Shan United may have had their backs against the wall but laid the right foundation for a comeback with the opening goal inside the first minute.

Khun Kyaw Zin Hein received the ball wide on the right and cut in from the byline past a static Hikaru Mizuno before rifling a shot into the top far corner to give the home side the perfect start.

The goal, however, only sparked Svay Rieng into life as the Cambodian side started peppering Shan United’s goalmouth with efforts from Breno Caetano and Nhean Sosidan just missing the target by centimetres. 

Shan United, however, further reduced the deficit with Zin Hein turning provider in the 26th minute, releasing Ye Yint Aung into the box to drill a low shot past Svay Rieng custodian Vireak Dara as the home side’s belief increased with each passing minute.

Svay Rieng head coach Jose Munoz responded with a half-time change, introducing Gabriel Silva for Nick Taylor in midfield as the Cambodian side started to control the proceedings in the second half.

Their aggression delivered dividends in the 56th minute after Bounphachan Bounkong was bundled over inside the box with Maresche putting away the ensuing spot-kick to end Shan United’s hopes of a comeback.