We’re about to reach the semi-finals of the men’s football tournament of the 2023 SEA Games, and three countries have already clinched their spots.
In Group B, Thailand and Vietnam are set to advance to the knockout phase after beating all three of their opponents so far.
Securing the top spot is going to be crucial for these two nations since the winner will get a more favourable matchup (at least on paper) in the semi-finals, as they’ll take on the second seed in Group A.
But in Group A, Indonesia is the only nation that is through to the semi-finals, while the final berth is up for grabs between Myanmar and hosts Cambodia. Right now, Myanmar has the edge with six points, while Cambodia is right behind them with four.
Learn more about the latest SEA Games 2023 updates by continuing to read below.
Cambodia’s final four hopes hanging in the balance
The Cambodians find themselves in danger of missing out on the knockout phase after a great start to this tournament.
Since their 4-0 victory against Timor-Leste, the hosts were held to a 1-1 draw by the Philippines, and then they lost 2-0 to Myanmar on Sunday.
The SBOTOP SEA Games 2023 odds had Cambodia as the huge favourites over the Philippines. Cambodia got off to a strong start in the first half, as Ky Rina found the back of the net after 25 minutes.
Cambodia should’ve won that game if it weren’t for Dov Carino’s late header off of Harry Nunez’s assist in stoppage time, and that score stunned the jam-packed crowd in Phnom Penh.
After the Philippines match, Cambodia were beaten soundly by Myanmar with goals from Hein Htet Aung and Thet Hein Soe in the first half. It was Myanmar’s second win after defeating Timor-Leste in their first game.
It’s basically win or go home for Cambodia at this point, but their fate is not fully within their grasp. Other than beating group leaders Indonesia later, they are hoping that Myanmar will lose or draw against the Philippines to get in.
Indonesia takes the top spot in Group A
Indonesia’s bid for their first gold since 1991 is very well intact after impressing in the group phase. They have defeated all of their opponents convincingly, scoring 11 goals in total and conceding none.
The Young Garuda kicked off their SEA Games campaign strong by ripping the Philippines late en route to a 3-0 score, as Marselino Ferdinan Philipus, Irfan Jauhari, and Fajar Fathur Rahman all scored in the second half.
In the following match, Fajar Fathur Rahman, Marselino Ferdinan Philipus, Muhammad Ramadhan Sananta (brace), and Titan Agung Bagus Fawwazi all scored as Indonesia pummeled Myanmar 5-0.
And on Sunday, Indonesia blew out Timor-Leste with a 3-0 scoreline, as Muhammad Ramadhan Sananta and Fajar Fathur Rahman (brace) led the way once more.
Indonesia’s emphasis on developing their younger players is paying off, as they’ve found gems in Fajar Fathur Rahman and Muhammad Ramadhan Sananta, who have the qualities of being the next big thing in Asia.
Fajar Fathur Rahman currently leads the Golden Boot race with four goals, alongside Vietnam’s Nguyen Van Tung, while Muhammad Ramadhan Sananta has three goals. And the scary part is that both of them just turned 20 years old.
Cambodia will certainly have their hands full trying to contain Indonesia’s speedy wingers.
Thailand and Vietnam are fighting for seeding
Thailand is on top right of Group B now due to a better goal difference (+7) compared to Vietnam (+5), but they could switch places later, depending on who wins their final group stage meeting.
With a 3-1 victory over Singapore, Thailand’s campaign got off to a strong start. This was followed by victories of 2-0 over Malaysia and 4-1 over Laos.
Yotsakorn Burapha and Teerasak Poeiphmai are leading the way for Thailand with three goals each. But they are not the only weapons that Thailand has, as they have the likes of Channarong Promsrikaew, Achitpol Keereerom, and Purachet Thodsanit pulling the strings.
With their young and talented attacking core, Thailand has the tools to win a record-extending 17th gold medal here at the SEA Games.
Vietnam, on the other hand, has defeated Laos 2-0, Singapore 3-1, and Malaysia 2-1. Their best player has been their striker, Nguyen Van Tung.
Nguyen Van Tung became the first Vietnamese since Nguyen Cong Phuong in 2003 to score in three consecutive matches at the SEA Games. He will be tasked with trying to breach Indonesia’s backline in their big matchup later.
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