Synopsis: Cambodia Airways claim their first Malaysian Ambassador’s Football Shield title after beating NagaWorld in a dramatic penalty shootout in Phnom Penh.
Cambodia Airways made a sensational debut in the 2025 Malaysian Ambassador’s Football Shield, clinching the title after defeating NagaWorld in a dramatic penalty shootout on Sunday. The final, which excited players, fans, and diplomats alike, took place at Cheasim Chroy Changvar High School in Phnom Penh.
The match ended 1-1 in regular time, setting the stage for a tense shootout. Cambodia Airways kept their composure and edged past last year’s first runner-up NagaWorld with a 4-3 victory from the spot, a victory made more remarkable because of the team’s debut in the tournament.
Earlier in the day, CIMB Bank—last year’s champions—secured third place after beating Reach Krud in the playoff match. Midea, on the other hand, claimed the consolation medal by defeating Ezecom 3-1 in a penalty shootout.
This year marked the second edition of the Malaysian Ambassador’s Football Shield, organised by the Malaysian Embassy in Phnom Penh. The one-day tournament kicked off at 7:00 a.m. and ran until nearly 4:00 p.m., offering a full day of football and camaraderie.
Shaharuddin Onn, Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia, opened the event with a message of unity and appreciation.
“When we first launched this initiative last year, our goal was to bring Malaysians and Cambodians together through football,” he said. “Today, we are even more honoured to host 24 teams—four more than last year—competing for the 2025 Football Shield.”
Ambassador Shaharuddin highlighted the spirit of sports diplomacy as a key tool for strengthening the bond between both nations. He added that the overwhelming enthusiasm and competitiveness from the teams encouraged the embassy to elevate the tournament’s scale and professionalism this year.
“What we did not expect last year was how committed and competitive the teams would be,” he said. “That spirit pushed us to make this year’s tournament even better.”
The ambassador also thanked the tournament’s sponsors —NagaWorld, Smart Axiata, CIMB Bank, Huawei, Prince Bank, The Ascott Limited, PCCS, and MVA-QNET — saying their contributions helped ensure the event was a success. “We thank each sponsor for helping make this event possible,” he added. “May the spirit of sportsmanship continue to guide us as we compete and celebrate together.”
Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Un Kheang represented the Cambodian government at the event. Speaking on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, he praised the Malaysian Embassy for hosting the tournament, underscoring its role in building people-to-people connections.
“This football tournament is more than a game—it’s a symbol of unity and shared aspirations,” said Kheang. “Diplomacy isn’t only about official meetings. It’s also about engaging with communities and creating opportunities for people to connect.”
He added that such events provide a unique platform for professionals, diplomats, and businesses to interact in an informal setting and build long-term partnerships.
The 2025 edition featured a six-a-side format, with 24 teams divided into four groups of six. Each game lasted 14 minutes, split into two seven-minute halves. Teams played a round-robin format during the group stage, and the top two teams from each group advanced to the knockout round. Teams finishing third and fourth played for consolation prizes.
Among the teams competing were returning champions CIMB Bank, NagaWorld, Cambodia Airways, Reach Krud, Smart Axiata, Asia Euro University, Huawei, Prince Bank, Khmer Times, Ezecom, Bridge Bank, RHB Bank, HH Bank, TNB Remaco, Midea, Hong Leong Bank, The Ascott Limited, CAFL, CICAA, Baker Tilly, MVA-QNET, Harta Packaging, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
One of the new highlights of this year’s tournament was the introduction of cash prizes. Champions Cambodia Airways walked away with $1,200, while runners-up NagaWorld received $1,000. CIMB Bank earned $800 for finishing third.
With growing participation and support, the tournament looks set to become an annual fixture in Phnom Penh’s community and diplomatic calendar. As the sun set over the pitch, one thing was clear: football had once again brought unity, joy, and lasting connections to the field.