PHNOM PENH: Cambodia, the host for the AFF U23 chalked up its second straight victory when it defeated the Philippines 1-0 last night.

Midfielder Sin Sovann Makara scored the winning goal in the 81st minute in front of 17,780 spectators, despite the Philippine opponents putting a lot of pressure on Cambodia from the first half.

Cambodia inched closer for a place in the semifinals of the AFF Under-23 Championship 2022 when they edged the Philippines 1-0 in a decisive tie of Group A this evening at the Morodok Techo National Stadium.

Despite having the lion’s share of the possession throughout the tight exchange, a late strike from Sin Sovanmakara nine minutes to the end settled things as the host picked up their second full points from two matches played.

But with several chances deserving of a better finish and with the header from captain Tes Sambath coming off the crossbar in the first half, the Cambodians continued to press their opponents into the second half.

With more than 17,000 fans, the Cambodians got down to business from the get-go as they pushed forward in numbers. The atmosphere was ecstatic with the buzz around the stadium when Makara kicked the winning goal.

It leaves Cambodia on top of their group with 2 wins no losses. Cambodia’s opponent next is Timor Leste, at MORODOK TECHO NATIONAL STADIUM, on Sunday the 20th of February.