PETALING JAYA: Selangor winger Faisal Halim and Co are gearing up for a high-stakes test in the AFF Club Championship after being drawn into a competitive group in the regional club tournament.

In the draw released in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday, Selangor, the reigning Super League runners-up, find themselves in Group A, which includes Buriram United and BG Pathum United from Thailand, Cong An Hanoi (last year’s finalists), Tampines Rovers of Singapore, and either Kasuka (Brunei) or Dynamic Herb Cebu (Philippines).

Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have a relatively easier route in Group B alongside Thai giants Bangkok United, Vietnam’s Nam Dinh, Lions City Sailors of Singapore, Svay Rieng of Cambodia, and either Shan United (Myanmar) or Ezra (Laos).

The 27-year-old Faisal, nicknamed Mickey, welcomed the draw with measured confidence while acknowledging the calibre of the opponents.

“It’s a tough group, but it’s also a new experience for us,” said Faisal, who could be the captain for Selangor this season.

“With us also playing in the AFC Champions League Two, this will improve the quality of the team and our confidence.”

“Tournaments like this push us. We want to give our best for the badge and try to go as far as we can, starting with the knockout stages.”

Selangor coach Katsuhito Kinoshi said the tournament would be a valuable stepping stone for the team.

“Some of these teams play in the AFC Champions League Elite, so it’s a very strong group,” said Kinoshi.

“We are in the group of last year’s finalists and champions (Cong An Hanoi and Buriram United respectively), and that’s a good opportunity for us to test ourselves and hopefully progress.

“We aim to reach the knockout stage. It’s an exciting tournament, and we hope to give our fans great memories.

For JDT, the AFF Club Championship is another opportunity to assert their dominance in Southeast Asia.

The Southern Tigers have long been Malaysia’s continental flag-bearers and will be expected to progress from their group, though Bangkok United and the rising Nam Dinh pose serious threats.