Hougang United head coach Clement Teo paid tribute to his players for showing remarkable spirit in their 4-3 win over Phnom Penh Crown FC in Group I of the AFC Cup™ 2022 on Friday.
The Singapore side found themselves 2-0 down after just 19 minutes but a stirring fightback saw Pedro Bortoluzo and Amy Recha drawing Hougang level with an own goal by Choum Pisa giving them the lead before Andre Moritz confirmed the points.
Teo said he made no changes to the team despite Hougang trailing by two goals, “I made no tactical changes. My team changed the game with confidence, solidarity and determination throughout the match,” said Teo. “These three points are very important to us but this is only the first game and we have to focus on the next matches.”
Teo admitted he was disappointed his team conceded three goals, with Choun Chanchav and Brak Thiva giving the Cambodian side the lead before Pisa made amends for his own goal with a late consolation. “I am quite disappointed.
The three goals conceded came from set-pieces, as you saw. The players need to defend better on set-pieces and this needs to be improved immediately,” said Teo. Hougang United will chase a second win on the trot when they take on Young Elephants FC of Laos on Monday.
Source: Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
Date: 25 June 2022, Saturday
Stadium: Thong Nhat Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City
Kick-off: 9pm local time, 10pm (SGT)
Half-time: Hougang United 3-2 Phnom Phen Crown
Full-time: Hougang United 4-3 Phnom Phen Crown
Hougang United: Pedro 21’, Amy Recha 28’, Pisa 37’ (OG), Moritz 60’
Phnom Penh Crown: Choun 15’, Thiva 19’, Pisa 90’+3
