Preah Sihanouk produced a stirring comeback to edge Kampot 3-2 in a five-goal Cambodia Cup thriller on August 25, 2026, booking their place in the next round in front of a passionate home crowd. The match, which kicked off at 16:30 local time, showcased the competitive edge of Cambodian provincial football as both sides traded blows late into the second half.

Match Overview

The Cambodia Cup has long been a stage for cup upsets and memorable battles, and this encounter added another chapter. Preah Sihanouk, playing on home soil, came into the tie as favorites, but Kampot showed no fear, taking the game to their hosts with a high-pressing approach that caused problems from the opening whistle.

With a place in the later stages of the national cup competition at stake, the intensity was high. Preah Sihanouk controlled much of the possession, but Kampot's sharp counter-attacking threat ensured it was never a comfortable afternoon for the home side.

Key Moments

• Kampot strike first: Against the run of play, Kampot capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 22nd minute, finishing coolly to give the visitors a shock early lead.
• Home response: Preah Sihanouk found an equalizer before halftime, converting from close range after a well-worked move down the right flank to make it 1-1 at the break.
• Second-half drama: The home side turned the tie on its head early in the second period, scoring twice in quick succession to open up a 3-1 advantage.
• Late fightback: Kampot refused to surrender and pulled one back midway through the half, setting up a tense final 20 minutes as they pushed desperately for an equalizer.

Tactical Story

Preah Sihanouk’s full-backs pushed high throughout, creating width and stretching Kampot’s defensive line. The strategy paid dividends as the hosts repeatedly found space in the channels. Kampot, meanwhile, remained disciplined in their shape and looked dangerous on transitions, but their failure to protect the edge of their own box during the decisive period proved costly.

Set pieces also played a role, with Preah Sihanouk earning several corners and free-kicks in dangerous areas that kept the Kampot goalkeeper busy. The winning margin could have been larger had it not been for a string of sharp saves that kept the visitors in contention until the final whistle.

Standout Players

The home side’s attacking unit was led by an inspired forward display, with one player emerging as the match-winner with a brace. His movement off the ball and clinical finishing were the difference between the two sides. Kampot’s most dangerous outlet was their left winger, whose pace repeatedly troubled the hosts and led directly to his team's first goal.

Season and Cup Impact

The result sends Preah Sihanouk through to the next stage of the Cambodia Cup, keeping alive their hopes of silverware. For Kampot, the narrow defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow, but they can take heart from a spirited performance that pushed a higher-ranked opponent all the way.

With their name now in the hat for the next round, Preah Sihanouk will be eager to build on this momentum in the domestic cup while also turning attention back to their league ambitions. In a competition where provincial pride and national recognition collide, this 3-2 victory will be remembered as a classic cup encounter.