Cambodia’s Prak Mony Oudom (second right) sets up for a successful penalty during their game against the Philippines U19s. Photo by: UNG CHAMROEUN

Yangon

Cambodia’s U19 squad clash with neighbouring rivals Thailand today in the 2011 AFF U19 Championship in Yangon. Buoyed by their 0-0 draw with Malaysia and a 5-3 trumping of the Philippines, the Kingdom’s lads will fancy their chances against a favoured Thai side at the Youth Training Centre.

However, they will need to avoid the lapse in concentration that saw them almost surrender a 4-0 lead against the Filipinos.

Should the Cambodians grab all three points from today’s fixture, they would be odds on to grab a place in the semifinals for the first time in four attempts since 2002.

“It’s time for us to set a record in the history of Cambodian football by struggling to win over Thailand,” said Cambodia U19  team assistant coach Rith Dikar. “We must think we can really [win over] all opponents.”

Preah Khan Reach striker Phanny I Ratha, who netted a hat trick against the Philippines on Sunday but admitting regret at missing many more chances, said he and his team-mates would “focus on the playing against Thailand.”

Preah Khan Reach owner and Football Federation of Cambodia Committee member Li Kimchhun has allegedly promised each player and coach US$300 each if they can win both today’s game and their last group match against Singapore on Thursday.

In today’s other Group A tie, Singapore take on Malaysia at the Aung San Stadium, with both games slated for a 3:30pm kickoff.

Yesterday’s Group B action saw Vietnam wallop Indonesia 6-1 to go top, while hosts Myanmar enjoyed a 6-0 romp over hapless Brunei. 

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY DAN RILEY