Thanh Hoa FC faced Svay Rieng in the fourth group-stage match of the 2024/25 AFC Champions League Two on January 22 but could only manage a 0-0 draw despite having home advantage and being favored for their superior squad strength.
Playing at Thanh Hoa Stadium, head coach Velizar Popov fielded his strongest lineup, with his side quickly taking control of the game. However, Svay Rieng stunned the hosts with the first dangerous opportunity just three minutes in. Forward Bounkong unleashed a precise shot, testing Thanh Hoa goalkeeper Xuan Hoang.
The Cambodian side displayed remarkable confidence despite being the visitors. In the 31st minute, Bounkong once again posed a threat, sprinting past two Thanh Hoa defenders and forcing Xuan Hoang into a crucial save as he charged out to close the angle.
As the first half progressed, the match became increasingly tense, with both teams engaging in physical challenges.
In the second half, Thanh Hoa regained control of the game. In the 63rd minute, Doan Ngoc Tan capitalized on a defensive error by Yago, collecting the loose ball and launching a powerful long-range strike that narrowly missed the Svay Rieng goal.
Svay Rieng responded in the 74th minute when Saret Krya leapt to connect with a corner kick, but his header sailed over the crossbar, keeping the scoreline level.
Seeking a breakthrough, coach Popov made late substitutions, bringing on Vo Nguyen Hoang and Nguyen Ngoc My for Ngoc Ha and Yago. However, Thanh Hoa struggled to convert their dominance into goals. In the 90th minute, a miscue from goalkeeper Xuan Hoang nearly cost the team, but center-back Thanh Long was quick to rectify the error and clear the danger.
The goalless draw leaves Thanh Hoa with six points after four matches, complicating their path to the semifinals of the tournament. With just two group-stage games remaining, the team must secure victories and hope for favorable results elsewhere to keep their campaign alive.
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