Midfielder Yudai Ogawa will be absent for the Cambodian national team's match against hosts Thailand on Friday at 8pm. Photo: FFC
The national football team is determined to secure a vital three points from their final group-stage match of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 against hosts Thailand at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, tonight at 8pm. Meanwhile, Malaysia will host Singapore at the same time in another crucial match.
The final Group A encounter serves as a decisive showdown for Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore. All three teams will battle for a chance to progress to the semi-finals and face Thailand, who have already won all their group matches. However, Cambodia's chances are slim, with a victory over Thailand and a Malaysian win against Singapore needed to advance.
Currently, Cambodia and Malaysia are tied with 4 points each, and both teams have the same goal difference. Singapore, with 6 points, holds a two-goal advantage, meaning they only need a draw to secure progression. Cambodia’s path to the semi-finals may be narrow, but Coach Koji Gyotoku is optimistic about his team’s chances.
Koji acknowledged the challenge ahead, during a press conference on Thursday, December 19.
“Thailand is a strong team, but we are here to take all three points. While we have some injuries, we are prepared, and we hope our supporters will give us the energy we need to succeed,” he said.
The 11 players who started for Cambodia in 2-1 win over East Timor on Tuesday. FFC
Defender Sareth Krya, who will captain the Kouprey in place of injured center-back Kan Mo, confirmed that the squad is fully prepared for the intense clash with Thailand.
“We know this will be a tough match, but we need a win to keep our hopes alive,” he said, adding “We are ready and determined to fight for our supporters and our country.”
The match promises to be a high-stakes encounter, as they face a formidable Thai side that has won all three of their group games and has a perfect record of 9 points. Despite the odds, Cambodia is focused on claiming victory as a gift for their supporters and the nation.
Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii is aware of the challenge but is confident in his team’s strength.
“Even though three of our key players – Suphanat Mueanta, Pansa Hemwiboon and Seksan Ratree – just returned from helping their club Buriram United in the FA Cup, we are still aiming for a win in this match,” Ishii remarked.
The Thai national team (in white) defeated Singapore 4-2 in last Tuesday’s Group A clash.Thai football federation
He also emphasised the importance of rotating players to ensure optimal performance.
“We want the three points to finish the group stage strongly, but we must also consider the physical condition of our players to avoid injuries,” he explained.
With everything on the line, the final Group A match between Cambodia and Thailand promises to be a thrilling contest, where Cambodia will leave no stone unturned in their quest to secure a spot in the knockout stage.
