The Lao national football team is gearing up for the AFF Cup 2026 with renewed confidence, thanks to the support from HAGL's president, Doan Nguyen Duc. Coach Vladica Grujic believes that the preparation period in Vietnam has equipped his team to potentially secure points against Thailand in their opening match.

After a month of training in Pleiku, the team concluded their preparations with a friendly match against HAGL. The training camp was fully funded by Doan Nguyen Duc, allowing the team to focus on enhancing their skills and teamwork ahead of the prestigious tournament.

Reflecting on the training experience, Coach Grujic expressed satisfaction with the facilities and the quality of training. He noted that the players were happy and energized throughout the camp, which contributed to their development. "Honestly, we initially thought this was just a regular training camp. However, the excellent climate, quality pitches, and suitable opponents made a significant difference," he stated.

Before departing Pleiku, Grujic extended his heartfelt thanks to Doan Nguyen Duc and the HAGL club for their generous support. The team engaged in four friendly matches during their stay, achieving a mix of results: a 4-2 victory against HAGL, a 2-1 win over Thanh Nien Ho Chi Minh City, a goalless draw with HAGL, and a 2-3 loss to HAGL in their final match.

As they prepare to return home, the Lao team will finalize their squad from 30 to 23 players. The current squad has an average age of just 22.9 years, including three players competing abroad. The team is set to face Thailand on July 25 in their opening match of the AFF Cup 2026, followed by matches against Malaysia, the Philippines, and Myanmar.

Despite the challenge of facing a strong contender like Thailand right at the start, Coach Grujic remains optimistic. He emphasized the importance of utilizing their home advantage and the professional insights provided by their Thai coaching assistants. "Our goal is to strive for at least a point, and we hope our progress from the training camp will lead to an exciting surprise for our fans," he concluded.