Cambodia’s U16 women’s national football team was unable to overcome its limited experience in their opening match against Hong Kong’s U16 team at the 2025 Lion City Cup in Singapore. Meanwhile, the U16 men’s team is scheduled to face Hong Kong’s U16 boys later today in the same tournament.
In Tuesday evening’s opening match at Jalan Besar Stadium, the young Cambodians put up a determined effort, but were unable to contain Hong Kong’s attacking drive. Cambodia conceded one goal in the first half and three more in the second, finishing with a 4-0 defeat.
Looking ahead, Cambodia’s U16 girls face increasingly difficult challenges. They will meet South Korea’s U16 girls on July 10, a team seen as even stronger than Hong Kong. In their opening match, South Korea thrashed host nation Singapore 9-0, highlighting the stark difference in playing levels.
Based on early results, observers suggest that Cambodia and Singapore may be left competing for third and fourth place, while South Korea and Hong Kong look set to battle for first and second.
On the men’s side, Cambodia’s U16 national team are also in Singapore to compete. As in the girls’ bracket, the boys’ competition features four teams. Based on the lineup, Cambodia’s U16 boys are seen as having a strong chance to perform well.
Having arrived on Tuesday, the Cambodian U16 boys begin their campaign this Wednesday afternoon at 4pm, facing Hong Kong in what is expected to be a tightly contested match for three crucial points.
For their second match, the boys will play Singapore on July 11, followed by a final group match against the Philippines on July 13. Both Singapore and the Philippines are regarded as being within Cambodia’s reach, especially the Philippines, whose youth teams have repeatedly lost to Cambodia in the past.
