Bangkok: Cambodia will look to pull off one of the biggest shocks in AFF Championship history when they take on defending champions Thailand at Thammasat Stadium on Monday.
With one game to play in Group A, Thailand lead the way on goal difference from Indonesia, but Cambodia are just a point back and victory in Bangkok would see them progress to the semi-finals for the first time.
Led by Japanese tactician Ryu Hirose alongside general manager Keisuke Honda, Cambodia have enjoyed a memorable AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 campaign to date, producing their best-ever performance in the competition.
A 3-2 opening-day win over the Philippines at their new Morodok Techo National Stadium was arguably their finest win in the tournament's history as they got off to a flying start, before a narrow 2-1 loss to ASEAN heavyweights Indonesia in Jakarta was further evidence of their continued improvement under Hirose and Honda.
The Koupreys fell a goal behind at home to Brunei Darussalam in their third match but stormed back to win 5-1 following goals from Choun Chanchav, Nicolas Taylor, Keo Sokpheng and Lim Pisoth as they made it two wins from three.
Not only did that victory ensure they had picked up more wins and points - and scored more goals - than ever before in the AFF Championship, it also means they head into their final game against Thailand knowing that if they can upset the odds, a place in the semi-finals will be theirs.
For the hosts the equation is simple: win and a semi-final spot is assured whilst a draw will also secure that same outcome however Mano Polking will surely be aiming for top spot in the group to avoid a potentially more difficult assignment in the last four.
An upset loss, combined with a win or a draw for Indonesia in the other Group A match, would then send the War Elephants crashing out of the competition so there's plenty at stake.
Surprisingly, this is the first time that these two nations have clashed at the AFF Championship and both know that they could start to write a new chapter in their nation's football history with a win to close out what's already been a highly entertaining group stage.
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