Visakha (in white) surrendered a 2-0 nil lead to Tiffy Army in the February 26 first leg, with the game ending 2-2. FFC
Visakha FC will host the second leg of the 2025 Hun Sen Cup tonight, with National Defence FC – “Tiffy Army” – travelling to Prince Stadium to determine who will advance to the semifinals.
Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng will also play their second leg quarterfinal second leg against Kirivong Sok Sen Chey this evening.
In their February 26 first leg, Visakha failed to hold onto a two-goal lead and let the army side back into the match, which ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw.
This result makes the second-leg clash even more intense, with both teams believing they have the strategy they need to claim victory.
Interim Visakha coach Tunji Ayoyinka Akeeb has made it clear that he expects his team to win.
“This match is crucial for us. We absolutely need a victory to achieve our goal, as we aim to advance to the next round of this season’s Hun Sen Cup,” he said.
Tiffy Army coach Phea Sopheaktra admitted that his team will face a major challenge while trying to score against Visakha on their home ground.
He also noted that Visakha has improved significantly in recent times, and possesses a squad full of A-level players who can perform well in any situation, as well as five foreign players, compared to the Army team’s three.
Kirivong (in green) hosted perennial favourites Svay Rieng in the first leg, going down 2-0. FFC
Additionally, he acknowledged Visakha coach Akeeb as a high-calibre leader who has strengthened the team.
“I recognise the key factors that make Visakha strong; they are one of the top three teams in Cambodian football, alongside Svay Rieng and Phnom Penh Crown,” he told an April 1 press conference.
In light of this, Sopheaktra has already devised his team’s strategy — play a fully defensive game for the entire 90 minutes.
He believed this is the only way the Army team can have a chance of winning, possibly by forcing a penalty shootout if the match ends goalless.
“We will defend 100 per cent for the full 90 minutes because I don’t expect our attacking play to be effective. Visakha always keeps at least two defenders in place to block counterattacks, so even if we try to break forward, we will likely struggle to reach their goal area,” he explained.
“Our plan is to defend with everything we have and hold on until penalties if possible,” he added.
Army goalkeeper Um Sereyroth was determined to help his team in this crucial match. He hoped to be selected in the starting 11, replacing Mat Lany, who received a red card in the previous match and is suspended for this game.
“This match is like a final for us. We are facing a strong opponent, so we must be strong too. I hope my teammates perform well, and if I get the chance to play, I will do my best for the team,” he told the media.
Reigning Hun Sen Cup and Cambodian Premier League champions Svay Rieng will host Kirivong at the same time tonight. However, most of the Kingdom’s football pundits believe Kirivong faces an uphill battle, as they will need to overturn a 2-0 defeat from the February 26 first leg, an outcome most see as unlikely.
