The 23 players who have been named in the Cambodian national team under the leadership of newly-appointed coach Koji Gyotoku. Supplied
Five foreign-born players who recently received Cambodian citizenship have been called up to join the Cambodian national football team for training, alongside 18 local players, in preparation for this month’s two international friendly matches.
The Kouprey will travel to Vietnam to take on their neighbours at Go Dau Stadium on March 19, and return to meet South America’s Aruba at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh on March 25.
The 23-strong squad named by the Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) on Tuesday, March 11 includes five returning foreign players.
Thanks to their impressive performances in the 2024 ASEAN Championship Mitsubishi Electric Cup, forward Nieto Rondon from Colombia, defenders Takaki Ose and Yudai Ogawa from Japan, forward Coulibaly Abdel Kader from Ivory Coast and defender Kanh Mo from South Africa will all rejoin the squad.
However, three foreign-born players who previously earned Cambodian citizenship — Hikaru Mizuno, who played in the tournament, and forward Privat Mbarga (currently playing in Indonesia’s top league) and defender Zogbe Vireak (playing in Thailand's second league) — were not selected for the training camp.
The Cambodian national side train ahead of the ASEAN Championship Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024. FFC
Among the local players who received call-ups, the majority have previous national team experience in the ASEAN Cup.
However, goalkeeper Hul Kimhuy and players Min Ratanak, Sa Ty, Orn Chanpolin, In Sodavid, Yeu Muslim, Seut Baraing, Leng Nora, and Kim Sokyuth failed to make the squad.
They have been replaced by goalkeeper Keo Soksela, players Ouk Sovann, Phat Sokha, Chou Sinti, Sin Sovann Makara, and young rising star Bong Samuel.
The players chosen for the camp are expected to strengthen the side’s defensive, midfield and attacking capabilities.
This marks a significant moment for head coach Koji Gyotoku and his technical staff. They are expected to make their mark after Koji was officially appointed as national team head coach by the FFC on Monday, replacing his former interim coaching position.
Keo Sareth, FFC secretary general, announced that the federation’s executive committee has great confidence in Koji's ability to bring new experience and techniques to help develop the team further.
“We have seen his work in training and managing past matches. He is working hard, and we have confidence that he can develop the quality of the Cambodian national team’s play. Koji’s skill and experience are well-suited to lead the team forward, he added.
