Carrying the nation's hopes

The Cambodia football squad and officials getting ready for the off

The players and officials of the Cambodia national football team are pictured early this morning at the departures area of Phnom Penh's international airport as they prepare to leave for their three-match AFC Challenge Cup Qualifying Group competition in Bangladesh. Team coach Prak Sovannara confirmed that the squad is fit, healthy and ready to do battle, with the only injury doubt, striker Kouch Sokumpheak, reporting fit for duty. The players had to miss out on their recent Khmer New Year celebrations as they were in a training camp in Vietnam, so their preparation has been strict and focused on qualifying for the 2010 finals to be played in India. Team Manager Tola May was also upbeat about their chances as the 18-strong squad and party of seven officials left for Dhaka. They will have a light training session this afternoon once they arrive, will train again at the national stadium in Dhaka on Saturday and then begin their competition in earnest against the host nation on Sunday evening. I know Bangladesh television are carrying the games live but doubt whether they will be viewable here in Cambodia.

Coach Prak Sovannara talks to a TVK reporter about the nation's chances in Bangladesh

A light-hearted moment during an interview with striker Khim Borey