BY Fadhil Yunus

Brunei Darussalam’s football team will play Timor Leste in the qualification round of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 following an official draw ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand on Tuesday.

The Wasps will host the first leg of the tie, with the dates yet to be ascertained, while Timor Leste will welcome the Bruneians for the second leg.

The winner of the two-legged tie will secure a spot in Group ‘A’ alongside defending champions Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Cambodia. Group ‘B’ comprises Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore and Laos.

Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (FABD) President Pengiran Haji Matusin bin Pengiran Haji Matasan conducted the draw for the qualifying round.

The tournament, which will be held from December 20 to January 16, will see the return of the home and away format.

AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth said, “The AFF Championship has always been the crown jewel of football and we are delighted to see the return of the tournament this year as the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022.

“The past couple of years have been very tough for everyone in the region. But, we are emerging stronger together from these challenges and has become more united as a football community.”

The president added that they were able to host the 2020 AFF Championship successfully last year and credited the member associations, partners and stakeholders for their cooperation and support.

“We know our passionate and loyal fans are eagerly looking forward to see the teams in action again,” he said, welcoming fans from various countries to enliven the tournament.

Brunei’s only appearance in the competition’s main draw was in 1996.

Thailand won the last edition of the competition after defeating Indonesia 6-2 in aggregate during the final match at the Singapore’s National Stadium on New Years’ Day.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin