Nicholas Taylor tries to drag the ball past the Singaporean defence during Wednesday night's game. FFC
Cambodia's national football team put up a strong fight but suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to host nation Singapore in a group stage match of the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup.
The match, played at the National Stadium in Singapore on Wednesday night, saw two critical mistakes by Cambodian goalkeeper Vireak Dara, leading to both of Singapore’s goals.
Meanwhile, defenders Kan Mo and midfielder Kim Sokyuth were both sidelined with serious injuries during the match.
Despite the defeat, a wave of criticism from fans directed at Vireak Dara’s errors prompted a response from Cambodian midfielder Nicolas Taylor, who defended his teammate and dismissed any allegations of match-fixing or pre-arranged results.
Taylor, an American-born Cambodian player, posted a message on his personal Facebook page on Thursday morning.
“If there is any suggestion of 'fixed results,' it is absolutely untrue. Every player has given their best and strives to win for our country. Mistakes happen in football, and I have 1000 per cent trust and support for Vireak Dara,” he wrote.
The match’s defining moments came early on. In the 9th minute, a mistake by Vireak Dara allowed Singapore’s Muhammad Faris Bin Ramli to score easily after Dara mishandled a backpass from Taylor. Dara’s attempt to clear the ball with his foot went awry, allowing Faris to pounce on the loose ball and slot it into the net.
Defender Kan Mo (from left), goalkeeper Vireak Dara, Nicholas Taylor Nicholas and their Cambodian team-mates as they sing the national anthem ahead of the match against Singapore. FFC
The second goal came just seven minutes later, in the 16th minute, when another error by Dara, this time from a pass from defender Yeu Muslim, allowed Singapore’s Muhammad Shawal Bin Anuar to score uncontested after Dara misjudged a clearance attempt. Singapore led 2-0 at halftime, but the courageous Cambodians fought back in the second half.
Cambodia's response came in the 59th minute when Sa Ty set up forward Sieng Chanthea, who scored with a cool finish to pull one back for Cambodia. The team created several more chances, but could not convert. The most agonising miss came in the 90+6 minute, when forward Hav Soknet blasted the ball over the crossbar from a prime position, leaving the Kingdom’s fans heartbroken.
Despite the loss, Cambodia controlled 52 per cent of possession and created 19 shots on goal, compared to just 6 for Singapore. However, the hosts made their opportunities count, scoring twice from Dara’s mistakes.
In addition to Dara’s errors, Cambodia faced serious injury setbacks. Team captain Kan Mo, the central defender, was involved in a serious head collision with Singapore’s Taufik Suparno in the 73rd minute. Mo was immediately substituted, and the Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) confirmed he had sustained a head concussion and was receiving further medical evaluation.
Defenders Kan Mo and Kim Sokyuth both picked up serious injuries in the match. FFC
Midfielder Kim Sokyuth also limped off in the 53rd minute after suffering a hamstring injury while chasing a ball. The federation confirmed that he was being scanned and assessed by medical staff.
While Cambodia's performance in the second half was commendable, their inability to capitalise on opportunities cost them the chance to secure at least a draw. Fans expressed their disappointment, but there was also praise for the team’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Elsewhere in the group, Malaysia secured a 3-2 win over Timor-Leste on Wednesday, following a 2-2 draw with Cambodia on November 8. Malaysia now leads Group A with 4 points, while Thailand sits second with 3 points, Singapore is third with 3 points and Cambodia is fourth with 1 point.
The battle for a spot in the knockout stages remains tight, with Cambodia needing a win in their next match to stay in contention.
