The Phnom Penh Crown’s women’s team will take on India’s East Bengal at the National Olympic Stadium at 7pm tonight.
The club has vowed to give “100 percent” as the open their AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26 Group E campaign.
They aim to both demonstrate the quality of women’s football in Cambodia and seize the chance to progress further in the tournament.
Crown are the first Cambodian club to participate in the AFC women’s league, and are keen to take advantage of their role as Group E hosts and embrace the home advantage against East Bengal and Hong Kong’s Kitchee SC.
Looking ahead to tonight’s opener, head coach Mao Savin accepted it will be a difficult challenge, but also a crucial opportunity for her side to prove their determination and secure a good result.
“This will be a very tough match. I don’t believe either team will find it easy. We will try our best, because this is our first appearance and our first time hosting,” Mao told a Sunday press conference.
“Hosting is a great opportunity to show the talent of our players, to raise the profile of women’s football and especially to let our people see the quality of female players. Women don’t play football much in Cambodia, so we hope this event can help promote the sport more widely,” she said.
Mao admitted she does not expect a large live audience at the Olympic Stadium compared to men’s matches. Still, she said her players are fully committed.
“I don’t expect a big crowd, but if you love football and want to know more about us, please come on the 25th (against East Bengal) and on August 28 (against Kitchee SC). We are 100 per cent ready, and our goal is to advance to the next round,” she added.
The Crown squad includes many of Cambodia’s top women’s league players, with nine having been called up to the national team in recent months, most of whom start in the first eleven.
To strengthen their campaign, Crown have also added two Japanese players: striker Airi Kuroki, signed from Loveledge Nagoya, and midfielder Miki Ichikawa, who joined last season. Both are eager to prove themselves on the Asian stage.
Team captain Kim Chanthet also spoke to the press.
“We are fully prepared for the match. This is my first time playing in the AFC Women’s Champions League, and the first time for a Cambodian side. We are committed to performing well and reaching the next round,” she said.
