Cambodian Super Cup
The Cambodian Super Cup is the annual curtain-raiser to the Cambodian football season, pitting the C-League champions against the King's Cup winners. This one-off clash sets the tone for the year, showcasing the nation's elite clubs in a high-stakes opener beloved by local fans.
History and foundation
Launched in 2008, Phnom Penh Crown (now Phnom Penh FC) claimed the inaugural title against Vizaya FC. The competition has weathered political instability and the COVID-19 hiatus in 2020, bouncing back stronger. Boeung Ket Angkor's 2015 upset ended Phnom Penh's dominance, while Visakha FC made history in 2012 as the first debutant winner. Over 15 editions, Phnom Penh leads with 7 triumphs, marking it as a symbol of resilience in Southeast Asian football.
Tournament format
A straightforward single-match format on a neutral venue, typically the 50,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh. Ties are resolved via extra time and penalties. If one team holds both league and cup titles, the cup finalist or league runner-up steps in. VAR implementation since 2022 has sharpened officiating.
Interesting facts
Matches average 2.8 goals, thriving on quick counters and set-pieces. Top scorers include Sohail Ta Say (4 goals for Phnom Penh) and Choi Irwan (3 for Boeung Ket). Standouts: Vietnamese ace Nguyen Cong Phuong's 2019 hat-trick, Cambodian dribbler Poch Einra for the national team, and Macedonian hitman Boban Markovski at Visakha. Asian imports elevate the drama.