Goalkeeper Vireak Dara is receiving a lot of criticism after making two mistakes that directly led to two goals conceded by the Cambodian team in the match against Singapore on December 11 in Group A of the ASEAN Cup 2024 (formerly known as the AFF Cup). As a result of this match, the Cambodian team suffered a 1-2 defeat on Singapore's field.
After the mistakes in this match, Vireak Dara is receiving a lot of pressure from the public and football fans in the country. The Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) has started an investigation to see if there is any suspicion of match-fixing, especially when there is information about the number of Dara's bank accounts and the possibility of financial irregularities.
In the following match against Timor Leste yesterday (17/12), Vireak Dara was not allowed to play and had to give up his position to another goalkeeper. Although Cambodia won, Dara's sadness could not be appeased. The image of him hugging his mother and crying after the match caused strong emotions and attracted the attention of fans.
Cambodia currently has 4 points in the 2024 ASEAN Cup group stage, equal with Malaysia, and will have to beat Thailand in the final match, while hoping the match between Singapore and Malaysia ends in a draw.
Although the chances are slim, the team's ambitions remain intact as Cambodia has added many naturalized players of African, Brazilian and Japanese origin.
The match between Cambodia and Thailand will take place on December 20.
