Manila Digger FC secured a draw in their final group stage match against Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC on the evening of November 1 at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Cambodia.
A Non-Bearing Match Treated Like The Playoffs
Despite both teams already securing their quarterfinal spots in the AFC Challenge League 2025-26, neither side held back in a fast-paced contest that saw plenty of chances from the opening whistle.
The Philippine club nearly drew first blood in the sixth minute after a costly clearance mistake by Svay Rieng forward Faris Hammouti handed the ball to Pa Ousman Gai. The Gambian striker unleashed a powerful drive that forced goalkeeper Vireak Dara into a superb diving save.
Manila Digger continued to apply pressure. In the 15th minute, Kenji Nishioka’s close-range strike was denied by Dara, and moments later, Baboucarr Touray fired over the bar from the edge of the box after shrugging off his defender.
The visitors’ persistence finally paid off in the 39th minute. Modou Manneh sent a precise through ball to Gai, who slipped past the Cambodian defense and calmly slotted the ball past Dara to put Manila Digger ahead, 1-0.
Before halftime, Svay Rieng tried to respond through Yudai Ogawa’s free kick, but Digger keeper Omar Njie easily gathered the attempt and launched a counterattack. Gai again found Touray in space, but the latter’s shot went narrowly wide.
HALFTIME SCORE: Manila Digger FC 1 – 0 Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC
Svay Rieng head coach Matt McConkey made three key substitutions at the break, which immediately energized his side. Just three minutes into the second half, Ghanaian forward Kwame Peprah pounced on a loose ball inside the box and volleyed home to level the match at 1-1.
Manila Digger quickly regained momentum. In the 62nd minute, Touray raced down the flank and delivered a low cutback pass to Gai, who coolly finished from close range for his second goal of the night which was his fourth of the tournament as he restored Digger’s advantage at 2-1.
The home side nearly equalized in the 67th minute when Patrick Robson’s shot slipped past Njie, only for a Digger defender to clear it dramatically off the line.
A few moments later, Min Ratanak also came close but sent his effort wide despite facing an open goal.
Svay Rieng’s persistence finally paid off five minutes before full time. Substitute Nhean Sosidan found space on the edge of the area and curled a precise shot into the bottom right corner, leaving Njie rooted as the hosts leveled the score.
FINAL SCORE: Manila Digger FC 2 – 2 Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC
History Accomplished for Manila Digger FC
Despite the game ending in a draw, the Philippine team still managed to make history as they made it through the playoffs finishing Top 2 in the Group Standings.
With the result, Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC topped Group D with seven points, edging Manila Digger FC on goal difference.
Screenshot from: AFC Challenge League Fixtures and Standings Group D
Both clubs advanced to the quarterfinal stage of the AFC Challenge League 2025/26.
Gai’s brace brought his tournament tally to four goals, continuing his stellar form for Manila Digger. Meanwhile, Svay Rieng showcased resilience on home soil, twice coming from behind to protect their unbeaten record in the group phase.
