ISI Dangkor Senchey FC 1-1 Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC: Late equaliser denies champions

ISI Dangkor Senchey FC struck late to earn a 1-1 draw against Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC in the Cambodian Premier League on Sunday 20 September 2026, denying the champions a fifth consecutive victory.

Svay Rieng had looked on course for a routine win after taking a first-half lead, but a spirited second-half display from the home side was rewarded with an 84th-minute equaliser at the ISI Stadium in Phnom Penh.

Match overview

The visitors started brightly, dominating possession and moving the ball quickly through midfield. Their early pressure told in the 22nd minute when Brazilian forward Rafael Santos latched onto a through-ball, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted into an empty net.

At that point, the game threatened to become one-sided. Svay Rieng continued to control proceedings for the rest of the first half, creating several half-chances and forcing a string of corners. ISI Dangkor Senchey, to their credit, stayed in the contest, defending with discipline and looking to break through their lively front two.

• Possession: ISI Dangkor Senchey FC 42% – Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC 58%
• Shots: ISI Dangkor Senchey FC 8 – Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC 15
• Shots on target: ISI Dangkor Senchey FC 3 – Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC 6
• Corners: ISI Dangkor Senchey FC 3 – Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC 8

Key moments

The opening goal was a demonstration of Svay Rieng's quality on the counter. A loose pass in midfield was pounced on, and two quick passes later Rafael Santos was clean through. The Brazilian forward kept his composure, sidestepped the goalkeeper and finished confidently.

ISI's goalkeeper kept his side in the game with a string of saves either side of half-time. The pick of them came in the 58th minute, a full-stretch stop to tip a curling effort around the post.

As the second half wore on, the home side grew in belief. The introduction of fresh legs in wide areas gave them an outlet, and they began to pin Svay Rieng back for the first time in the match.

The equaliser arrived in the 84th minute. A deep cross from the right was met by Sok Chanraksmey, who rose between two defenders and powered a header into the bottom corner. The ISI Stadium erupted, and the champions suddenly had to defend a wave of late pressure.

Svay Rieng almost won it in stoppage time when a free-kick from 25 yards clipped the top of the crossbar, but ISI held on for a well-deserved point.

Tactical story

Svay Rieng's approach was based on quick combinations in central areas and overlaps from their full-backs. For 60 minutes it worked well, but as the game progressed their intensity dropped and the spaces between midfield and defence began to widen.

ISI Dangkor Senchey, meanwhile, showed excellent tactical discipline. They defended deep in the first half, denying space behind their back four, and then gradually pushed higher up the pitch as the game went on. Their willingness to keep two forwards high meant Svay Rieng could never fully commit to attacking without risk.

Standout players

• Sok Chanraksmey (ISI Dangkor Senchey FC): Scored the late equaliser and worked tirelessly as the focal point of the home attack.
• Rafael Santos (Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC): Took his goal beautifully and was a constant threat in behind the defence.
• ISI goalkeeper: Made several important saves to keep the deficit at one goal, giving his team the platform to fight back.
• Svay Rieng's central midfield: Controlled the tempo for long spells, though they tired in the final 20 minutes.

What it means

The draw is a statement result for ISI Dangkor Senchey FC, who proved they can go toe-to-toe with the league's dominant force. It will give them confidence as they look to establish themselves in the upper half of the Cambodian Premier League table.

For Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC, it is two points dropped in the title race, a reminder that in this division no fixture can be taken for granted. The champions remain among the favourites for the title, but they will know they need to manage games better when leading away from home.