PKR Svay Rieng FC, a club from Cambodia make history reached final even tied Madura United, a club from Indonesia scoring 3-3 in the AFC Challenge League 2024/25 Semi-Final 2nd leg at Gelora Joko Samudro Stadium, Gresik.
The match exploded into life in the opening minutes as Min Ratanak sent a warning shot across the face of goal in the 3rd minute. Moments later, the visitors landed the first blow. Ratanak latched onto a precise through ball, tearing past the Madura defense before delivering a composed cutback to Gabriel Silva, who coolly slotted past Miswar Saputra to put Svay Rieng ahead.
Madura United responded in the 27th minute when Lulinha delivered a perfectly floated free-kick, allowing Monteiro to rise highest and bury a powerful header to level the match.
However, Svay Rieng refused to be rattled, retaking the lead less than a minute later. Gabriel Silva turned provider, surging into the box and laying it off for Bounphachan, who guided a composed side-footed finish into the bottom corner.
The Cambodian side continued to press forward after the break and were rewarded in the 56th minute. Sosidan Nhean showcased blistering pace down the right, beating his marker and delivering a low cross for Ratanak, who was on hand to tap in Svay Rieng’s third and put the tie further beyond Madura’s reach.
Two minutes later, Lulinha sparked a lifeline for the Indonesian hosts, threading a perfect ball to Andi, who finished clinically to make it 3-2 on the night. Madura continued to press, with Andi testing goalkeeper Sou Yaty Vireak, but their hopes were dashed when Haudi Abdillah received his second yellow card in the 73rd minute for a reckless tackle on Bounphachan, reducing the hosts to ten men.
Madura United did manage a late equalizer through Sandi Samosir, whose strike deflected off the post and ricocheted in off goalkeeper Vireak’s leg. But it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
The final whistle confirmed a historic result — Svay Rieng advance to the AFC Challenge League final, a momentous milestone for Cambodian football. The team, led by their dynamic attacking trio of Ratanak, Gabriel Silva, and Bounphachan, showed tactical discipline, bravery, and class in one of their biggest ever continental matches.
Despite the draw, Svay Rieng advanced on aggregate 6-3, capitalizing on their advantage from the first leg and delivering a performance full of heart, resilience, and attacking class.
Credit Photo : Madura United
