CAMBODIA OPEN CAMPAIGN AGAINST HOSTS BANGLADESH

Apart from Cambodia and Bangladesh, the other teams in the qualifiers are Myanmar and Macau.

“We have a real chance of qualifying and I believe we can do it,” said Prak Sovannara, the head coach of the Cambodia national team.

“We don’t know too much about Bangladesh, though they are the home team so we know they will want to win. But we know how to play against the other two teams, Myanmar and Macau.

“And I feel that we can beat both of them if we play to our ability. My target is two wins and a draw. That should see us through.”

Sovannara, who is working without a contract following the end of the AFF Suzuki Cup in December last year, had just returned with his squad from a two-week training camp in Vietnam.

While there, Cambodia not only worked hard on their fitness level but also played three practice matches against local oppositions.

“It was a good test for the players where I was able to keep the squad together for nearly two weeks and my main priority was that we should bond together as a team and as a unit. That’s so important,” added Sovannara.

“I try to get the players to understand how to cope with hard training, to change their attitudes and their lifestyle, their surroundings, everything really.”

AFC CHALLENGE CUP QUALIFYING FIXTURES

26 April
Myanmar vs Macau – 4.30pm
Cambodia vs Bangladesh – 7pm

28 April
Macau vs Cambodia – 4.30pm
Bangladesh vs Myanmar – 7pm

30 April
Myanmar vs Cambodia – 4.30pm
Bangladesh vs Macau – 7pm

All matches to be played at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh

CAMBODIA NATIONAL TEAM

GOALKEEPERS Samreth Seiha, Ouk Mic.

DEFENDERS Kim Chanbunrith (C), Lak Raksmey, Tieng Tiny, Om Thavrak, Pok Chanthan, Pheak Rady, Lar Pichseyla.

MIDFIELDERS Khoun Laboravy, San Narith, Sun Sovannarith, Sam El Nasa, Ly Ravy.

STRIKERS Khim Borey, Keo Sokngorn, Teab Vathanak, Kuoch Sokumpheak.