Indonesian defender: 'Cambodian football is progressing thanks to Honda'
Indonesia has the home advantage of Bung Karno and is much more appreciated, but can only beat Cambodia 2-1 in the opening match of the AFF Cup 2022 on December 23. After the match, Arhan admitted it was a difficult match, and appreciated the role of coach Honda.
"Cambodian football is progressing," said the left-back, who plays for Tokyo Verdy at the J-League 2. "I think thanks to Honda's influence, Cambodia has improved."
Honda has come to Cambodia to work since 2018, and is with the country's team to attend the third AFF Cup. The legendary Japanese midfielder said he had a clear direction when he went to Cambodia to work. Honda not only wants to raise the level of the national team, but also to build youth football training and development centers in Cambodia.
In the past four years, Cambodia's teams are no longer easily defeated, rising to the same level as Singapore, the Philippines, and Myanmar, but they are still a long way from the top four strongest teams in Southeast Asia, namely Vietnam, Thailand, and Thailand. Indonesia and Malaysia. Next year, Cambodia will host the 32nd SEA Games - an important tournament to evaluate the results since Honda came to work.
In addition to being a coach, Honda also holds the position of Executive Director of the Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC). At the same time, the Japanese player still went to play for some clubs and sometimes had to train online for Cambodian players. After that, FFC appointed Mr. Ryu Hirose as the official head coach and also the spokesman for Honda to focus on professional tasks.
Before the close defeat to Indonesia, Cambodia lost a friendly match against Malayia 0-4 in the preparation for the AFF Cup 2022. But in the tournament, the team kicked better and won 3-2 the Philippines in the opening match, before causing a big blow. many difficulties for Indonesia.
At Bung Karno Stadium on December 23, Indonesia opened the scoring in the 7th minute thanks to Egy Maulana Vikri's cross after Arhan's cross, but Cambodia suddenly equalized 1-1 after just eight minutes, thanks to a difficult header from Sareth Krya. In the 35th minute, Witan Sulaeman scored the team's second goal after a counter-attack to seal the score.
After the second match, Group A has four teams with three points with Thailand leading due to the best goal difference (+5). Following are the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia respectively. Last place Brunei has not yet won a score. Indonesia has the opportunity to increase the number of goals when facing Brunei on December 26 at KLFA Stadium in Malaysia.
