The Cambodian national team began their second round of qualifying for the 2022 Fifa World Cup, which also serves as the second round of 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualification, on Thursday night.

Led by legendary Japanese head coach Keisuke Honda and his Argentinian assistant Felix Dalmas, the Cambodians took on Hong Kong at Phnom Penh’s Olympic Stadium.

Hong Kong are 139th in Fifa’s world rankings, while Cambodia are 170th.

The match began tightly, with Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC midfielder Hoy Phallin receiving a yellow card in the 15th minute.

Hong Kong broke the deadlock in the 16th minute through Tan Chun Lok.

Cambodia pressed for an equaliser, and Keo Sokpheng found the net in the in the 34th minute.

It was a competitive affair, with three Hong Kong players receiving yellow cards in the rest of the game.

The match ended 1-1 at the final whistle, an encouraging result for the Angkor Warriors against higher ranked opponents.

The reverse fixture is to be played at Hong Kong’s Mong Kok Stadium on November 19.