Cambodia Pursues First International Title in ASEAN Cup Final Against Hong Kong

Cambodia’s national men’s football team is preparing for a historic FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 (Division 2) final against hosts Hong Kong on Saturday, with the Kouprey aiming to secure their first international trophy.

The final will mark Cambodia’s first appearance in an international competition final. They topped Group B after defeating Myanmar 1-0 and drawing 2-2 with Timor-Leste at Kai Tak Sports Park on September 30.

Cambodia’s progress was briefly threatened when Timor-Leste took the lead in the 17th minute. João Pedro curled a free-kick into the net, but Cambodian-Colombian forward Andres Nieto equalised in the 28th minute before converting a penalty 10 minutes later. Timor-Leste’s Bakhito levelled the match in the 58th minute, but the 2-2 result was enough to send Cambodia through as group winners.

Hong Kong secured first place in Group A by beating Laos 4-0 and Brunei 2-0, setting up the final against Cambodia.

The Kouprey have embraced the opportunity and are focused on achieving head coach Koji Gyotoku’s objective of winning the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 (Division 2) for the first time.

Nieto expects a challenging match against the hosts, particularly with the support of a large home crowd, but believes the atmosphere will not unsettle Cambodia.

“Games against Hong Kong are always tense because they have many talented players, but it is still 11 against 11. We are confident, although we must work hard and perform well. It is a final, and finals are always difficult,” Nieto told FIFA.com.

He added that playing in front of a stadium full of Hong Kong supporters could provide extra motivation. “I enjoy playing under pressure. Who doesn’t want to play when the stadium is full? Even if there are 50,000 fans and most support Hong Kong, it would motivate me to give my best,” said the Cambodia No 10.

Nieto also called on his teammates to work collectively as they attempt to make history, while keeping an even larger ambition in sight: qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.

“We want to begin with smaller objectives. Cambodia have not reached a final for a long time, and we want to make history,” he said.

Nieto said the team’s progress was clear despite the obstacles it faces, adding that the players would continue working towards their dream of reaching the World Cup.