The Embassy of Malaysia in Phnom Penh on Saturday hosted the inaugural “Malaysian Ambassador’s Football Shield” tournament with the goal of building stronger relations and friendship between Malaysians and Cambodians working with Malaysian businesses and organisations in Phnom Penh.
Twenty teams competed in the tournament held at Cheasim Chroy Changvar High School in Phnom Penh, and after many games and nearly eight hours of football, CIMB emerged as the winner of the championship.
“As we all know, the Embassy of Malaysia in Phnom Penh organises the Malaysian Ambassador’s Football Shield tournament. The idea behind it is to further foster closer relations and friendship between Malaysians in Phnom Penh and also our Cambodian friends working with Malaysian businesses and organisations here,” Shaharuddin Onn, Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia, said during opening remarks before the competition kicked off.
“I am happy to see the participation of all teams here representing various organisations with Malaysian interests in Phnom Penh. Thank you for your enthusiastic and strong support. It is obvious by the football jerseys each team is wearing. I must say that a lot of work has gone into the planning, organisation and execution to make this event happen,” he added.
Oun Chamroeun (C), a defender of Khmer Times Tigers, attempts to block the ball kicked by a Warong Restaurant player in the Group C stage match of the Malaysian Ambassador’s Football Shield competition. KT/Yuen Punlue
The Ambassador thanked his colleagues at the Malaysian Embassy in Phnom Penh and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia’s Ladies Association in Phnom Penh (PERWAKILAN Phnom Penh) for their contributions to the tournament’s preparation. PERWAKILAN produced and served meals and beverages throughout the competition.
The 20-team event kicked off at 6:30am and ended at 2pm, using a six-a-side format. The teams were split into four groups of five teams, and played in a single round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the next round, and the bottom three qualified for the consolation medal.
Group A comprised AKR FC, Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia (MBCC), Prince Bank, the Embassy of Malaysia and Kampung Boy (HH Bank). Group B comprisd Hong Leong Bank, NagaWorld, Zainal Abidin FC, Midea and TNB. Group C comprised Maybank, CIMB, PCCS, Khmer Times and Warong Restaurant. Group D comprised Smart Axiata, Campu Bank, GPS Solution, Huawei and RHB.
There were twelve players on the Khmer Times football team, known as the “KT Tigers”. Pann Rachana and Tep Sony served as the team’s goalkeepers. Long Sour Osoth, Oun Chamroeun, Ung Ratana and Heng Chivoan played as defenders. Aim Valinda, Kin Sothearith, Yarn Soveit, and Soth Koemsoeun made up the midfield, with Ngay Nai and Nhean Chamrong the team’s two strikers.
Oknha Tan Khee Meng (C), President of the Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia (MBCC), gets ready to pass the ball during a Group A stage match at the Malaysian Ambassador’s Football Shield on Saturday at Cheasim Chroy Changvar High School in Phnom Penh. MBCC
In the first group-stage match, the KT Tigers took on PCCS. Both teams played toe-to-toe, ending in a 0-0 draw.
The second match featured the KT Tigers against Warong Restaurant. The KT Tigers earned their first victory, defeating Warong Restaurant 3-1. Nai scored two goals, with Chamrong scoring the other. The KT Tigers continued their adventure, facing CIMB in the third encounter. The team gave their all but was defeated 1-0 by CIMB. The final match pitted the KT Tigers against Maybank with the game going to Maybank 1-0.
With four points, KT Tigers finished third in the table standings and were unable to move to the next round. However, as the third-place team in the standings, KT Tigers was allowed to compete for the consolation medal, in which they faced Huawei, which placed third in Group D. However, KT Tigers’ luck ran out as they were downed 1-0 by Huawei, and ended their tournament journey.
“Thank you to the Embassy of Malaysia in Phnom Penh for the Malaysian Ambassador’s Football Shield. In addition to participating in sports together, it is a fun activity that fosters stronger connections and bonding. Sport promotes health. Although KT Tigers did not advance to the next round, we did our best and accepted the results cheerfully. We hope to support, enjoy and continue to engage in such activities in the future,” Valinda, the team captain, said.
CIMB emerged victorious in the event defeating NagaWorld 2-0 in the final. Midea won the consolation medal after defeating Hong Leong Bank 3-0.
Chea San, the captain of CIMB, told Khmer Times that “Winning the Malaysian Ambassador’s Football Shield makes us proud as individuals and members of CIMB Bank PLC. The team has demonstrated strong commitment and enthusiasm. The tournament brings together Malaysian companies conducting businesses in Cambodia creating a good environment to enjoy the event together and to build friendships within the Malaysian business community.”
“Thank you for being so supportive. Even though this is a friendly football tournament, I can see that you all performed well. Thank you for making this event a success. Everyone demonstrated sportsmanship, which is what we desire from organising this event. I’d like to congratulate the winner and encourage others who didn’t finish in a strong position to try again in the next edition,” the Malaysian Ambassador told Khmer Times.
Oknha Tan Khee Meng, President of MBCC, told Khmer Times that he was deeply affected by the passion and excitement during the Malaysian Ambassador’s Football Shield. He said the football tournament was more than just a sporting event; it was also a dynamic celebration of the “Malaysia Madani” concept of brotherhood and camaraderie, which was extended warmly into Cambodia.
“This year, the Malaysian Ambassador’s Football Shield saw unprecedented participation, with more than 20 teams from Malaysian and international companies based here in Cambodia. It was heartening to see a mix of high-level executives and employees, Malaysians and Cambodians, alongside friends from other nations, come together. Each match played was not just about football; it was a testament to teamwork, mutual respect and the joy of sharing a common goal,” he said.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Malaysian Embassy for organising such a successful event and to every team and individual who participated. Each one of you has contributed to making this tournament a showcase of true sportsmanship and the Malaysian spirit of unity,” he added.