The AFF Women’s Cup final saw the Cambodian team (blue) fall 3-1 to a strong Indonesian side. FFC
Despite falling at the final hurdle, the Cambodian national football team has received widespread praise from supporters and officials following their historic performance at the 2024 AFF Women’s Cup.
The team lost to Indonesia 3-1 in last night’s December 5 final in Laos, but their journey to the final remains a massive achievement.
The Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) expressed their admiration, stating: “Even though Cambodia's women’s team finished as runners-up, we commend the efforts of our players who fought hard and reached the final for the first time in Cambodian women's football history. We hope they will continue to succeed in future tournaments.”
Prime Minister Hun Manet also shared a congratulatory message with the team.
“I would like to commend the players, coaches and staff of the women’s national football team for their efforts, from the early stages to the historic final of the 2024 AFF Women’s Cup. This result demonstrates the hard work of everyone, including the players, coaches and supporters, who came together to support and encourage our team,” he said.
Poeun Kunthea (right) shared the Top Scorer, or ‘Golden Boot’, award with Indonesia midfielder Reva Octaviani. Each of them scored three goals during the tournament. FFC
The final, played at the New Laos National Stadium, saw Indonesia triumph over Cambodia, in contrast to their pool play encounter, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
Indonesia’s Reva Octaviani opened the scoring in the 24th minute, with the Kingdom’s women responding in the 32nd, through Hok Soudy. Unfortunately, Indonesia regained the lead in the 35th through Sydney Sari Hopper, with Octaviani sealing the victory with her second goal in the 57th minute.
Octaviani's brace helped Indonesia win the AFF Women’s Cup, while she and Cambodia's Poeurn Kunthea, who also scored three goals in the tournament, were named top scorers.
Despite not winning the trophy, the Kingdom’s head coach, Khoun Laborev, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance.
Members of the national team pose with their silver medals after placing second in the final of the AFF Women’s Cup. FFC
“I apologise for not bringing the trophy home, but I am happy with the way the players performed throughout the tournament. We have changed our mindset, realising that we can play modern football,” he explained.
In other results, Singapore beat 1-0 Timor-Leste to secure third place. Following the 2024 AFF Women’s Cup, the top teams, including Indonesia, Cambodia, and Singapore, will have the chance to compete in the 2025 ASEAN Women’s Championship alongside Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and Myanmar.
