Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC and Visakha FC played out a pulsating 3-3 draw in the Cambodia Cup on 24 May 2026, a result that left both sides with mixed emotions but provided neutrals with a spectacular evening of football at the Svay Rieng Stadium.

The match, which kicked off at 20:00 local time, showcased the attacking firepower of two of Cambodia's most successful clubs. Svay Rieng, the defending league champions, showed their resilience by clawing back from a two-goal deficit, while Visakha demonstrated their own quality in front of goal. The draw keeps the tie finely balanced ahead of a potential second leg or sets the stage for a decisive group-stage battle depending on the competition format.

Match Overview

From the first whistle, both teams pressed high and looked to play forward quickly. Visakha started the brighter, taking the lead in the 12th minute when a swift counter‑attack was finished by their prolific striker, who slotted past the home goalkeeper. Svay Rieng responded with possession‑based control but struggled to break down a disciplined Visakha defence. The visitors doubled their advantage shortly before half‑time with a well‑struck free‑kick from 25 yards, leaving the home crowd stunned.

Svay Rieng emerged for the second half with renewed energy. Within five minutes of the restart, they pulled one back through a close‑range header from a corner. The momentum shifted completely when the home side equalised in the 65th minute courtesy of a low drive from the edge of the box that deflected past the Visakha keeper.

Key Moments

• 12' – Visakha go ahead: A rapid break caught Svay Rieng’s defence out of position; the finish was clinical.
• 43' – Visakha double the lead: A free‑kick curled over the wall and into the top corner.
• 50' – Svay Rieng strike back: A towering header from a set‑piece gave the hosts hope.
• 65' – Svay Rieng equalise: A fortunate deflection wrong‑footed the goalkeeper.
• 78' – Visakha restore the lead: A quick one‑two on the edge of the box ended with a precise shot into the bottom corner.
• 88' – Svay Rieng snatch a draw: A late corner caused chaos; the ball was forced home from close range.

Tactical Story

Svay Rieng’s early approach focused on building from the back, but Visakha’s pressing disrupted their rhythm. After falling behind, the home side became more direct, using long diagonals to bypass the midfield. The introduction of an additional striker in the second half turned the tide, allowing Svay Rieng to overload Visakha’s central defence. Visakha remained dangerous on the break throughout, and their third goal highlighted their ability to punish mistakes. However, they could not hold onto the lead, with fatigue and defensive lapses costing them in the final ten minutes.

Standout Players

For Svay Rieng, the central midfielder who orchestrated the comeback was influential, completing 85 passes and assisting the second goal. Visakha’s left winger was a constant threat, providing two key passes and scoring once. Both goalkeepers were kept busy – the Svay Rieng shot‑stopper made five saves, while his Visakha counterpart made four, though he will be disappointed with the late equaliser.

Season and Competition Impact

This 3‑3 draw leaves both teams in a strong position in the Cambodia Cup group stage (or knockout tie, pending official format). Svay Rieng extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven matches, while Visakha remain undefeated in their last four away games. The result sets up a tantalising return fixture, with both sides knowing that away goals or goal difference could prove decisive. Fans will hope for more of the same attacking football when the two rivals meet again later in the season.