Svay Rieng coach vows attacking play against Crown despite first leg lead

PHNOM PENH, Mar. 12, 2026 (KPT) — Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng head coach Matthew McConkey says his team will stick to an attacking style against Phnom Penh Crown in the second leg of the AFC Challenge League quarterfinal Thursday evening, despite holding a commanding first leg advantage.

Svay Rieng defeated Crown 4–1 in the opening match on March 5 at the Olympic National Stadium, giving them a three goal cushion heading into the return fixture at 7pm at the Morodok Techo National Stadium.

But McConkey insisted his side would not sit back to defend the lead. “Even though we have a three goal advantage, playing defensively for 90 minutes is not our style and not the identity of this team,” the 32 year old Irish coach told reporters. He said Svay Rieng would continue to play aggressively and aim to score more goals.

“I expect Phnom Penh Crown to start strongly, and I expect us to start strongly as well. Our objective is to score as many goals as possible and win the match,” he added.

Meanwhile, Crown coach Oleg Starynskyi said the first leg result would not decide the tie, vowing his team would fight until the final minute.