Despite taking part in six editions of Southeast Asia's preeminent national team tournament, Cambodia have never been able to play a match in the tournament proper on home turf. 

However with changes rung in the tournament format, and now home and away ties played in the Group Stage, the Angkor Warriors will be able to stride out onto the field at Phnom Penh's Olympic Stadium for the first time in an AFF Suzuki Cup competition.   

For players like star forward Keo Sokpheng, it could be just the tonic needed for the team to move on to the next level.

"Playing in our country is always a big boost for us, as we have a lot of supporters coming here to the Olympic Stadium to watch us," said the 26-year-old Visakha player. 

"It is a very strong motivation for the football team. Here is our home, so we have to try our best."

Sokpheng took part in the AFF Suzuki for the first time in the 2016 edition and ASEAN enjoyed a preview of what is to come at this year's edition after packed crowds saw Cambodia host and then top the qualifying group.

"I was so happy to play in the AFF Suzuki Cup in 2016," added Sokpheng. "Because this competition was one of my dreams as a footballer since I began playing at 12 years old."

Bringing bigger crowds and more exposure to the tournament in their home nation does come with some costs, however, as the fiercely passionate Cambodian fans will not only laud the players but also bring their efforts closer under the microscope.

Sokpheng, though, is philosophical about this and, indeed, looks at the increased focus as a chance for self-improvement and development for the national side.

"In football, you can never know what will happen in a match," he said.

"If we lose, the supporters may criticise us, but we have to accept this and use it as motivation to improve ourselves as players and as a team.

"There, are of course, always good and bad experience when playing football. But that pushes us to try even harder to succeed."