Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
BRUNEI are looking to put up a good challenge when they contest in the upcoming AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022.
The national football team are in the final stages of preparations and the 23-member squad will be fixed on Friday.
"We are ready to be competitive but for us it is a time to learn and check where our level is," said national football coach Mario Campesino in an interview with BruSports News on Thursday.
"Our initial target was to qualify for MEC and we got it.
"Now the main thing is to improve and enjoy the tournament while developing the players," he added.
The Wasps will open their Group A campaign against Thailand on December 20th before flying to take on the Philippines three days later.
They will then host Indonesia on December 26th before closing the group stage against Cambodia three days later.
Despite ending a 26-year wait to appear in the tournament proper, Brunei's home ground will be Stadium Kuala Lumpur in Cheras.
"It is a pity that we miss the chance to play at the national stadium and many people can't come," said Campesino.
"Both the games at home against Indonesia and Thailand are the best.
"It would have been good for the betterment of Brunei football but we can't do anything," added the Spaniard.
"Playing on a neutral ground will be more difficult but we just have to be ready," he concluded.
Brunei will depart the country on December 12th and will play two friendly games in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the competition.
