SL v Cambodia
Photo Credits: Football Federation of Cambodia

Cambodia showed no mercy towards a mediocre Sri Lankan performance in a thumping 4-0 win in the only International Friendly of Sri Lanka’s tour of Cambodia played at Phnon Penh, Cambodia.

Amidst a packed house the hosts took no time in getting their first goal as Soeuy Visal just about managed to get a slight header from a Chan Vatanaka free-kick inside the opening two minutes. Subash Madushan, who had a poor game, was the guilty party for conceding a needless free-kick.

Minutes later centre-back Asikur Rahuman was yellow carded for a reckless challenge on the edge of the box.

Newly appointed Sri Lanka skipper Sujan Perera had to intervene a few times as he put his body on the line to keep the score at 1-0.

A poor Subash Madushan pass in midfield was intercepted and Cambodia almost scored on the counter attack but the ball which beat Perera trickled wide past the far post.

Soon after the flood lights at the stadium went off halting the match for around 10-12 minutes.

The break never slowed down or allowed Sri Lanka to settle down as Cambodia midfield, which dominated the game, again forced a mistake but could only fire the shot over the goalkeeper after going one on one.

Sri Lanka got a rare free-kick where Zarwan Johar’s curler was easily saved by the Cambodian goalkeeper.

Sujan ones again was called into action where he injured his face in the process and another effort which beat him rattled the crossbar as the hosts closed in on scoring again.

Four minutes from half time there was no denying Cambodia, as an unmarked Thierry Chantha rose the highest to head home the 2nd goal from a Vatanaka corner.

Sri Lanka almost pulled a goal back when they put together a few good passes, but Kavindu Ishan could only direct his diving header wide at the far post from a Chalana Chameera cross.

Half time: Cambodia 2 – 0 Sri Lanka

Cambodia made two changes while Sri Lanka replaced an out of sorts Subash Madushan with last year’s Sri Lanka U19 player Afam Akram, who was making his debut.

However minutes into his debut Akram was lucky not to get sent off for a two footed challenge and escaped with only a yellow. His debut got even worse when he was stretchered off after suffering an apparent knee injury.

Bandara Warakagoda who replaced Akram headed clear the ball off the line as Cambodia continued from where they left off in the first half.

However the 3rd goal was inevitable with Sri Lanka showing no signs of improvement as substitute Keo Sockpheng buried the rebound ball from the edge of the box in the 69th minute after Perera once again made the initial save.

Sri Lanka brought in two more debutants, former Sri Lanka U19 captain Danushka Madushanka and Amith Kumara, before Sockpheng scored his 2nd in the 89th minute volleying home another rebound ending the visitors’ misery.

Full time: Cambodia 4 – 0 Sri Lanka

ThePapare.com Player of the Match: Chan Vatanaka (Cambodia)