Bangladesh play Cambodia in the opener on the inaugural day and Diego Cruciani's boys will be under the microscope when they make an attempt to win their first home match in three years.

"The opening match is very important for any tournament," said midfielder Joy, who is leading a side that last won an international at home during the 2003 SAFF Championship.

"The match against Cambodia is more important because if we win it, we will virtually seal a place in the quarterfinals," said Joy who took victory against world's lowest (204th) ranked team Guam for granted.

"We have no idea about Cambodia but as far as we are concerned, they are a young side. We also have a few new faces in the side but our core is still with us," said the defensive midfielder referring about his opposition and recent changes in the Bangladesh team.

"With a few senior players gone, I have to take more responsibility," he added.

Bangladesh, who finished runners-up in the SAFF Championship in December 2005 under Argentine coach Cruciani, beat Pakistan on aggregate (1-0) in the Asian Cup pre-qualifiers but lost to Uzbekistan and Hong Kong in the qualifying rounds.

"We are missing a few senior players. Some have been dropped and two key defenders are out through injury. So, we will start with care with concentration on attacking. We will be looking for goals for sure," said Argentine coach Cruciani on the eve of the opener.

"My main worry is my defence. Only one player, Rajani, has played under me. The bunch will need more time and practice to gel together."

He also stated that he needs an improved performance from Joy, whose position is very important.

He has included four new faces in the squad but only right fullback Ebnul Siraji looks set to make his international debut. He will start beside Rajani, Nazrul and Parvez Babu in a four-flat backline.

Recalled after a couple of years, Monwar is also certain to start in midfield with Joy, Abul and, Ujjal who will play the role of Cruciani's 'free midfielder' in a 4-3-1-2 formation.

After missing the Hong Kong match at home for lack of confidence, Aminul returns at goal with Alfaz and young Emily, a skilled striker chosen ahead of experienced fighter RokonuzzamnKanchan, making up the attack.

Cambodia manager Lors Salakhan said that his young side will look to end their losing run since return to international football in 1995.

"We have worked hard for the Challenge Cup. We prepared two months and like every one, we want to win. We are ambitious and want to finish top of the group," said the manager.

In the other match in Dhaka, Palestine may prove too good for unfancied Guam, who have not won a single match in the last ten years and will looking forward to have international exposure.

"We have come here to win the title," told Palestine coach Mohammad Sabbah, whose side trained at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

The Palestine lost to China 2-0 but upset Singapore (in Jordan) in their Asian Cup qualifiers recently. They do not have any international standard venue in the war-torn country and prepared for one week in Alexandria.