Historic All-Cambodian Clash Set for AFC Challenge League Quarterfinals

PHNOM PENH, Mar. 5, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian football will mark a historic milestone tonight as Phnom Penh Crown FC face Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC in the first leg of the AFC Challenge League quarterfinals – the first time two domestic clubs meet in an international competition.

The match kicks off at 7:00 p.m. at the Olympic National Stadium, with the return leg set for March 12 at Morodok Techo National Stadium. The all-Cambodian tie guarantees one local side a place in the semifinals, where they will meet either Indonesia’s Dewa United or Manila Digger FC.

Both clubs have pedigree in Asian tournaments: Phnom Penh Crown were runners-up in the AFC President’s Cup in 2011, while Svay Rieng finished second in the 2024–25 Challenge League.

The encounter is expected to be fiercely contested, with both sides fielding foreign talent. Crown’s squad includes South Korean defender Park Yi-young, Dutch defender Rick Ketting, Brazilian midfielder Breno Caetano and New Zealand striker Mose Dyer. Svay Rieng feature Moroccan defender Faris Hammouti, Japanese midfielders Ryo Fujii and Takashi Odawara, Portuguese striker Tiago Alves and Ghanaian forward Kwame Peprah.

Crown coach Oleg Starynskyi said fans would see his final lineup on match day, describing the clash as “attractive and competitive.” Svay Rieng coach Matthew McConkey called the game “tough,” noting the intensity of meetings between the two rivals and the strong support from Cambodian fans.

Crown advanced after drawing 1–1 with Dewa United and beating Shan United 3–1 and Tainan City 3–2. Svay Rieng topped their group with wins over SP Falcons and Ezra FC and a draw with Manila Digger.