Work in progress

The Cambodia starting XI: [Back row LtoR] Raksmey, Rithy, Bunchhay, Rady, Bunhieng, Pheng [front] Sothearath, Borey, Chanrasmey, Chhoeurn, Sophal Udom

I took time out to watch the Cambodian national team in the 2nd of their friendly warm-up games against the local Cambodian League teams this afternoon at Olympic Stadium, and it wasn't pretty. The final result against a much-altered Army line-up was 1-1 and to be honest there wasn't much between the two teams. After a 2-nil win over Kirivong on Saturday, the national team coach Lee Tae-Hoon fielded his second choice team from the start and they were soon behind to an Army strike on 14 minutes after Rim Bunhieng was brushed aside. Apart from two Khim Borey attempts on goal that was about the sum of the action in the opening half. After the break, a stronger line-up took the game to the Defense Ministry and kept their keeper at full stretch to deny Phuong Soksana and Sam El Nasa. However, he wasn't able to reach a neat far post header from Kouch Sokumpheak for the equaliser six minutes after the interval, ending a great run and deep cross from San Nairth. On 75 minutes the referee felt Tieng Tiny used his elbow to shield the ball in the corner and flashed a red card, much to everyone's surprise. A minute later an angry Lee Tae-Hoon waved his players off the pitch and remonstrated with referee Kao Makara. He then changed his mind and sent his players out again, to finish the game with 10-men, with Sokumpheak playing the last fifteen minutes at left-back. It was a nondescript showing by the national team though the coach explained before the kick-off that he is slowly rebuilding his squad. "We are rebuilding for the future. I'm having a look at everyone with games against all the clubs. Everyone has a chance to impress me. I may change the players after I look (at everyone)," said the South Korean coach. The Cambodian team were better after the break but still a very long way short of where they will want to be as they approach the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying matches in February. They meet South Korea's Ulsan University this coming Sunday, kick-off at 3pm, at Olympic and will continue their build-up with more games against C-League opposition.
The players who were on show for the national team today were:
(1st half); Bunchhay, Raksmey, Rady, Bunhieng, Rithy, Sothearath, Chanrasmey, Chhoeurn, Sophal Udom, Borey, Pheng.
(2nd half); Mic, Raksmey, Narith, Yang, Tiny, Sopanha, Prak Mony Udom, Soksana, Sokumpheak, El Nasa, Laboravy. Sub not used: Simay.

Cambodia coach Lee Tae-Hoon (blue shirt) giving last minute instructions to his squad