AFC Challenge League: Boxing Day in Ulaanbaatar, Early Christmas Gifts for Svay Rieng

Image property of SP Falcons

On Matchday 2 of Group E in the AFC Challenge League, the Mongolian champions SP Falcons faced off against Cambodian champions Preah Khan Svay Rieng FC. The visitors had played their last league game in Cambodia just five days earlier and only arrived in Ulaanbaatar two days before the kickoff. Following a long journey and adjusting to the cool temperatures, which were mild by Mongolian October standards but unfamiliar to the Southeast Asians, the team had to adapt quickly.

Despite these challenges, Svay Rieng entered the game as favorites, thanks in part to their roster value being about one and a half times that of the Falcons, though the Mongolian side had its chances to compete.

The match started promptly at 3:00 pm local time, officiated by referee Wai Lun Wong from Hong Kong, who would later play a pivotal role in the game’s outcome.

**First Half**

The Falcons showed their intent as early as the second minute with a bicycle kick from Batkhishig (#7) following a corner from Krusevac (#22), though the shot went straight at the goalkeeper. Just four minutes later, Munkh-Erdene (#10) unleashed a long-range shot that Svay Rieng's goalkeeper Vireak Dara (#27) managed to tip over the bar.

The visitors held back in the first twenty minutes, focusing on defense and letting the Falcons take control. This dominance was reflected in the corner count (6:1 for the Falcons).

However, the game took an unexpected turn in the 24th minute. After a corner for the visitors, Batkhishig (#7) was hit on the hand in the penalty area, and the referee awarded a penalty. It was a debatable decision, as the ball seemed to be going out of bounds without any clear threat on goal. Pablo Augusto (#8) calmly converted the penalty, putting Svay Rieng up 1-0.

This setback visibly affected the Falcons. In the 34th minute, center-back Thiago Tomais (#3) received a yellow card for a foul on Pablo Augusto. Referee Wong seemed to be trying to maintain balance but faced increased dissent, issuing another yellow card to Enkh-Orgil (#23) shortly thereafter. Frustration was beginning to build for the Falcons.

**Halftime Score: 1-0**

Following the penalty, the visitors found a bit more rhythm, although the lead was flattering given the overall flow of the game. The Falcons had held most of the possession and continued to control the pace.

In added time of the first half, Enkh-Orgil (#23) was substituted out after an unfortunate clash that left him injured.

**Second Half**

The Falcons were the first back on the field, seemingly with new tactical instructions from their coach Ferreira. However, the early stages of the second half remained uneventful, with both teams neutralizing each other in midfield.

The equalizer for the Falcons came out of nowhere in the 66th minute: substitute Danil Musatkin (#71), who had recently come on, spotted a gap in the crowded Cambodian defense and fired from the edge of the box to make it 1-1.

The goal reinvigorated the Falcons, and they began to create more opportunities. In the 73rd minute, Jansyerik Marathkan (#9) had a prime chance with a header following an excellent cross from André Ferreira (#77), but Svay Rieng’s keeper Dara (#27) made a fine save to deny him.

**Turning Point**

In the 78th minute, the game took another twist. During a counterattack, Svay Rieng’s Cristian (#21) was briefly held outside the penalty area by Tayo Toyoda (#2) but fell inside the box. The referee awarded a second penalty, much to the Falcons’ protests. Cristian stepped up and converted, bringing Svay Rieng back in front at 2-1.

The Falcons responded by pushing forward aggressively, but Svay Rieng packed their defense, at times with ten men behind the ball. Falcons defender Thiago Tomais (#3) managed one last shot on target from a free kick in the 86th minute, but apart from that, the Falcons couldn’t find a way through. The final dramatic moment came in the eighth minute of added time when Falcons player Solva (#96) received a red card for a frustrated tackle – a decision that, on this occasion, seemed fair.

**Conclusion**

Preah Khan Svay Rieng FC managed to secure a 2-1 victory, though it was a frustrating result for the hosts. The Cambodians displayed solid defensive resilience and benefited from crucial penalty decisions, while the Falcons could not fully capitalize on their dominance to turn it into more scoring opportunities. The game underscored how individual referee decisions can sometimes shape the outcome of a match.

Match Highlights