A new chapter in Cambodia’s footballing history will be written on Thursday as the Angkor Warriors host their first ever AFF Suzuki Cup match when they take to the field to face Malaysia at Phnom Penh’s Olympic Stadium.

It will be a special occasion for Cambodia’s Chan Vathanaka, the 24-year-old who made his AFF Suzuki Cup debut against the same opponents in Yangon two years ago, when Cambodia made their first appearance since 2008.

And it was almost the perfect introduction to the Southeast Asian tournament as the forward opened the scoring in the eighth minute and then put his side 2-1 up on the hour.

But Malaysia came back to win 3-2 and Cambodia eventually exited after three losses from three.

On Thursday, in front of his home crowd, Vathanaka and his teammates have the chance to avenge that loss as they start their bid to reach the knockout rounds for the first time.

“In tomorrow’s match, I think we have a big chance because we are the home side and we have all our fans behind us,” said Vathanaka.

“This match is the first time we have hosted a game [in the tournament], so I hope many fans will come to the stadium and cheer the national team.”

Under the stewardship of Japan’s Keisuke Honda and Argentine Felix Dalmas, Cambodia offer plenty of intrigue ahead of the big kick-off.

Honda will be absent for the first game, but the arrival of the former A.C. Milan and player, who starred for Japan at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and still plays for Australian side Melbourne Victory, has brought with it plenty optimism among Cambodian players and fans.

While Cambodia may be outsiders to make the knockout rounds, particularly considering their last of two victories in the competition came back in 2002, there is a togetherness in the squad – and a passionate home support could act as further inspiration against Malaysia.

“We are also very used to our home pitch because we train here together. We are all ready for the game and we believe that we can get a good result,” he added.

“Under the new management, there is a lot of competition for places in the national team and I have been impressed with how each player has developed.”