Phnom Penh: Cambodia may have left it late but Sieng Chanthea and Kouch Sokumpheak's goals have given them the upperhand against Pakistan in their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 Preliminary Joint Qualification tie.
Pakistan looked set to hold on for a draw in the rain-lashed National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh on Thursday but substitute Chanthea capitalised on a failed clearance by a Pakistani defender to drill the ball into the back of the net from close range in the 81st minute.
Three minutes later, Pakistan were left reeling as midfield general Sokumpheak broke away from the tracking defenders to slot the ball beyond the visiting keeper.
Cambodia head coach Felix G. Dalmas was very satisfied with his team's effort and result.
“Congratulations to the players. They worked so hard not only on the field but off it as well. Having said that that, we’ve got another match to play. We’re not satisfied and this is just one step," said Dalmas.
Work for the return leg, added the head coach, had already begun.
"Immediately after the match [general manager Keisuke] Honda and myself and the coaches are looking at what’s next to improve. Specifically, I don’t want to say what that is yet but of course there are things we need to improve before the next game."
The Chanthea substitution was a game changer and Dalmas said he was confident the player would deliver when sent on.
"We believed in what he could do. Also it’s a big game and he’s young and he was ready mentally and physically and we’re very happy with him.
"I’m also always thankful to the fans and I know sometimes they criticise because they care. They really love this team. And we try to do the best we can. But I hope they’re happy for Cambodia. I try to do the best for them and to do the best for Cambodia.”
Pakistan head coach José Antonio Nogueira was left to rue his team's missed chances as the game slipped away late.
“It was a very exciting game for both sides. There was a lot of attacking and the possession of the ball was in the first half with Cambodia and with us in much of the second half," said Nogueira.
"Before Cambodia’s goals, we lost two chances of our own. One was a great save from the Cambodian keeper (at the near post).
"But my left-back made a mistake – one big mistake where he didn’t clear the ball with his head and then Cambodia were able to get their opener. After that one mistake, Cambodia scored the second and that was it.”
Photos: Football Federation of Cambodia
Source: the-afc.com