PHNOM PENH, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Host Cambodia secured a 2-1 victory over Yemen in its opening Group G match of the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers at the Olympic Stadium on Monday night.
Cambodia took the lead in the 15th minute through a sharp strike from forward Sou Menghong. However, Yemen quickly responded, equalizing in the 24th minute through striker Mokhtar Muwafaq Ahmed Moqbel to leave the sides level at the break.
Cambodia regained the lead early in the second half. In the 56th minute, forward Chhoeun Davin calmly converted a penalty to seal the victory for the host.
Group G features Cambodia, Yemen, Japan and Kuwait, with Cambodia hosting all group matches from Aug. 31 to Sept. 6.
Cambodia will next face Japan on Sept. 3 before wrapping up its group-stage campaign against Kuwait on Sept. 6.
According to the AFC, a total of 31 teams from across Asia are competing across eight groups in the qualifiers. The eight group winners and seven best second-placed teams will secure their places in the finals, joining host China for the 43rd edition of the AFC U20 Asian Cup next year. ■
