Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Phnom Penh: Hong Pheng and Prak Mony Udom scored in either half as Cambodia secured a place in the third round of qualifiers for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup as Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Chinese Taipei in front of a capacity crowd at the National Olympic Stadium sealed a 4-2 aggregate triumph.
And with Prak Mony Udom adding a second just before the hour mark, Cambodia sealed their place in the 24-team third round of qualifiers which begin next year and offer 12 places at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
But despite the defeat, Chinese Taipei still also have a chance to also secure a berth in the final round of qualifiers for the continental championship as they will face fellow losers Timor-Leste in a further play-off in September and October for a place in the next round.
Both sides picked up where they left off from last week’s entertaining draw as Chinese Taipei’s Wu Chun-Ching drew a save from Cambodia goalkeeper Sou Yaty inside the first two minutes before Chan Vathanaka went close for the home side soon after.
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And it was Cambodia who broke the deadlock after just five minutes as Hong Pheng rose the highest to head home Chan Vathanaka’s inviting free-kick.
The open nature of the contest continued, but it was Cambodia who should have added a second 12 minutes before half-time as Keo Sokpheng blazed over from close range following good work from Chhin Chhoeun.
And Cambodia finished the second half on top as Tit Dina created another chance for the home side before Chan Vathanaka was denied by Chinese Taipei goalkeeper Pan Wen-Chieh two minutes before half-time.
Chinese Taipei, though, were unlucky not to snatch an equaliser at the start of the second half as Lin Chien-Hsun struck the post with a 49th minute free-kick from the edge of the penalty area.
But four minutes before the hour mark Cambodia doubled their lead as substitute Prak Mony Udom held his nerve with a re-taken penalty after Chan Vathanaka had been brought down by Chinese Taipei goalkeeper Pan.
The visitors pushed for a way back into the contest, but both Huang Wei-min and Lin Che-yu both wasted chances with Chinese Taipei struggling in the final third.
And Cambodia came close to a third as both Tit Dina and Rous Samoeun went close for the home side as the half progressed.
Chinese Taipei poured forward in number in the closing stages, but Cambodia were able to hold onto their advantage.
Photo: AFP