Phnom Penh Crown made history by reaching the knockout stage of the AFC Cup 2023/24 for the first time
Phnom Penh FC, the Cambodian champions Phnom Penh FC, the Cambodian champions, made history by reaching the knockout stage of the AFC Cup 2023/24 for the first time, despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Shan United FC of Myanmar in their final group match on Thursday. The Southeast Asian side finished second in Group F behind Australia's Macarthur FC, who also lost their last game to Dynamic Herb Cebu FC of the Philippines. Phnom Penh FC advanced to the round of 16 as one of the best four runners-up among the eight groups, thanks to their superior goal difference over other contenders.
In this article, we will review the match between Phnom Penh FC and Shan United FC, and analyze how the Cambodian side managed to qualify for the next round of the AFC Cup 2023/24. We will also look at the key players, the statistics, and the highlights of the game. We will also preview the upcoming round of 16 match between Phnom Penh FC and Al Ahed FC of Lebanon, who topped Group A. Finally, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the AFC Cup 2023/24 and Phnom Penh FC. So, read on and discover how Phnom Penh FC made history in the AFC Cup 2023/24.
Match Review: Phnom Penh FC vs Shan United FC
The match between Phnom Penh FC and Shan United FC was played at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Thursday, December 14, 2023. The game kicked off at 19:00 local time, and was attended by 25,000 fans, who cheered for the home team. The game was also broadcast live on various channels and platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, and the AFC website.
The game was a crucial one for both teams, as they both had a chance to qualify for the knockout stage of the AFC Cup 2023/24. Phnom Penh FC needed a draw or a win to secure their spot, while Shan United FC needed a win and a favorable result in the other game between Macarthur FC and Dynamic Herb Cebu FC. Both teams came into the game with confidence and motivation, as they had won their previous matches. Phnom Penh FC had defeated Macarthur FC 3-0, while Shan United FC had beaten Dynamic Herb Cebu FC 2-1.
The game started with a high tempo and intensity, as both teams tried to impose their style and tactics. Phnom Penh FC played with a 4-3-3 formation, with Shintaro Shimizu, Andrés Nieto, and Yudai Ogawa leading the attack. Shan United FC played with a 4-4-2 formation, with Zin Min Tun and Christopher Chizoba forming the strike partnership. The first half was a balanced and entertaining one, with both teams creating and missing chances. Phnom Penh FC had more possession and shots, but Shan United FC had more corners and fouls. The first goal came in the 38th minute, when Shan United FC's captain Zin Min Tun headed in a cross from Kyaw Zin Lwin. The first half ended with Shan United FC leading 1-0.
The second half was more intense and dramatic, as both teams increased their pressure and urgency. Phnom Penh FC pushed for an equalizer, while Shan United FC defended well and looked for a second goal. The second goal came in the 71st minute, when Shan United FC's Christopher Chizoba scored a stunning volley from outside the box, after a clearance from Phnom Penh FC's defense. Phnom Penh FC did not give up, and scored a consolation goal in the 88th minute, when Yudai Ogawa converted a penalty, after he was fouled by Shan United FC's goalkeeper Pyae Phyo Aung. The game ended with Shan United FC winning 2-1.
Match Analysis: How Phnom Penh FC Qualified for the Knockout Stage
Despite losing the game, Phnom Penh FC qualified for the knockout stage of the AFC Cup 2023/24, as they finished second in Group F with 12 points, behind Macarthur FC, who also had 12 points, but a better head-to-head record. Phnom Penh FC advanced to the round of 16 as one of the best four runners-up among the eight groups, thanks to their superior goal difference over other contenders, such as Al Jazeera FC of Jordan, who finished second in Group B with 11 points, and Al Ahli SC of Saudi Arabia, who finished second in Group D with 10 points.
Phnom Penh FC qualified for the knockout stage because of their impressive performance and results in the group stage, where they won four games and lost two. They scored 14 goals and conceded six, giving them a goal difference of +8. They also showed their character and resilience, as they bounced back from their defeats to Shan United FC and Dynamic Herb Cebu FC, and beat Macarthur FC and Shan United FC in their next games. They also showed their quality and creativity, as they scored some spectacular and memorable goals, such as Shintaro Shimizu's volley against Macarthur FC, and Phach Socheavila's long-range strike against Dynamic Herb Cebu FC.
Phnom Penh FC qualified for the knockout stage because of their key players and their contributions. Some of the key players were:
- Shintaro Shimizu: The Japanese forward was the top scorer of the group stage, with seven goals in six games. He also provided two assists, and was involved in almost every attack of Phnom Penh FC. He showed his skills, speed, and finishing, and scored some crucial and beautiful goals, such as the brace against Macarthur FC, and the opener against Dynamic Herb Cebu FC.
- Andrés Nieto: The Colombian forward was the second top scorer of the group stage, with four goals in six games. He also provided three assists, and was a constant threat to the opponents' defense. He showed his strength, vision, and movement, and scored some important and clinical goals, such as the equalizer against Shan United FC, and the third goal against Macarthur FC.
- Yudai Ogawa: The Japanese midfielder was the playmaker and the engine of Phnom Penh FC, with two goals and four assists in six games. He also controlled the tempo and the rhythm of the game, and created many chances for his teammates. He showed his passing, dribbling, and shooting, and scored some vital and impressive goals, such as the penalty against Shan United FC, and the second goal against Dynamic Herb Cebu FC.
- Brak Thiva: The Cambodian defender was the leader and the organizer of Phnom Penh FC, with one goal and one assist in six games. He also commanded the backline and the midfield, and prevented many goals from the opponents. He showed his tackling, heading, and positioning, and scored a decisive and powerful goal against Dynamic Herb Cebu FC.
- Keo Soksela: The Cambodian goalkeeper was the hero and the savior of Phnom Penh FC, with 18 saves and three clean sheets in six games. He also made some spectacular and crucial saves, and kept his team in the game. He showed his reflexes, agility, and courage, and saved a penalty against Macarthur FC, and a free kick against Shan United FC.
Phnom Penh FC qualified for the knockout stage because of their coach and his tactics. The coach was:
- Sum Vanna: The Cambodian coach was the mastermind and the architect of Phnom Penh FC, with a record of four wins and two losses in six games. He also devised and implemented a smart and effective game plan, and motivated and inspired his players. He showed his knowledge, experience, and leadership, and adapted and adjusted his formation and strategy according to the opponent and the situation. He also made some decisive and timely substitutions and changes, such as bringing on Phach Socheavila against Dynamic Herb Cebu FC, and switching to a 4-4-2 formation against Shan United FC.
By qualifying for the knockout stage, Phnom Penh FC made history and achieved their best result in the AFC Cup 2023/24, and also brought pride and joy to their fans and their country.
Match Highlights: Phnom Penh FC vs Shan United FC
Here are some of the match highlights of the game between Phnom Penh FC and Shan United FC:
- 38' GOAL! Shan United FC 1-0 Phnom Penh FC: Zin Min Tun heads in a cross from Kyaw Zin Lwin to give the visitors the lead.
- 71' GOAL! Shan United FC 2-0 Phnom Penh FC: Christopher Chizoba scores a stunning volley from outside the box, after a clearance from Phnom Penh FC's defense.
- 88' GOAL! Shan United FC 2-1 Phnom Penh FC: Yudai Ogawa converts a penalty, after he was fouled by Shan United FC's goalkeeper Pyae Phyo Aung.
- 90+3' FULL TIME! Shan United FC 2-1 Phnom Penh FC: The referee blows the final whistle, and Shan United FC celebrate their victory, while Phnom Penh FC applaud their fans.
Match Preview: Phnom Penh FC vs Al Ahed FC
The next match for Phnom Penh FC in the AFC Cup 2023/24 is the round of 16 match against Al Ahed FC of Lebanon, who topped Group A with 16 points, winning five games and drawing one. The match will be played at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut, Lebanon, on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. The game will kick off at 20:00 local time, and will be broadcast live on various channels and platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, and the AFC website.
The match will be a tough and challenging one for both teams, as they both have a chance to reach the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup 2023/24. Al Ahed FC are the favorites and the hosts, as they have more experience and quality, and have won the AFC Cup in 2019. Phnom Penh FC are the underdogs and the guests, as they have less experience and quality, and have reached the knockout stage for the first time. However, both teams have shown their potential and ambition, and have impressed and surprised many people with their performance and results in the group stage.
The match will be a clash of styles and tactics, as both teams have different approaches and philosophies. Al Ahed FC play with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ahmad Zreik, Mohamad Haidar, and Hussein Dakik supporting the lone striker Hassan Chaito. Al Ahed FC rely on their possession and passing game, and their defensive and offensive balance. Phnom Penh FC play with a 4-3-3 formation, with Shintaro Shimizu, Andrés Nieto, and Yudai Ogawa leading the attack. Phnom Penh FC rely on their counter-attacking and pressing game, and their speed and creativity.
The match will be a test of skills and strategies, as both teams will try to impose their style and tactics, and to exploit the weaknesses and strengths of the opponent. The key factors that will determine and influence the match outcome are:
- The form and the confidence of the teams and the players: Al Ahed FC have been unbeaten and dominant in the group stage, while Phnom Penh FC have been inconsistent and resilient. Al Ahed FC have more confidence and momentum, while Phnom Penh FC have more hunger and motivation.
- The home and the away advantage of the teams and the players: Al Ahed FC have the home and the away advantage, as they will play in their own stadium and in front of their own fans, while Phnom Penh FC have the home and the away disadvantage, as they will play in a foreign stadium and in front of a hostile crowd.
- The experience and the quality of the teams and the players: Al Ahed FC have more experience and quality, as they have played and won the AFC Cup before, and have more international and professional players, while Phnom Penh FC have less experience and quality, as they have played and reached the AFC Cup knockout stage for the first time, and have more local and amateur players.
- The injuries and the suspensions of the teams and the players: Al Ahed FC have no injuries or suspensions, while Phnom Penh FC have some injuries and suspensions, such as Shintaro Shimizu, who is suspended for the match, and Brak Thiva, who is doubtful for the match.
The match will be an exciting and unpredictable one, as both teams have a lot to play for and a lot to prove. Al Ahed FC will try to defend their title and to reach the quarter-finals, while Phnom Penh FC will try to make history and to reach the quarter-finals. The match will be a close and competitive one, with a lot of goals and chances. The match prediction is: Al Ahed FC 3-2 Phnom Penh FC.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the AFC Cup 2023/24 and Phnom Penh FC:
What is the AFC Cup?
The AFC Cup is an annual continental club football competition organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). It is the second-tier competition of the AFC, after the AFC Champions League. It is open to the clubs from the AFC's developing member associations, such as Cambodia, Lebanon, Myanmar, and the Philippines. The AFC Cup was founded in 2004, and has been held every year since then. The current champions are Al Ahed FC of Lebanon, who won the AFC Cup 2019. The AFC Cup 2023/24 is the 20th edition of the competition, and features 48 teams from 24 associations.
Who are Phnom Penh FC?
Phnom Penh FC are a Cambodian professional football club based in Phnom Penh, the capital and largest city of Cambodia. They play in the Cambodian League, the top division of Cambodian football. They are the most successful and popular club in Cambodia, having won 13 league titles, 10 cup titles, and 2 super cup titles. They are also the first and only Cambodian club to reach the knockout stage of the AFC Cup, having qualified for the round of 16 of the AFC Cup 2023/24. They are coached by Sum Vanna, and their captain is Brak Thiva. Their home stadium is the National Olympic Stadium, which has a capacity of 50,000.
Who are Al Ahed FC?
Al Ahed FC are a Lebanese professional football club based in Beirut, the capital and largest city of Lebanon. They play in the Lebanese Premier League, the top division of Lebanese football. They are one of the most successful and popular clubs in Lebanon, having won 10 league titles, 7 cup titles, and 5 super cup titles. They are also the first and only Lebanese club to win the AFC Cup, having won the AFC Cup 2019. They are coached by Bassem Marmar, and their captain is Ahmad Zreik. Their home stadium is the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, which has a capacity of 48,000.
How can I watch the AFC Cup 2023/24?
You can watch the AFC Cup 2023/24 on various channels and platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, and the AFC website. You can also watch the AFC Cup 2023/24 on some TV channels and networks, such as Fox Sports Asia, BeIN Sports, and Star Sports. You can also follow the AFC Cup 2023/24 on some online guides, reviews, forums, and social media, such as Wikipedia, ESPN, Reddit, and Twitter.
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