is composed of 2019 champion Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Timor-Leste.
The top two teams in each group will advance to the semifinals of the event which was delayed for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is still unknown if the Aussies will field their senior team or from the youth level but any squad should pose a serious challenge for coach Alen Stajcic’s side.
Thailand recently beat the Philippines,
3-0, in the semifinals of the 31st Vietnam Southeast Asian Games, avenging a 1-0 defeat during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in India.
The Filipinas will be looking at producing a strong showing on home soil after securing a bronze medal in the SEA Games, the country’s first since 1985.
Games will be held at the Binan Football Stadium in Laguna and the Imus Grandstand in Cavite.