BG Pathum head coach Makota Teguramori (centre-left), shakes hands with his counterpart at Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng, Jose Munoz. Supplied
In an eagerly anticipated showdown, reigning Cambodian Premier League champions Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng are set to face Thailand's top team, BG Pathum United tonight. The match kicks off at 7pm, at the Pathum Thani Stadium in Thailand.
Both teams are eyeing a crucial three points as they compete at the top of Group A of the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup.
Svay Rieng currently stand second in the group with three points after a 3-2 victory over Malaysian side Terengganu FC, in their opening match on August 21. In contrast, BG Pathum United managed to secure only a draw against PSM in Indonesia, finishing 0-0.
Despite the challenge posed by the Cambodian team, BG Pathum’s head coach, Makota Teguramori, expressed confidence in his squad's ability to claim all three points at home.
Following a narrow 2-1 victory against Pork FC in the Thai Premier League last Sunday, he said, “Our players are a bit fatigued after the last match, but we have a strong and capable team. We plan to bring our best players to the field.”
Teguramori acknowledged the importance of the upcoming match, emphasising the need to improve on their previous performance in the tournament.
“In our first match, we only drew, so we hope to secure our first win on home soil against Svay Rieng,” he added.
Svay Rieng head coach Jose Munoz recognised the formidable threat posed by BG Pathum, a club rich in talent and skill. However, he is confident in his team’s preparations and the excitement among the players to showcase their abilities in such a significant match.
“We know we're up against one of Thailand's strongest teams, and it will be a tough match. But we believe in our level of play and aim to deliver a great performance tomorrow to secure three points,” he said.
When questioned about their strategy against BG Pathum, Munoz explained that his team would stick to their usual approach: “We will try to maintain possession, create scoring opportunities, and defend well.”
Both teams’ star strikers, Thailand's Teerasil Dangda and Brazil's Cristian Roque from Svay Rieng, also expressed their determination to fight for the three points.
As the teams gear up for the high-stakes encounter, fans are eagerly anticipating an exciting display of football between two of Southeast Asia's best clubs.
