Svay Rieng seek first group win as Crown prepare to face Kitchee
The Cambodian champions visit Tampines Rovers in Singapore, while Phnom Penh Crown host Kitchee after winning their first two group matches.
Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng will pursue their first AFC Champions League Two group-stage win against Tampines Rovers FC at Singapore’s Jalan Besar Stadium, with kick-off at 5pm. Fellow Cambodian club Phnom Penh Crown will host Kitchee SC at Morodok Techo National Stadium at 7:15pm.
Svay Rieng are third in Group G with one point, having lost 2-0 at Machida Zelvia in Japan and held Shanghai Shenhua of China to a goalless home draw. Tampines occupy last place following two defeats. The Singapore fixture completes Svay Rieng’s first round of group matches.
Head coach Matthew McConkey said Svay Rieng intended to follow their game plan, keep possession and take three points. Midfielder Rui Pires said the tactical preparations were already in place and stressed the importance of winning.
Crown head Group H on six points following two wins. Hong Kong’s Kitchee are also unbeaten, but have two points after a goalless draw with South Korea’s Gangwon FC and a 1-1 result against Malaysia’s Kuching City.
Crown coach Oleg Starynskyi highlighted Kitchee’s experience, talent and consistency. He cautioned against focusing on a possible first-place finish, noting that Crown had played only two matches and still had four group fixtures remaining.
