“Cambodian Messi” Chan Vathanaka had a competitive debut to remember for Fujieda MYFC on Saturday, contributing to his side’s 5-0 win against Yazaki Valente in the semifinals of the Suruga Cup Challenge.
The 23-year-old was brought on as a substitute for Hirohito Shinohara with 20 minutes remaining in the second half.
With the result well in hand, the Cambodian forward got involved in Fujieda’s fifth goal of the day during stoppage time.
After he received the ball from the halfway line, Vathanaka launched a long pass towards Keisuke Endo, who duly assisted goal-scorer Samejima Kozo.
Vathanaka was pleased with his performance. “I was happy to participate. I was able to help out with the attack, but my [defending] still needs improvement.”
“I was happy to participate. I was able to help out with the attack, but my [defending] still needs improvement,” he was quoted as saying by Nikkan Sports.
Fujieda were to face fellow J3 League participants Azul Claro Numazu in the final of the tournament, which also serves as Emperor’s Cup qualifying for Shizuoka Prefecture, on Sunday afternoon.