Kouch Dani claimed that Cambodia’s inability to maintain concentration was the main reason for the Angkor Warriors surrendering a one-goal lead against Myanmar to lose 4-1 in Group A of the AFF Suzuki Cup on Monday.

With their joint head coach Keisuke Honda flying in from Australia for the clash at Mandalar Thiri Stadium, Cambodia responded well from losing their opening match to Malaysia, with Chan Vathanaka giving them the lead midway through the first half.

But the wheels fell off after the interval as the hosts levelled and, roared on by almost 27,000 fans in Mandalay, Myanmar then missed from the spot but went on to add a further three goals as Cambodia’s eventual 4-1 defeat made it two losses from two.

“We had some opportunities that we missed, but then Myanmar took their chances and that was the big difference,” admitted Dani.

“At 1-0, I thought we would win the game, but after their penalty we lost concentration and then they scored two, three, four.

“We have to learn to keep our concentration and never give up. I think that’s what the coach will tell us for the next game.”

Cambodia can take heart from the fact they only lost narrowly to Malaysia in their opening Group A fixture and that their first-half display in Myanmar showed promise. 

Next they will return to Phnom Penh to face a Laos side who have also lost two from two and are propping up the standings by virtue of an inferior goal difference.

Honda and his co-coach Felix Dalmas will now have eight days to prepare for the Laotians as Cambodia sit out the next round of fixtures in the five-team group. If they are to have any chance of progressing, though, victory will be viewed as a must.

“This game was not at our home, but against Laos we play at home so I think it will be the big difference,” added Dani.

“Today was not good because their supporters pushed them until the very last minute, which benefitted Myanmar. But at our home there will be a lot of supporters, like today, so I think it will be positive for us.”