MANILA (26 July 2012) – Philippines national team captain Chieffy Caligdong is confident of the team’s chances in Group A of the AFF Suzuki Cup and pointed out that teams that underestimate them are treading at their own peril.
For the championship this year, the Philippines will be up against hosts Thailand, Vietnam and the winning team from the October qualifiers in Group A.
“They are wary of us now because they know we have a strong team. It’s actually a two-way street – they are as cautious of us as we are of them. But I’m comfortable with our group, I’m confident of our chances,” said Caligdong this week.
The Philippines were the surprise package two years ago when they beat defending champions Vietnam in Hanoi to book their place in the semi-finals of the championship.
“They are again saying we’re in a Group of Death (Vietnam, Thailand, and the winner of the Qualifying Round). For me, it’s the same situation as the AFC Challenge Cup (last March) wherein we’re underdogs in a so-called Group of Death so it’s a challenge for us to duplicate our performance there,” added Caligdong, whose team defied the odds in the Challenge Cup in Nepal to win the bronze medal.
The AFF Suzuki Cup begins with Group A in Bangkok on 24 Nov.
