MANILA, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia men's Under-22 Olympic football team secured a semifinal slot after beating Malaysia with three goals in 12 minutes at Southeast Asian (SEA) Games football tournament here on Wednesday.
On the final matchday in Group A, In Sodavid of Cambodia scored the opener at the 52nd minute after the opponent's goalkeeper punches out a corner kick to the edge of the box.
One minute later, Siang Chanthea dribbled past a defender from the left-wing and beat the Malaysian defenders at his near post to make it 2-0 for Cambodia.
Keo Sokpheng fired in a third in the 68th minute, but Dominic Tan reduced the deficit for Malaysia to make it 3-1.
After taking the crucial victory, Cambodia scored seven points, staying in second place in Group A with two wins, one draw, and one defeat.
Only the champions and runners-up in each group will qualify for the semifinals, according to rules.
The Cambodians will see action in SEA Games football tournament semifinals for the first time.
On the same day, the host Philippines hammered Timor-Leste 6-1 but was not capable of getting a final four ticket due to an inferior goal difference to Cambodia in Group A.
The Cambodians had a goal difference of +6 while the Filipino booters were at +5.
Myanmar, which have already booked a place in the semifinals from Group A after collecting 10 points, drew a bye on that day.
In Group B, Vietnam topped the table after continuing their winning streak to fourth on Tuesday, while Thailand and Indonesia placed at the second and third with nine points.
The final round of Group B will kick off on Thursday.
