Hosts Cambodia train hard as they prepare to welcome Timor-Leste to the National Olympic Stadium on December 17. FFC
The national football teams of Cambodia and Timor-Leste are both determined to secure victory when they meet tonight in a Group A clash at the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup.
The match, scheduled to kick off at 5.45pm at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, holds major significance for both sides as they vie for crucial points in the tournament.
For Cambodia, a win against Timor-Leste is vital, particularly given their current standing in the group. After two matches, Cambodia has earned just one point – drawing 2-2 with Malaysia and losing 2-1 to host nation Singapore.
A victory against Timor-Leste would set up a critical showdown against Thailand on December 20, where Cambodia would need another strong performance to stay in the running for a semi-final spot.
Cambodian head coach Koji Gyotoku spoke confidently at a press conference on Monday, noting that the team’s results in the first two matches were not disastrous.
“Although the outcomes were not ideal, we will do everything we can to secure a win against Timor-Leste,” he said, adding, “We are fully committed to pushing for victory.”
Unfortunately, the team’s preparations have been disrupted by injuries to key players. Captain and central defender Kan Mo is sidelined with a serious head injury that required stitches and is currently receiving treatment in Singapore. Midfielder Kim Sokyuth is also out, having suffered a ligament injury in his ankle and requiring up to three months of recovery time.
Despite these setbacks, both Mo and Sokyuth remain hopeful that their teammates will prevail. The Cambodian squad is also expected to welcome the return of midfielder Nieto Rondon, who had been sidelined due to injury and missed the previous two matches.
Despite these issues, Koji expressed confidence in his team.
“We may have lost a few key players, but we still have other talented individuals who can step in and make a difference. We believe in this team and are determined to deliver a positive result for our supporters,” he said.
Timor-Leste – despite being eliminated from the tournament after losses to Thailand (10-0), Malaysia (3-2) and Singapore (3-0) – remains focused on earning three points from the match.
The Timor-Leste squad also trained at the National Olympic Stadium, the venue where they will face hosts Cambodia tonight. FFC
Their coach, Simon Elisettche, spoke about the team's resilience and growing potential.
“We know we're up against a strong team in Cambodia, but we're also improving and developing. We hope to show our best football for 90 minutes and come away with a good result in this final game,” he said.
He also acknowledged the progress of Cambodian football, highlighting the growing number of talented players, some of whom have dual nationality, who have been performing well in domestic league matches and international competitions.
“Football in Cambodia is improving, and we see many good players who have been performing well against teams like Singapore and Malaysia,” he continued.
In their past four encounters since 2010, Cambodia has dominated the rivalry, winning three times and losing once. Timor-Leste's lone victory came in 2012, when they defeated Cambodia 5-1. In the other matches, Cambodia has won 4-2 (2010) and 3-2 (2014, 2016).
Both teams are desperate for a win tonight, and it promises to be an exciting match, with Cambodia hoping to recover from their earlier setbacks and Timor-Leste determined to end their campaign on a high note. The stage is set for a crucial clash in Phnom Penh.
