Cambodia launch probe after 2-1 loss to Singapore in Asean Championship

PHNOM PENH – The Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) has launched an official investigation following instances which “appear unusual” in their previous matches at the Asean Championship, including the 2-1 loss to Singapore on Dec 11.

The Khmer Times reported that FFC president Sao Sokha announced the probe during a Dec 14 meeting with Cambodia’s players and coaching staff “to clear any suspicions”, after match-fixing speculation by some fans.

In a Facebook post that day, the FFC said: “In light of the incident that occurred and appears to be unusual for the previous matches, the Football Federation of Cambodia, in cooperation with the authorities, launched an investigation into the case to clear any suspicions.”

Sokha, who is also head of Cambodia’s military police, told The Khmer Times: “For all officials and players who are honest and not involved, there is nothing to worry about their integrity.”

Singapore scored two goals in the first 16 minutes of the Group A match, courtesy of calamitous slip-ups by Cambodia goalkeeper Vireak Dara, who was making his fifth international appearance.

In the ninth minute, the 21-year-old mishit the ball following a back pass and was punished by Faris Ramli, who slotted home at the National Stadium. Seven minutes later, his weak pass to a defender was finished off by Shawal Anuar.

But Dara made amends when he prevented Shahdan Sulaiman’s free kick from creeping into the bottom corner in the 25th minute.

Sieng Chanthea then reduced the deficit in the 59th minute, as Cambodia fought back after the break.

While Dara bore the brunt of criticism from Cambodia fans, he has received teammate Nick Taylor’s backing.

“The tournament is not over yet and the team still have two important matches ahead,” United States-born fullback Taylor wrote on social media on Dec 12.

“Every player is fighting and wants to win for the team. Mistakes are common in football and I fully trust and support Dara 1,000%.”

The Straits Times has reached out to the Football Association of Singapore and the Asean Football Federation for comment.

On Dec 17, Dara was dropped with 20-year-old custodian Reth Lyheng making his international debut as Cambodia defeated Timor Leste 2-1 at Phnom Penh’s Olympic Stadium to keep alive their slender hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals.

To reach the last four, they must hope for Malaysia to defeat Singapore at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Dec 20, and beat Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok by a bigger margin.

Cambodia had opened their Group A campaign with an impressive 2-2 draw against Malaysia in Phnom Penh on Dec 8 before the 2-1 defeat by Singapore.