Cambodia U23 claimed third place in group J after a 1-0 win over the Philippines in the last group match in AFC U23 Championship qualifiers on Sunday.
However, this win could not help the Cambodians earn a spot in the final round of the tournament in China next year since the team finished third in the group behind China and Japan, thus misses out on a qualification spot.
After the match, Cambodian head coach Leonardo Vitorino said he did not understand why his team could score only one goal in the group stage.
“I apologize to all of our supporters,” said the Brazilian, as quoted by Keila Daily.
“I have no problem with losing the game, since we played with all of our hearts, played with the best we had. But even we won the game, I would not be happy.
I think they played well in the first half, but in the latter half, they were not doing well at all. I know the level of my player so I want them to play 100% efficiency.”
The Cambodia U22 ended their qualification campaign with a draw with China, a defeat to Japan and a win over the Philippines, amassing 4 points in 3 games.