AFFU23: Blistering start for host Cambodia; Timor hold Philippines

PHNOM PENH (14 Feb 2022) – Host Cambodia made a blistering start to their campaign in Group A of the AFF Under-23 Championship when they pummelled Brunei DS 6-0 this evening at the Morodok Techo National Stadium.

“We did not have as good a preparation as we would have liked but the players rose to the occasion and performed well on the night. We did not prepare any specific game plan for any teams where the focus was on our own game of high possession,” said Cambodian head coach Hirose Ryu.

Buoyed by close to 25,000 screaming fans, the young Koupreys were all over Brunei when they struck the opening goal in the 18th minute with Sieng Chanthea’s header off a freekick.

Just two minutes later, Nhean Sosidan fired in a stiff grounder from a poor clearance as Cambodia finished the first half on 3-0 advantage off a fine finish from Sa Ty in the 32nd minute.

Less than ten minutes into the second half and the game had to be stopped for half an hour due to the unexpected heavy downpour.

But that failed to douse the fire for the home team as they went on to add three more goals – through Taing Bunchai (72nd minute), Sor Ratana (86th) and Narong Kakada (88th) for the well-deserved victory.

“It is our first international match in two years. But I believe that we will improve after the game today. We have to defend better with the set pieces. From today’s game, the boys can see the difference in level between the two teams,” added Brunei head coach Aminuddin Jumat.

https://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/affu23-blistering-start-for-host-cambodia-timor-hold-philippines/