Speaking at a press conference before the match against Indonesia at Pakansari Stadium, Hul Kim Huy asserted that Cambodia's sole objective is to secure three points. "No matter what happens, our goal remains victory. We are 200% confident we can achieve that", the visiting team's goalkeeper stated.

Goalkeeper Hul Kim Huy at a press conference in Bogor, Indonesia on 26/7. Photo: FFC

Kim Huy acknowledged that Indonesia possesses a quality squad, along with the advantage of playing at home and the support of their fans. However, he indicated that Cambodia is not intimidated. "Everyone knows how strong Indonesia is", the 26-year-old goalkeeper continued. "We understand our opponent is among the top teams in the region, but Cambodian players truly want to win".

The head-to-head record heavily favors Indonesia. Across all competitions, the two teams have met 18 times, with Indonesia winning 17 matches and drawing one. Indonesia has scored 80 goals, while Cambodia has managed only 7. The only draw occurred in the 1998 World Cup qualifiers in 1997, ending in a 1-1 score.

Specifically in the ASEAN Cup, the two teams have clashed six times since 1996, with Indonesia winning every match, scoring 24 goals and conceding only 5.

Their first encounter in the tournament was in 1996, resulting in a 3-0 victory for Indonesia. In 2002, Cambodia posed more challenges, leading twice, but ultimately lost 2-4 due to a hat-trick from Bambang Pamungkas.

The gap between the two teams was most evident in the 2004 Tiger Cup, when Indonesia secured an emphatic 8-0 victory. This remains Indonesia's largest winning margin against Cambodia in the tournament. Four years later, Indonesia continued its dominance with a 4-0 win, featuring a hat-trick from Budi Sudarsono.

In their two most recent meetings at the 2020 and 2022 AFF Cup, Cambodia showed improvement by scoring in both matches against Indonesia. However, they still lost with scores of 2-4 and 1-2, respectively.

Cambodia before the match against Singapore at Morodok Techo Stadium, Phnom Penh, on the opening day of Group A of the ASEAN Cup 2026 on the evening of 24/7. Photo: FFC

Current form is also not in Cambodia's favor. Koji Gyotoku's team began Group A with a 1-2 defeat to Singapore at home at Morodok Techo Stadium. After falling behind, Cambodia equalized through Sovann in the 55th minute, but conceded the decisive goal in the 90+11th minute.

This defeat leaves Cambodia without points after the first round, placing them fourth in Group A. If they continue to lose against Indonesia, their chances of competing for one of the two semifinal spots will be very slim.

Meanwhile, Indonesia is about to play its first match in the tournament. John Herdman's team is considered a favorite to advance alongside Vietnam. The home advantage against Cambodia is seen as an opportunity for Indonesia to start favorably before entering a tougher schedule.

Following the match against Cambodia, Indonesia will face Timor Leste, Vietnam, and Singapore respectively. Notably, the clash with Vietnam on 3/8 at Pakansari Stadium is the most anticipated match in the group stage.

Conversely, Cambodia still has to play Timor Leste and Vietnam after their away trip to Indonesia.

After the first round of matches, Vietnam leads Group A thanks to a 7-0 victory over Timor Leste, placing them ahead of Singapore on goal difference. Singapore is second with three points after a 2-1 win against Cambodia. Indonesia has not played yet, while Cambodia and Timor Leste both have no points.

Hoang An (according to CNN Indonesia)