On the training ground

A training session line-up: [back row LtoR] Ravy, Seiha, Raksmey, El Nasa, Laboravy, Chanthan, Sokumpheak, Mic, Pichseyla, Vathanak, Sovannara. [front row LtoR] Rady, Tiny, Narith, Sovannarith, Chanbunrith, Borey, Sokngorn, Thavrak

This is a look behind the scenes with the Cambodia national football team during one of their afternoon training sessions earlier this week, as they make their final preparations for their Friday morning departure to Bangladesh and three important AFC Challenge Cup qualifying matches beginning Sunday. Coach Prak Sovannara was a genial host as always and after completing our interview about the nation's chances of qualifying for next year's finals, he spent the next couple of hours with his 18-man squad, practising game situations and explaining his requirements to his players. One point from the interview that he emphasized was how well the players respond and adapt to different situations and match conditions, which will be put to the test next week.

No 7 Sam El Nasa, 40 Sun Sovannarith and Khim Borey don the green bibs

Coach Prak Sovannara (centre) explains what he wants from his squad

Sovannara (orange bib) directs his players during a practice session

More instruction from Sovannara to his squad, with his coaching staff on their feet too

Sovannara making it clear to his players what he wants them to achieve

A last look at the national team's training session before I depart