PHNOM PENH (7 June 2019) – Two late goals gave Cambodia a hard-earned 2-0 win over Pakistan in the first leg of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 Preliminary Joint Qualification at the Olympic Stadium last night.
With the torrential rain beating down on both teams, chances were few and far in between although Cambodia and irrepressible Pakistan tried hard to get the ball into the net in an absorbing first half exchange.
The second half continued much in the same manner with Pakistan missing a hatful of chances until Cambodia finally broke the deadlock on 81 minute when substitute Sieng Chanthea pounced on a failed Pakistan clearance to score from close range.
And just two minutes later, Kouch Sokumpheak gave the Angkor Warriors’ fans plenty to cheer when he evaded his markers to slot the ball home.
In the meantime, Laos could not capitalised on their home ground advantage when they fell to a close 1-0 loss to Bangladesh.
Substitute Mohammad Rabiul Hasan struck the winner in the 72nd minute when he made a fine finish off a long aerial pass to beat Laos keeper Xaysavath.
On the other hand, Brunei Darussalam fell to a 2-0 loss to Mongolia in their first leg encounter in Ulaanbaatar.
The absence of key players sent Brunei reeling as new coach Robbie Servais grappled with Mongolia’s attacking display.
And in the end, a freekick from Tsedenbal Norjmoo in the ninth minute and then Naranbold Nyam-Osors’ easiest of tap-ins in the 68th minute settled matters.
