Cambodia women’s national football head coach Conor Nestor described last night’s 6–0 defeat to the Philippines as “a terrible day” that deeply disappointed everyone. He urged the squad to fight back and beat Saudi Arabia in the final match of the Group G qualifying stage for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.
Saudi Arabia also suffered a defeat, to Hong Kong, on Wednesday.
Although hosts Cambodia had managed a 1–1 draw with Hong Kong in their opening match, they were no match for the World Cup-bound Philippines. As they met at the National Olympic Stadium, Cambodia conceded four goals in the first half and two more in the second.
Alexa Marie Troisi Pino opened the scoring for the Philippines in the 18th minute, followed by two goals from Maria Meryll Krysteen Rosales Serrano in the 19th and 36th. Cambodian defender Somrit Nimol was desperately unlucky, scoring an own goal in the 40th, to see the score standing at 4-0 going into half time. In the second half, Hali Moriah Candido Long (48’) and Chandler Blue Isip McDaniel (56’) added two more for the visitors.
The Cambodian squad played a risky, aggressive style, but ultimately it cost them.
Nestor explained that his strategy was to encourage his players to take the game to stronger opponents like the Philippines, rather than play defensively just to lose by fewer goals. He said this match was essentially like a final, in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup context.
“Losing to the Philippines by so many goals was linked to the way we played. It was like a final for us. If we didn’t concede many goals, that would mean we hadn’t played with the intention to win. We had to be brave. We weren’t playing just to limit the damage,” he told a post-match press conference.
The Irish coach called it a very disappointing day for the team and encouraged his players to focus on securing 3 points against Saudi Arabia in the final group match on July 5. A win would give Cambodia 4 points from the group stage (1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss) in their debut as Group G hosts.
“It was a very bad day for us, and I think everyone – the players, staff and fans – felt disappointed. But we must look forward, especially with the upcoming match against Saudi Arabia. We need to fight to get those 4 points in what is a very difficult group,” he added.
In the other Wednesday match at the Olympic Stadium, Hong Kong defeated Saudi Arabia 1–0, which puts them on 4 points — still behind the Philippines, who have 6. The two will face off on July 5, the same day Cambodia meets the Saudi women.
The Hong Kong-Philippines match will be effectively a final, with the winner finishing top of Group G and advancing to the final round of AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 qualifiers. The losing side will be eliminated, as will hosts Cambodia and Saudi Arabia.
Philippines head coach Mark Torcaso declared his side’s intention to win all three matches.
“Our goal is to win all three matches. That’s not to underestimate our opponents, but it’s what we have to do to qualify for the final round. I believe this team can do it. After this game, we’ll rest and recover so we can be ready for the next match,” he told the media after last night’s match.
