SEA Games star Chanthea looks to shine again in Vietnam
CAMBODIAN international striker Sieng Chantea will seek to make an impact again at the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) next week when his young Kouprey side competes in the football tournament at the regional sports event in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi.
Back in 2019, the Boeung Ket striker inscribed his name in the hearts of most Cambodian football supporters – firing the men’s football team to their first-ever semi-final appearance at SEA Games in the Philippines.
Their title dream ended at the hands of Vietnam, who proved too strong as they thrashed the national side 4-0 to reach the final. Vietnam eventually won the title with a 3-0 defeat of Indonesia in the final.
Cambodia was unlucky to lose the battle for the bronze on penalty shootouts to their Group A rivals Myanmar, who had defeated them 2-1 in the group stage.
Despite leaving the Philippines empty-handed, Chanthea had an unforgettable SEA Games debut – scoring three goals and providing two assists.
The goal-poacher is tipped to shine again at the upcoming SEA Games – if he is played in the right position.
“Chanthea could shine again in the SEA Games, depending on the team’s playing style,” said his former national team captain Khoun Laboravy, who played in two different SEA Games during his career, in 2009 and 2011.
“He has great pace. He is very effective during the transition moment from defence to attack when the opponents leave a big space behind the defensive line.
“But if the team plays with possession and tries to penetrate into the attacking third, he will not be so effective in this process,” he added.
Chanthea himself said he is ready to do everything it takes to put smiles on the faces of Cambodian supporters as he looks to help the team progress past the group stage.
“I’m very happy to join the team at the SEA Games in Vietnam. It’s my second appearance in this event. Hopefully, we will do well in this year’s games,” said the 19-year-old Cambodian striker.
“I will try to use all the experience I have gained in the Cambodian Premier League and previous international competitions to help the team. We will all work hard for our nation and our people.
“It’s hard for me to tell you how far we can go in this SEA Games because all the teams have prepared well. What I am sure of is that we will give our all to bring positive results for our country.”
Cambodia has been drawn in Group B at the Vietnam SEA Games this month. They will take on Laos in their opening match on May 9 and face Singapore two days later.
Their third match will be against Group B top dogs Thailand on May 14 before playing Malaysia in their Group B conclusion on May 16. Cambodia2023*