PHNOM PENH, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Host Cambodia inched closer for a place in the semifinals of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) U23 Championship 2022 with a narrow 1-0 win over the Philippines in a decisive tie of Group A at Thursday night, the AFF said in a news release.
Despite having the lion's share of the possession throughout the tight exchange, a late strike from midfielder Sin Sovanmakara nine minutes to the end settled things as the host picked up the second full points from two matches played.
"It was a tough game but it was an improved performance from the match against Brunei," said Cambodian head coach Hirose Ryu.
"The players were faced with a tough situation and they delivered. It is good standings for the future," he added.
Played at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in the capital Phnom Penh, the game attracted more than 17,000 fans, mostly youth.
"Fitness was always going to be an issue. Some players have not played for quite some time. They were cramping in the closing stages of the match," said Philippines head coach Stewart Hall.
"But the players worked so hard in the game tonight but physically, we were still not there," he said.
Cambodia had started their campaign in Group A with a 6-0 win over Brunei.
Held from Feb. 14 to 26 at two venues, namely the Morodok Techo National Stadium and Prince Stadium in the capital, there are nine teams contesting for the AFF U23 Championship 2022 after reigning champions Indonesia and Myanmar withdrew due to COVID-19 complications.
Cambodia have been placed in Group A, along with Brunei, the Philippines and Timor-Leste, while Group B remains only Malaysia and Laos, as Group C includes Thailand, Vietnam, an Singapore.
Cambodia will take on Timor-Leste on Feb. 20. ■
