Svay Rieng aims to shine in AFC Challenge League Quarterfinals

Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC, Cambodia’s reigning champions, are eager to showcase their best performance as they face Myanmar’s Shan United in the opening leg of the AFC Challenge League quarterfinals on Thursday night at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh.

For Svay Rieng, this match represents much more than a typical fixture—it’s an opportunity to display the club’s strength while proudly representing Cambodian football on the continental stage.

“I encourage the players to enjoy the game and continue giving their all, just as they have from the start of the tournament,” said Pep Muñoz, Svay Rieng’s head coach, during a press conference on Wednesday. “I want them to play at their highest level and do everything possible to secure a positive result for our supporters who will be cheering for us in the stadium.”

Muñoz acknowledged the heightened stakes in this match, noting that the quarterfinals bring a new level of intensity. “This time, the encounter against Shan United will be different. Both sides are determined to progress, and it will be a tough challenge. But we’re fully focused on winning and advancing to the semifinals.”

Svay Rieng and Shan United recently met in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) on February 5 at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, where Svay Rieng triumphed 4-2.

Soeuy Visal, Svay Rieng’s captain and a key defender, echoed his coach’s sentiments, confirming that the team is ready for the challenge. He also mentioned that players who had been rehabilitating from injuries have now returned to full training, further strengthening the squad.

Visal also expressed excitement about playing at the Morodok Techo National Stadium, Cambodia’s largest venue with a seating capacity of 60,000. With thousands of fans expected, the players are motivated rather than anxious, given their previous experience in high-profile matches.

Shan United’s head coach, Ono Hiroki, spoke confidently about his team’s preparations. “I have reorganised the team and addressed the mistakes we made in our previous match against Svay Rieng,” he said. “I’m aware that Svay Rieng has added Brazilian striker Matheus Moresche, who is one of Southeast Asia’s top players. But I also believe that their local players, like Min Ratanak and Nhean Sodian, are equally talented and pose a significant threat.”

The second leg of the quarterfinals will take place on March 13, when Svay Rieng travels to Yangon to face Shan United at Thuwunna Stadium.

Along with Svay Rieng and Shan United, the other clubs in the quarterfinals are East Bengal (India), FC Arkadag (Turkmenistan), Al Arabi SC (Kuwait), Al Seeb Club (Oman), Tainan City FC (Chinese Taipei), and Madura United (Indonesia).