PHNOM PENH (20 Sept 2012) – With slightly over two weeks to go to the qualifying round of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 in Myanmar, the mind games have already started with Hok Sochetra, the chief coach of Cambodia saying that ‘Brunei seem not to be a problem’ to a local daily.
Cambodia, who had only recently came off a 0-0 draw against the Philippines the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 semi-finalists, missed the boat for the last championship when they finished the tournament on third behind Laos and the Philippines.
For Brunei, they are making a return to the AFF Suzuki Cup fold after missing the last qualifiers due to being suspended by FIFA. The qualifiers this year will see five teams taking part where other than Cambodia and Brunei, there will also be Timor Leste, hosts Myanmar and Laos for the meet slated for 5-13 October 2012.
“Brunei seem not to be a problem, but Laos are really improving. We have to make a strong effort at the upcoming tournament,” said Sochetra, before the team’s departure to Malaysia this week for training and friendly matches.
Towards polishing up his squad even further, the Cambodians have lined up matches against defending ASEAN champions Malaysia on 2 October 2012 in Kuala Lumpur. They are also trying to arrange for at least two other friendly games prior to the match against Datuk K. Rajagobal and his men.
