Phnom Penh Crown have knocked Visakha FC out of the Samdech Hun Sen Cup semi-finals for the second time on the trot, with a narrow 1-0 win last night. The two teams were level on aggregate goals after a 2-2 draw in the first leg.

Crown head coach Oleg Starynskyi shared his appreciation for the club’s fans, player and team, who demonstrated outstanding support and mutual faith right up to the final seconds of the match.

“This was a match with heavy physical clashes, and we fought until the final whistle to get this amazing result. I know it wasn’t a pretty match to watch, but sometimes in football, it’s about the result. Our players showed incredible character, and I’m really happy and proud,” he said.

With the victory giving them a spot in the final, Starynskyi declared that the time has come for Crown to win the Hun Sen Cup. They finished as runners-up in 2024, when they lost to Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng in the final.

“Three years ago we finished fourth, then we came third, and last year we were second. So I think this season is a good time for us to win the cup,” he joked.

Both sides played cautiously in the May 8 semi-final, with perhaps too much focus on defence. The fear of conceding meant neither squad looked like finding the net, especially in a relatively subdued second half.

The crowd – and team – erupted when a deadlock was broken in the 85th minute. FFC

It was only in the late stages of the game that Crown’s patience paid off, when Yudai Ogawa launched a ball from midfield to Yem Devid, who then managed to beat goalkeeper Keo Soksela and slot the ball safely into the net in the 85th minute.

Despite Visakha attempting to mount a desperate attack until the 90+7th minute, they could not find the equaliser.

The Visakha squad was visibly devastated by the 1-0 defeat, with some players shedding tears on the pitch.

“It’s a nightmare, but we will keep fighting for our goals ahead,” said a statement from the club, released shortly after the loss.

Having been thrown out of the Hun Sen Cup semi-finals for the second time in a row, Visakha — who had previously claimed the trophy three seasons in a row — now only have a chance to compete for third place.

Crown will meet the winners of the upcoming semi-final between Boeung Ket and Svay Rieng, while the winner will meet Visakha for the third-place playoff. Svay Rieng hold a slight advantage ahead of the second leg, having won beaten Boeung Ket 1-0 away in the first.

Crown coach Oleg Starynskyi has declared that 2025 will be the club’s year to take back the Hun Sen Cup. FFC