Despite the closed-door setting in Doha, Qatar, on December 31, the Cambodian national football team, guided by Argentine coach Felix Dalmas, cherished valuable experience, placing emphasis on improvement rather than outcomes.

The match ended with Qatar securing a 3-0 victory against Cambodia.

Dalmas praised the Qatar national team, describing them as high-quality and world-class, noting their strong structure and cohesive teamwork. This match provided Cambodia with a clear insight into their playing levels after facing such a formidable opponent.

“I trust you all noticed that facing a world-class team like Qatar pushed us to step up our game,” he remarked to the team after the friendly game.

“I’m sure you share my sentiment, and I take great pride in our efforts. It was a fantastic match where our team displayed a strong determination on the field,” he said.

He admitted the match posed a challenge for the Cambodian team against Qatar, as they hadn’t faced each other before. Yet, this is precisely what the team needed to grasp and go through to further enhance their capabilities.

“Sure, we faced some challenges, but sometimes, it’s necessary because, at least, it showed us we’re capable of more,” he said.

“Remember, we endured a ten-hour journey to get here. Due to time and weather, we weren’t fully accustomed to the conditions,” he pointed out.

Nevertheless, he inspired all 24 Cambodian players to bolster their skills, firmly believing that the team is poised for success in 2024, despite the less-than-stellar results of 2023.

“The key is to stay determined to keep progressing. Let’s appreciate the groundwork we’ve laid so far. That’s the foundation. I genuinely believe 2024 holds great promise for us, so gear up to excel,” he told the team.