Phnom Penh: Coach Leonardo Vitorino hailed a sense of belief as Cambodia ended a run of eight consecutive defeats to kick start their 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Afghanistan on Tuesday.
A fortuitous second-half goal from Prak Mony Udom secured the win at the National Olympic Stadium as Cambodia made a timely return to winning ways having lost March’s Group C opener 7-0 to Jordan before losing last week’s friendly 2-0 against Indonesia.
Cambodia had goalkeeper Sou Yaty to thank for their three points as the custodian crucially denied Faysal Shayesteh in the first-half before producing a point blank save to deny Sharif Mohammad an almost certain equaliser in the closing stages.
“I’d like to dedicate this winning match to the Prime Minister, because even after our heavy defeat against Jordan, he backed us. And I’d also like to thank the Federation for their belief,” said Vitorino.
“We won the match because of the players. We lost the friendly [against Indonesia] and everyone was talking, but we stayed quiet. I and the Federation know it is a slow process to improve Cambodian football, but we are building for 2023 [SEA Games] and we will get there.
“This man [Yaty] is the reason for the win today. I am very happy for all the players working hard over the internationals and listening in training – this ensured our win. So now we can celebrate.”
Cambodia are now just a point behind Group C leaders Jordan, who drew 0-0 in Vietnam, who are a point further off the pace in third, with Afghanistan propping up the table with one point from two games.
Afghanistan, though, can count themselves slightly unlucky not to add to March’s opening 1-1 draw with Vietnam as Cambodia’s goal arrived as an attempted clearance from goalkeeper Ovays Azizi ricocheted off the back of Mony Udom and into the net on the hour mark.
“I can’t be angry at the keeper as things like this do happen in football. Luck was on Cambodia’s side today. I thought we dominated the game especially in midfield,” said Afghanistan coach Otto Pfister. “Cambodia are a strong side and they showed that.”
Jordan left to rue stellar Dang Van Lam display
Jordan held on to top spot in Group C despite being unable to match March’s high-scoring win over Cambodia, as Abdullah Mesfer’s side found Vietnam goalkeeper Dang Van Lam in inspired form at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh.
“Vietnam is a strong team and they played well, but I want to say that it’s really pity because we don’t have three points,” said Jordan coach Mesfer.
“We tried our best, but we were unlucky, and the Vietnam goalkeeper played very well. I was impressed a lot with Vietnam goalkeeper, he’s the most important player for Vietnam who kept one point for them.”
For Vietnam, the draw extended their unbeaten but winless start to the campaign after also drawing with Afghanistan.
“I am satisfied with one point and I also satisfied with our players’ spirit. Jordan is a strong team, they’re better than us not only strength but also their character,” said coach Nguyen Huu Thang, with Vietnam next taking on Cambodia in Phnom Penh in September, while Jordan entertain Afghanistan.
“Our players played with very high concentration. Both teams had chances, but we and they missed all of our chances to score a goal. But the most important thing is we still have chance to progress from the group. We will try our best in each game.”
Photos: Football Federation of Cambodia & Vietnam Football Federation
Source: the-afc.com