The national football team will fly out for Thailand today for the final preparation phase before taking on Laos in a FIFA friendly match, the first international match for Bangladesh since their shock 3-1 defeat against Bhutan in the Asian Cup playoffs in October, 2016.

The booters have been in preparation since early February and have already passed two phases -- BKSP and Qatar -- ahead of the final phase in Thailand where they will play two warm-up matches against Ratchaburi Mitr Phol FC and Bangkok Glass FC on March 21 and 23 respectively before heading to Laos for the FIFA friendly on March 27.

Head coach Andrew Ord picked his 23-member squad after yesterday's training session.

Ord, who is going to guide the team for the first time since his appointment in June last year, believes the third-phase of training is going to be the toughest one for them.

“After good preparation in BKSP and Qatar, the hardest part of training is in Thailand with the players coming in from Abahani. They can help improve the quality and improve the depth of the squad. The real challenge is for everybody to get the same pace quickly as we will get two fantastic games in Thailand.

“It is a really good test for the players. I believe Thai football would be better than that of Laos. So the style of play from the Thai premier league teams is going to be the same that we are going to face in Laos” Ord said at a press conference at the BFF House yesterday.

The Australian did not make any promises for victory against Laos, rather he wants to see Bangladesh as a team, with strong mentality and availing the opportunities that they would get.

“The expectation [from the Laos match] is to perform like a national team and we have got to look like a football team which was missing in past. We have to go to the pitch with a strong mentality; we have to show the physical capability and confidence and have to try to play according to our strength. The key is to keep possession to press on the opponents and avail the chances we will create. We need to explore everything to win the game. So I am looking forward,” said the 38-year-old. 

Scoring has been a big concern for the Bangladesh team and there is hardly any recognised striker in the ranks. However, Ord is optimistic with Abahani forward Nabib Newaj Jibon. 

“I am more excited with Jibon than any other Abahani player. I am a not a negative coach. Jibon is a player I am looking forward to work with. Abahani won the league and Jibon played matches every week. I think he can help the team in the attacking third,” said Ord.

Even though the coach did not make any promises, winger Faisal Mahmud seemed confident about winning.

“All the preparation has been designed keeping the match against Laos in mind. If we don't concede any goals and avail the opportunities we can create, I am hopeful we will win the match against Laos,” said the veteran.