Left to rue what might've been

Cambodia's unchanged starting line-up

Cambodia have completed their AFF 2008 Suzuki Cup competition without a point to show for their efforts, losing all three games they played. Tonight's final wooden-spoon match in Group A against Myanmar was a much closer affair than the other two games, but their defensive frailty again proved to be their undoing, with Myanmar running out 3-2 winners. But it could've been so different if Cambodia had maintained their momentum after coming back from a 2-1 deficit at half-time to draw level on 77 minutes. Khim Borey fired home from the penalty spot and at least a share of the spoils looked to be on the cards, but with just five minutes to go, another defensive lapse, allowed Myanmar to net the winner. The look on the players' faces at the final whistle said it all, disappointment and dejection. The last time the teams met, Myanmar won 7-1 so the Cambodian players can feel pleased with their improvement but they will know that a draw in their final match would've at least given them something tangible from their Suzuki Cup exploits.

Cambodia's coach Prak Sovannara stuck with the same starting line-up for the third consecutive game and after Khim Borey had gone close at one end, Moe Win headed home from a corner on the half-hour to give Myanmar the lead. Five minutes later Win Thein escaped his marker to fire home a second. Borey again had a great chance to score before Kouch Sokumpheak fired in Cambodia's first goal of the tournament on 40 minutes after his first shot had been saved. It was no more than they deserved. After the break, Chan Rithy missed a glorious chance to pull level, before Sun Sovannarith was hauled down by the Myanmar keeper for a penalty on 77 minutes. Borey stepped up to net a confident equaliser. I am mystified why the referee did not send off the Myanmar goalkeeper, as well as another defender earlier in the half, who as last man hauled back Sokumpheak on the break. Games are won and lost on such decisions. In this instance, Myanmar grabbed that late winner through Min Tun, leaving Cambodia to rue their missed opportunities.
The Cambodia line-up: 1 Seiha; 2 Chanbunrith; 3 Raksmey; 4 Tiny (5 Sothearith); 7 Borey; 10 Sokumpheak; 11 Chan Rithy (6 Virath); 13 Narith (9 Sochivorn); 14 Sovannarith; 16 El Nasa; 17 Sok Rithy.

Coach Prak Sovannara on the touchline

Kouch Sokumpheak jogs back after netting Cambodia's first goal

Khim Borey preparing to take his 77th min penalty

Khim Borey runs up to take his penalty kick, from behind the goal

The final score and Cambodia in blue take their final bow