Young Kouprey Eye Glory in AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers
As the countdown to the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 qualifiers begins, Cambodia’s U20 football team, affectionately known as the “Young Kouprey,” is ready to rise to the challenge. With dreams of competing among Asia’s elite, the squad has been rigorously preparing at home before their journey to Taiwan, where they will face some of the continent’s toughest football powerhouses.
Led by the seasoned Japanese manager Koji Gyotoku, the Young Kouprey have their sights set high despite the daunting task ahead. They have been drawn into Group B, a veritable ‘group of death,’ where they will compete against football giants Uzbekistan and Bahrain, both of whom enjoy significantly higher FIFA rankings. But Gyotoku is undeterred, expressing confidence in his young team’s potential to go beyond expectations.
“It’s a difficult group with strong teams, but we are determined to advance,” Gyotoku shared before the team’s departure. His words echo the underdog spirit of the squad, ready to show their resilience and skill on the Asian stage.
The 23-man team, carefully selected after an intense training camp, has been fine-tuning their tactics and building team chemistry since late August. Their final training session on September 16 marked the end of weeks of preparation, culminating in a squad that’s ready to take on Asia’s best.
The Cambodian U20s kick off their campaign on September 21 against Nepal, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating journey. Their true test of mettle will come just two days later on September 23, when they face Uzbekistan, a team with a long history of success in the competition. On September 27, they meet Bahrain, another formidable opponent, before wrapping up the group stage on September 29 against the hosts, Chinese Taipei.
While Uzbekistan and Bahrain pose the greatest challenge, Gyotoku remains optimistic. “Every team is ranked above us, especially Uzbekistan and Bahrain, who are among the top 100 teams globally. But we will fight hard for every victory, no matter how tough the competition.”
Gyotoku also highlighted the significance of this tournament for Cambodia. “We’ve played in the ASEAN region before, but this is our chance to compete with the best teams in Asia. It’s a huge step up, but we’re determined to bring good results for Cambodia and our supporters.”
The squad is a blend of youthful energy and seasoned talent, with many players emerging from Cambodia’s Bati Football Center and National Football Academy. Stars like Rong Chhongming, Thom Makara, and Su Menghong will be key players to watch as the team takes on their opponents. Clubs like Visakha FC and Phnom Penh Crown have also lent their top young talent, providing the team with the depth and versatility needed for the rigors of the competition.
Despite facing overwhelming odds, Cambodia’s U20 team is not heading to Taiwan to merely make up the numbers. Their goal is clear—to fight and win. Whether they can topple the favorites and advance to the next stage remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Young Kouprey are there to leave their mark on the Asian football stage.
With the unwavering spirit of underdogs, they aim to turn the odds in their favor and show Asia what Cambodia’s young footballers are capable of. Let the games begin.
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
