Phnom Penh Crown secured a thrilling 2–1 victory over Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng last night, winning the 2025 Samdech Hun Sen Cup and ending a 16-year title drought.

In the final match of the 18th edition of the Hun Sen Cup, held last night, May 25 at the Morodok Techo National Stadium, Crown overcame a tough challenge from Svay Rieng, in a tough back and forth exchange.

Crown took the lead in the 24th minute with a long-range strike from Long Phearath. However, that lead was erased in the 62nd minute when forward Nhean Sosidan equalised for Svay Rieng.

Finally, in the 78th minute, Colombian player Nieto Rondon scored what turned out to be the winning goal, sealing a 2–1 victory and establishing Crown as the 2025 Hun Sen Cup champions. This marked their third title in the competition, following back-to-back wins in 2008 and 2009, thus breaking a 16-year dry spell.

The Crown squad were besides themselves with joy, with cheers echoing throughout the stadium. They dedicated the win to late club president Rithy Samnang, who passed away from illness at the age of 41 in May 2022.

The final of the 2025 Hun Sen Cup between Phnom Penh Crown (in red) and Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng took place at Morodok Techo National Stadium on Sunday night. Hun Sen Cup

In the third-place match earlier that night, Boeung Ket defeated Visakha 3–0 to claim third place. Visakha had previously won the Hun Sen Cup for three consecutive seasons (2020, 2021, and 2022), but this time had to settle for the Fair Play award.

Crown head coach Oleg Starynskyi was named Best Coach of the season. Goalkeeper Um Vichet, whose saves were crucial to the team’s success, received the Best Goalkeeper award. Boeung Ket forward Mat Noron was named Player of the Tournament, while his teammate Sieng Chanthea won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer.

Starynskyi praised the leadership of Svay Rieng head coach Pep Munoz, acknowledging his significant contributions to the development of Cambodian football. Unfortunately, the Spanish coach has announced he would be parting ways with Svay Rieng after the final.

“Coach Pep is someone who has helped Cambodian football develop significantly. We need more experienced coaches like him to increase the competitiveness of football in Cambodia. I wish him the best of luck, especially with his new club — he is a great coach,” said Starynskyi.

Crown were ecstatic after the win, claiming their first title since 2009 and breaking a 16-year drought. Hun Sen Cup