Cambodia kept their ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 campaign alive after a clinical 3-0 victory over Timor-Leste at the Morodok Techo National Stadium on Monday, with How Soknet emerging as the hero by scoring twice to hand the Angkor Warriors their first win of the tournament.
The 22-year-old Visakha FC forward struck in the 16th and 63rd minutes before substitute Rado Mon sealed the result with a late header in stoppage time, earning Koji Gyotoku’s side their first three points in Group A.
The victory lifts Cambodia to three points from three matches, keeping their hopes alive ahead of a decisive final group clash against defending champions Vietnam on Friday. Meanwhile, Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026 journey officially came to an end after suffering a fourth consecutive defeat in the group stage.
Timor-Leste actually threatened first and nearly stunned the home crowd inside six minutes when Zion Cruz met Olacar Xavier’s cross from the right with a first-time effort from close range, only for Cambodia goalkeeper Kimhuy Hun to produce a brilliant save.
It proved to be one of the visitors’ few genuine opportunities, as Cambodia gradually took control of proceedings. After Uk Sovann tested goalkeeper Dylan Niski, the breakthrough arrived in the 16th minute.
Midfielder Alisher Mirzaev launched a perfectly weighted long pass from midfield to Pat Sokha on the left flank. Sokha drove into the penalty area before delivering a pinpoint cross that How Soknet powered home with a close-range header to make it 1-0.
Timor-Leste started the second half brightly and almost found an equaliser just four minutes after the restart. Senevio Gustavo released João Rangel down the right, whose inviting cross found Cruz at the near post, but the forward headed narrowly wide.
Despite their improved attacking display, Timor-Leste were punished again in the 63rd minute.
Mirzaev was once again the architect, threading another superb pass through the defence for Mon Vanda, who burst down the left before squaring across goal for How Soknet to calmly slot home his second goal of the evening.
Timor-Leste refused to surrender and continued searching for a breakthrough, forcing Kimhuy Hun into another excellent save to deny Alexandro Baquito with a powerful low drive.
At the opposite end, Cambodia pushed for more. Niski denied substitute Rado Mon, while How Soknet narrowly missed completing his hat-trick after heading straight at the Timor-Leste goalkeeper.
The hosts eventually added a deserved third goal in the final minute when Chea Sokmeng delivered an inviting cross from the left for Rado Mon, who directed a downward header into the net to complete an emphatic victory.
For Cambodia, the result provides renewed belief heading into their final Group A encounter against Vietnam, while Timor-Leste bow out of the tournament without a point after four straight defeats.
Credit Photo : CPL
