PHNOM PENH – Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC have etched their name in Cambodian football history with a first-ever ticket sell-out game as they go into the final of the AFC Challenge League.

They will face Turkmenistan’s FC Arkadag on May 10 at 7pm at Morodok Techo National Stadium and have captured the nation’s attention in an unprecedented way.

All 53,000 tickets were snapped up three days before the kickoff, the club said. This set a record for the highest number of tickets sold for any Asian football competition in Cambodia.

Authorities have installed giant LED screens in each province for supporters who missed buying the ticket, allowing thousands more fans to watch the match. 

Screen locations include Phnom Penh, Svay Rieng, Kampong Cham, Pursat, Stung Treng, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom and Ratanakiri. 

Christopher Grant, general manager of Svay Rieng FC, acknowledged the extraordinary support and enthusiasm from fans.

“The demand from the fans has been fantastic, and we thank them very much for their support of our club,” he said. 

“To be honest, if we had an 80,000-seat stadium, we could probably sell that out too due to the high demand.”

He confirmed that this final will mark a historic milestone for Cambodian club football.

“I think there has never been a club match here in Cambodia with this level of attendance, and we are very proud to be the first club to achieve it,” he said.

For fans who missed out on tickets, the club has partnered with Legend Cinema to host official watch parties in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. These gatherings aim to replicate the match-day atmosphere.

“We understand that many fans, especially those in the provinces, were not able to get tickets,” Grant said. 

“That’s why we’ve collaborated with Legend Cinema to host watch parties where fans can come together and enjoy the game. 

“While it won’t be exactly the same as being in the stadium, we hope they’ll have a great experience surrounded by hundreds of fellow supporters.”

He also expressed heartfelt thanks to all the fans who showed up early to buy tickets and those continuing to support the team from afar.

“It gives the club, players and coaching staff great encouragement to go out and do our best on Saturday and give back to the fans.