A bizarre own-goal from Hikaru Mizuno sealed a 2-1 win for Madura United over Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng in Saturday’s 2024/25 AFC Challenge League match at the MFF Football Center in Ulaanbaatar, a result that ensured Madura United’s progression out of their group and into the knockouts.
The three points positioned Madura United at the top of the group with four points, while Svay Rieng – who beat hosts SP Falcons of Mongolia 2-1 in their first match – trailed with three points, securing quarterfinal spots for both teams.
Svay Rieng entered the match confidently, having already guaranteed their knockout stage spot. Meanwhile, Indonesian runners-up Madura United needed at least a draw to advance following a goalless draw with SP Falcons. The Laskar Sapeh Kerrab were also rightfully wary of their opponents, as two of the most recent meetings between Indonesian and Cambodian sides have ended in shock wins for the Cambodians – both suffered by Bali United and coincidentally one such defeat involved Svay Rieng.
Svay Rieng applied pressure early on, with Nick Taylor’s strike from outside the box blocked in the fourth minute. However, Madura United gained control in the 12th minute when a misjudged clearance from Soun Sovann allowed Lulinha to deliver a perfectly timed through ball, enabling Maxuel to slot the ball past keeper Vireak Dara.
The Cambodian side fought back and came close to leveling three minutes later when Kim Sokyuth’s long-range effort narrowly missed. Madura United threatened again, with close attempts from Hanis Saghara and Maxuel thwarted inside the penalty area. Svay Rieng’s persistence paid off in the 29th minute, as Min Ratanak converted a penalty after Frank Sokoy fouled Bounphachan Bounkong within the area.
Madura United reclaimed the lead 10 minutes later through an own goal by Hikaru, who accidentally directed a header into his own net while attempting to clear a long Hanis ball into the Svay Rieng defense.
Cambodian champions Svay Rieng pushed for an equalizer in the 73rd minute when Nhean Sosidan threaded the ball to Sokyuth, whose precise pass found Cristian. Yet Dida in the Madura United goal produced a brilliant save, helping his team hold on to their advantage and advance with a hard-fought win.