Cambodian champions Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng secured their place in the 2024/25 AFC Challenge League final after playing out an action-packed 3-3 draw against Indonesia’s Madura United at the Gelora Joko Samudro Stadium in Gresik on Thursday, sealing a convincing 6-3 aggregate win in the semi-finals.
The Cambodian side, guided by Pep Munoz, built on their dominant 3-0 first-leg win in Phnom Penh to book a place in the final against Turkmenistan’s FK Arkadag on May 10. It marks not only Svay Rieng’s maiden appearance in a continental final but also the first time a Cambodian club has reached such a stage since Phnom Penh Crown featured in the 2011 AFC President’s Cup final.
Facing an uphill battle after a heavy first-leg loss, Madura United came out with intensity and urgency, launching into attack from the opening whistle. But despite their aggressive start, they were quickly punished for a sluggish defensive transition. Svay Rieng struck first in the 5th minute, capitalizing on a swift counterattack as Min Ratanak exploited the gaps in Madura’s backline. Given far too much space, Ratanak advanced confidently before unselfishly squaring the ball to Gabriel Silva, who calmly slotted it past Miswar Saputra to give the visitors an early lead.
Reeling from a 4-0 aggregate deficit, Madura United responded with determination and found a breakthrough in the 27th minute. Lulinha delivered a precise, curling free-kick from the right flank, and Pedro Monteiro rose highest to meet it with a powerful header, leaving the Svay Rieng defense rooted as the ball flew into the net to level the score on the afternoon.
However, Madura’s struggles with defensive transitions resurfaced almost immediately, as Svay Rieng reclaimed the lead just moments later with another swift counterattack. This time, Silva turned provider, surging into the penalty area before laying the ball off to Bounphachan Bounkong, who calmly slotted home a composed finish to restore the Cambodians’ advantage and further dent the hosts’ hopes.
In the second half, Svay Rieng widened their lead again 11 minutes in. Sosidan Nhean displayed blistering pace to beat Taufik Hidayat down the right flank before squaring the ball across the face of goal, where Ratanak was waiting to tap home unmarked.
Madura United were not ready to bow out without a fight. Just two minutes later, Lulinha showcased his strength and vision, holding off pressure from the Svay Rieng defense before threading a perfectly weighted through ball to Andi Irfan. The midfielder made no mistake, guiding his shot into the far corner with precision. Andi nearly struck again shortly afterward, but his follow-up effort was well saved by Svay Rieng goalkeeper Vireak Dara, who reacted sharply to preserve his side’s lead.
The hosts’ challenge grew even steeper when Haudi Abdillah was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Bounphachan, leaving Madura United down to 10 men with just over 15 minutes remaining.
Still, the Indonesians refused to fold. Their relentless pressure bore fruit when Sandi Samosir fired through a crowded box, his shot ricocheting off the post before deflecting off Vireak’s shin and rolling over the line for a third goal—offering the home side a glimmer of pride despite the aggregate gap.
With the deficit trimmed to three, Madura pushed forward with renewed urgency as Svay Rieng’s energy began to wane. However, a combination of tired legs and wastefulness in front of goal saw their efforts come to nothing, as the match concluded without further additions to the scoreline.