Phnom Penh: Cambodia ended its 16-year winless run at the AFF Suzuki Cup with a convincing 3-1 win over Laos on Tuesday.

A 1-0 win over the Philippines on 21 December 2002 was the last time the Angkor Warriors took all three points in an AFF Suzuki Cup match, but thanks to goals from Chan Vathanaka, Prak Mony Udom and Keo Sokpheng that streak has now ended.

Right from the opening whistle the home side took the advantage and they were rewarded in the 18th minute when a cross from Sath Rosib was headed home by Vathanaka for his second goal of the tournament.

Keisuke Honda’s side should’ve had a second on 27 minutes with Vathanaka and Sokpheng both missing close range efforts before the Lao defence managed cleared the ball to safety. 

The second goal did come just after the half hour mark when Saret Krya was played through on goal, only to be taken out by Lao goalkeeper Saymonalinh Paseuth, with the referee wasting no time in pointing to the spot for a penalty for the home side.

Mony Udom coolly slotted home the penalty to give Cambodia a deserved 2-0 lead going into half time.

The home side’s domination continued into the second half, but unlike the first half they couldn’t make it count on the scoreboard and they were given a scare when Laos scored with 15 minutes remaining through Somxay Keohanam. 

But straight from the kick off Cambodia restored their two goal lead when a delicate chip over the defence from exciting midfielder Sos Suhana was played into the path of Sokpheng who lobbed Saymonalinh to make it 3-1.

The full time whistle brought about big celebrations in Phnom Penh as the Cambodian fans and players celebrated an historic win. 

The loss ends Laos’ campaign, with four defeats from their four encounters, while Cambodia finish their campaign on the road against Vietnam.