Cambodia’s newly appointed national team head coach Lee Tae Hoon of South Korea set out yesterday with his squad of 25 players and five officials for a 45-day preparatory camp in Hong Anh Gia Lai province, Vietnam, ahead of next month’s Suzuki Cup qualifying tournament in Laos.

A list of 37 probables had been announced by the Football Federation of Cambodia at the end of the regular league season three weeks ago, prior to the arrival of the new coach on the eve of the playoff final between Phnom Penh Crown and Preah Khan Reach August 21. Following a four-day training session with Lee Tae Hoon at the Olympic Stadium, the number of players for the Vietnam tour has now been trimmed to 25.

Last year’s league champions Naga Corp fared worst, with all three of their candidates cut from the squad including a surprise snub for the season’s second highest scorer Teab Vatanak. Another shock omission was former national team No 1 goalkeeper Samreth Seiha of National Defence Ministry.

According to the FFC, five more players would be dropped after this tour, clearing the way for a national squad of 20 to head to Laos.

Cambodian squad list

Goalkeepers: Sou Yaty (MND), Peng Bunchhay (PPCrown), Ouk Mich (PKR)

Defenders: Pheak Rady (MND), Khek Khemarin (MND), Nhim Sovannara (BBU), Ring Bunheng (BBU), Tieng Tiny (Crown), Sok Rithy (PKR), Lay Raksmey (PKR), Rang Borin (MND), Thul Sothearith (Crown)

Midfielders: Khim Borey (MND), Keo Sokngorn (Crown), Sun Sopanha (Crown), Ieng Piseth (MND), Phuong Soksana (MND), Chhun Sothearath (BBU), Tum Saray (PKR), Khuon Laboravy (PKR), Samuth Dalin (Khemara), San Narith (PKR)

Forwards: Kuoch Sokumpheak (Khemara), Sin Dalin (MND), Nuth Sinoun (BBU)

Manager: Vann Ly

Assistant Coaches: Ieng Sakinda, Oum Savong, Prak Vanny

Team Doctor: Hay Sakkiri