Cambodia juniors face crucial opening test against Singapore

Cambodia will begin their campaign at the ASEAN Boy’s U-17 football championships against Singapore tomorrow at the Gelora Delta Sidoarja in Indonesia.

The two sides are in Group C of the competition with defending champions Australia and minnows Brunei.

Thailand, who were beaten on penalties in the final two years ago, are in Group B with Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines.

Host Indonesia are in the group of death. They have been drawn with Vietnam, Malaysia and Timor-Leste.

Two years ago, Cambodia missed out on a semi-final berth to Thailand, as the best second placed team in the competition.

Cambodia’s best performance at the tournament previously played at the U16 category was a decade ago when it was hosted in Phnom Penh. The side finished fourth after losing out on penalties to eventual champions Australia in the semi-finals and 0-3 to Thailand in the playoffs.

The opening match against Singapore would be a do-or-die clash for both sides. Singapore has three players based overseas and may prove to be a tough nut to crack.

THE SCHEDULE