Cambodia coach warns against complacency ahead of Timor-Leste clash

Cambodia will face Timor-Leste at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park at 4pm on September 30, with the winner of the Group B encounter earning a place in the final against the Group A winners in Division 2 of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.

The Kouprey took control of Group B with a 1-0 win over Myanmar on September 27, but their route to the final could still be blocked if they lose their last group match against Timor-Leste.

Cambodia’s strong record in this fixture has made them favourites. They have won eight, drawn two and lost one of their 11 meetings with Timor-Leste over the past 20 years.

Those matches include seven ASEAN Championship games and four international friendlies. Cambodia have scored 28 goals and conceded 18. Their latest encounter ended in a 3-0 Cambodia victory at Morodok Techo National Stadium on August 3.

Despite that record, head coach Koji Gyotoku has told his players not to underestimate their opponents. He wants the team to stay fully focused as they seek to reach the final, win their first international title and gain promotion to Division 1 of the FIFA ASEAN Cup.

Speaking during a training session in Hong Kong, Gyotoku told the Football Federation of Cambodia that the match would be challenging and that his players would need to perform at their best.

“This will be a difficult match for us, and we will give everything we have. I think Timor-Leste are a good team, with pace and technical ability on the field,” he said.

Cambodia’s players have also expressed their determination to reach the final. Captain and defender Saret Krya and Andres Nieto said the squad would work hard to win and reward their supporters.

Based on the provisional table, Cambodia are likely to meet hosts Hong Kong in the final. Hong Kong currently lead Group A after opening their campaign with a 4-0 win over Laos.

Hong Kong will meet Brunei in their final group fixture on September 30. Brunei began the tournament with a 3-1 defeat by Laos.