Svay Rieng FC take Hun Sen Cup during tight final in Kingdom
Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC emerged triumphant in the final showdown of the Hun Sen Cup, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Phnom Penh Crown.
In a highly anticipated match held at the bustling Olympic Stadium, Canadian striker Marcus Haber became the hero of the day by netting the sole goal amidst scorching heat that persisted well into the night.
With the stadium nearly filled to capacity, the atmosphere was electric as both teams vied for glory. Despite a tense and goalless first half, neither Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng nor Phnom Penh Crown managed to break the deadlock within the regulation 90 minutes. The intensity only heightened as the game proceeded into two additional periods of 15 minutes each.
It was during the 108th minute that Marcus Haber seized the moment, delivering a decisive strike from within the box, clinching victory for Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng and claiming the coveted Hun Sen Cup for the 2023-2024 season.
The elated champions took to social media to share their joy, proudly declaring their title with a display of trophy emojis, marking their triumphant journey to glory in the prestigious tournament.
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The victory of Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC in the Hun Sen Cup final marks another significant milestone in the burgeoning landscape of Cambodian football. With the sport experiencing a surge in popularity, investors and sponsors are increasingly recognizing its potential, evident in the prominent branding adorning team kits.
The fervor for football in Cambodia is palpable, exemplified by the remarkable turnout of nearly 60,000 spectators at the national Olympic Stadium for a match between Cambodia and Singapore in 2018. Despite the national team’s absence from the World Cup, such fervent support underscores the nation’s passion for the beautiful game.
The symbiotic relationship between the growing fan base and increasing sponsorship is evident in the league’s evolution. Major Cambodian clubs now proudly display corporate logos on their jerseys, showcasing the growing partnership between football and business entities. Sponsorship deals, such as Cambodia Airways with league winners Boeung Ket and Carabao with runners-up Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng, signify the financial backing bolstering Cambodian football’s rise.
Indeed, the concerted efforts of the CNCC, clubs, and sponsors are propelling Cambodian football to new heights, both on and off the pitch. Increased attendance at matches, coupled with enhanced fan engagement, is driving revenue growth, which, in turn, facilitates stadium upgrades and club expansion. This positive trajectory is attracting international attention, with foreign players now viewing the Cambodian league as a viable platform to showcase their talent.
Moreover, participation in prestigious tournaments like the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup provides clubs with a global stage to showcase Cambodian football talent. The stringent criteria for AFC participation, including the establishment of professional academies and infrastructure development, underscore the commitment to elevating the standard of football in Cambodia.
Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
