The Phnom Penh Crown women’s team have been eliminated from the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26 qualifying round, after earning only one point from their final match against Hong Kong’s Kitchee SC, played on home soil as hosts of Pool E.
This came after a 1-0 defeat to East Bengal FC in the opening match on Monday.
In last night’s clash at the National Olympic Stadium, Crown came agonisingly close to their first-ever win in the competition. After battling back from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 in the 85th minute, the home side were denied victory by a stoppage-time equaliser, leaving them with only a draw.
Defender Somrith Nimol reflected on the close result.
“Today, we really played well and wanted the three points. It’s such a pity that we only came away with one,” she said.
Crown started brightly in the first half, creating two or three clear chances before conceding twice in quick succession — through Cheung Wai Ki (27’) and Maggie Chu (31’). The hosts pulled one back in the 33rd minute via Japanese striker Airi Kuroki.
In the second half, Crown’s momentum grew, and they surged ahead with goals from midfielder Vibol Sireysitha (82’) and striker Poeun Kunthea (85’).
Fans erupted in celebration, believing the team would secure a historic first victory.
But in the 90+3rd minute, Kitchee’s Fowler Kwong struck the heartbreaking equaliser, ending the tie 3-3.
Sireysitha, who scored one and assisted another, shared her thoughts.
“This was such a tough game, from the first half to the second. We really tried our best and wanted to win for our debut in international competition, but luck was not on our side,” she said.
Despite the draw, Nimol praised her teammates’ fighting spirit and unity, noting the improvement from their opening-day loss to East Bengal.
“In the first match, we didn’t control our emotions well and played poorly, but in this second game we showed much better football. It’s just that we couldn’t quite get the win,” she noted.
“This was Crown’s first time in this tournament. Through these qualifiers, we faced strong competition and learned a lot. It will help us become stronger and improve step by step,” she added.
The 3-3 draw meant Crown were eliminated from Pool E. Kitchee will now face East Bengal on August 31, with the winner progressing to the group stage. The loser will be knocked out.
Head coach Mao Savin, leading the team in her first major international tournament, remained upbeat.
“Honestly, this is my first time coaching in such a big international event. It’s very different from league matches. We learned so much — from our mistakes, from the opponents’ style and also from how our players dealt with the emotions of playing at this level. It’s been a huge lesson for all of us,” she said.
