Crown flatten Rithysen

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUPAUv_-EaTCBwvAOKbnXMgVnn1ISgGQGE21CFVrjWtpZqZMQUg8MprIx3_t3znRBQVSugvT1aAS7hyphenhyphenyAbjtJFa4r8s7vzyustvEdEzyPQhWcQgqri_fnhkILOkSBUUjTH-i4aP4Xahdq/s1600/206837.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594047408209050514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUPAUv_-EaTCBwvAOKbnXMgVnn1ISgGQGE21CFVrjWtpZqZMQUg8MprIx3_t3znRBQVSugvT1aAS7hyphenhyphenyAbjtJFa4r8s7vzyustvEdEzyPQhWcQgqri_fnhkILOkSBUUjTH-i4aP4Xahdq/s400/206837.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Phnom Penh Crown's Kingsley Njoku scored 3 goals in 8 minutes versus Rithysen</span><br /></span></div>It was a case of shock and awe with Sunday's football matches at Olympic Stadium. Shock in that Preah Khan Reach were held by one of the league's new teams, whilst Phnom Penh Crown left a bewildered Rithysen in awe with a first-half rampage that destroyed their will to fight. Here's a brief look at what happened.<br />Preah Khan Reach were held at 1-1 by surprise package Chhlam Samuth in Sunday's opening <span style="font-weight: bold;">Metfone C-League</span> game. There was little to choose between the sides in the 1st half before Khuon Laboravy brought the game to life with a brilliantly-crafted solo effort on 55 minutes, when he weaved his way past four defenders and slipped his shot past Sam Chamroeun from ten yards. It was the stuff you normally see from the likes of Barcelona's Leo Messi, it was that good. PKR then sat back and allowed newcomers Chhlam Samuth, poked and prodded by the evergreen Pov Samnang, to get a foothold in the game. They didn't let-up and netted the equaliser on 71 minutes. A poorly cleared corner fell to Samnang and his low drive was deflected goalwards by substitute Maxwell Woko before spinning off the heel of PKR's Sok Rithy and wrong-footing keeper Sar Sophea in goal. That's how it stayed as one of the league's favourites were held to their 2nd draw in two games.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aeNdtHYpOPIosyI6g4tOL7hVUrSwcWEYJplqQOUdAemcAQ2vhpBprgg2kPXmIIhbY2YBMMSkmaEEBLImCPbxU3Uh6yZko4FBG09TSjlzOrXJ78kqSZM-T1qbyXtQmbOlphD8XK00jdUe/s1600/206820.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594047329802503810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aeNdtHYpOPIosyI6g4tOL7hVUrSwcWEYJplqQOUdAemcAQ2vhpBprgg2kPXmIIhbY2YBMMSkmaEEBLImCPbxU3Uh6yZko4FBG09TSjlzOrXJ78kqSZM-T1qbyXtQmbOlphD8XK00jdUe/s400/206820.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Maxwell Woko got the final touch for the Chhlam Samuth equaliser against PKR</span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Phnom Penh Crown </span>were in no mood to allow one of the new teams, Rithysen from Kompong Chhnang, an easy ride in their 2nd game of the C-League season. After 34 minutes of the 1st half, Crown led 6-0 after literally tearing the opposition defence into tatters. Urged by their head coach to start strongly, the Crown players followed his word to the letter with Kingsley Njoku netting a hat-trick in the space of eight minutes. Kouch Sokumpheak was the first to hit the target, in the 10th minute after Njoku had fluffed a guilt-edged opportunity by hitting the post from three yards out. Sun Sopanha rifled in a second a minute later before Njoku scored his first in the 18th minute. Two minutes later he battled with two defenders, and won, before rounding the keeper to walk the ball over the line. Another four minutes and he was on hand to turn in Sopanha's inviting pass. Sadly for the crowd the Nigerian striker failed to celebrate his goals with the acrobatic somersault that we saw in week 1. Suong Virak arrowed a free-kick past replacement keeper Oum Veasna on 34 minutes to complete the first-half scoring spree. After the break, Crown began in the same fashion with another goal from Virak after four minutes, but they then went through a spell where they missed more than a dozen chances, the chief culprit being Sokumpheak. A combination of poor finishing and the fine form of Oum Veasna was frustrating teh Crown attack until sub Sok Pheng rifled in a stunning 20 yard effort on 83 minutes and Hong Ratana sidefooted from close range in the 1st minute of time added on. 9-0 was the final result and Crown go into a three week hiatus with their first win of the new campaign. Their coach Bojan Hodak says the rest will do them a power of good. "We need the break from playing and training, most of our players, especially from the national team have been training for five months without a rest, so the break will freshen them up."<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStdyRVRRzr2dJETjeI0ZyyCG9lNB3wEDiDqKypbwX0xXg9Wih4Bp5X2HD3PHknFFshrgxUzfVWBpWBKxEHplVexLGfqt80qlBOE9CQgGA7GTP9EdJj9LHpmeM5fCv2uXFbX6xv8WNkn7Z/s1600/206828.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594047262499673650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStdyRVRRzr2dJETjeI0ZyyCG9lNB3wEDiDqKypbwX0xXg9Wih4Bp5X2HD3PHknFFshrgxUzfVWBpWBKxEHplVexLGfqt80qlBOE9CQgGA7GTP9EdJj9LHpmeM5fCv2uXFbX6xv8WNkn7Z/s400/206828.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">PP Crown line-up before their 9-0 success v Rithysen. <span style="font-style: italic;">Back Row LtoR</span>: Njoku, Nwafor, Visokra, Dara, Obadin, Sopanha. <span style="font-style: italic;">Front Row</span>: Tiny, Narith, Virak, Sokumpheak, Sothearith</span><br /></span></div>

Crown flatten Rithysen

Phnom Penh Crown's Kingsley Njoku scored 3 goals in 8 minutes versus Rithysen It was a case of shock and awe with Sunday's football ...

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Dull and lifeless

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxzpmcU_QMwgKyHiB9IAzCXhzrHAaQsWVykmIPl8tgOBStLDAWuTvv8aVNeIr-3EyuopwE353DkEe2kKjgVbXzAdcEp8Hw2BF5BvWiVZmNSRBOt4LkCTPqMziZc19k8mvp8ZT-66dGtk2/s1600/206796.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593674567818754658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxzpmcU_QMwgKyHiB9IAzCXhzrHAaQsWVykmIPl8tgOBStLDAWuTvv8aVNeIr-3EyuopwE353DkEe2kKjgVbXzAdcEp8Hw2BF5BvWiVZmNSRBOt4LkCTPqMziZc19k8mvp8ZT-66dGtk2/s400/206796.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Army's two talented keepers, Sou Yaty (left) and Oum Vichet</span><br /></span></div>Week 1 of the new <span style="font-weight: bold;">Metfone C-League</span> saw it raining goals, 21 of them in the five matches played. This week's opening two matches, at the Olympic Stadium this afternoon, were the opposite side of the coin, both were turgid, lifeless affairs, with little goal threat offered up by all four teams involved. Both games were crying out for someone with the skill and talent to take the game by the scruff of the neck but alas it was not to be. With the Army and Kirivong kicking-off at 2pm and both with a win to their name from week 1, I expected better than I got. They canceled each other out in the 1st half, the game lacking any invention and only debutant referee Lim Bunthoeun kept himself busy with four bookings (out of a total of 7 in the match). Kirivong threw on the tiny Chhaing Sophal at the interval and he was conspicuous by his absence until 2 minutes from the end when he was tackled from behind by Khek Khemarin and referee Bunthoeun had his biggest decision of the match to make - he waved away the penalty appeals. Players like Phlong Chanthou, who netted a hat-trick last week, and Nelson Oladiji, who scored twice, as well as In Vichheka, Chhin Choeurn and Phoung Soksana were anonymous throughout, and it was left to the Army skipper, Thong Udom to come up with the game's most decisive moment eleven minutes from the end. Always a threat at set pieces, the center-half was big and strong as he met a Soeung Chan Vanno corner to the near post with a thunderous header for the winning goal. Army keeper Sou Yaty looked assured in dealing with a late Mom Sophol shot and got my vote as MotM for his safe handling and rock solid presence. I hope the watching national team coach took note.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IkXhhcHKW3pNjgJWAxIIRWlzOxDmzk39txq2mFfmlbhavnHCToy6lwNlvlDyeRDnwFRQeDDXLBbnvTVvU8wQt2oBJ4LSBw2EzEcU609zMNHC273zZcf0cR7mR9FrBAGBb-5EzGBs01x3/s1600/206803.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593674511094808130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IkXhhcHKW3pNjgJWAxIIRWlzOxDmzk39txq2mFfmlbhavnHCToy6lwNlvlDyeRDnwFRQeDDXLBbnvTVvU8wQt2oBJ4LSBw2EzEcU609zMNHC273zZcf0cR7mR9FrBAGBb-5EzGBs01x3/s400/206803.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Army pose before their 1-0 success over Kirivong</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayq_gDg46iU2-mknaaGCXAfzIQ6rhg3xVwoAc7kLwQH86WxPCCsY3MoFLeMnDscq9WEqf8ABPoRSKphbKScfGciuWlPN_UZDmBz5acrA8r8i9i3X7wW2k-4jLeYGvBN-UmHbl0mSX0kbu/s1600/206802.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593674436038157442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayq_gDg46iU2-mknaaGCXAfzIQ6rhg3xVwoAc7kLwQH86WxPCCsY3MoFLeMnDscq9WEqf8ABPoRSKphbKScfGciuWlPN_UZDmBz5acrA8r8i9i3X7wW2k-4jLeYGvBN-UmHbl0mSX0kbu/s400/206802.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 344px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Kirivong were deflated by Army's 1-0 victory this afternoon</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcmJ7_A3lXIdKGStz-mXNfbca3UDL2xxUx7KKz2ErHmjocmHV9J-EySBzM3inOR61jpGf_T5uDtHI6Lkcr3QbM9QbNDoIbuHDVxYPMFRCcqX0RykZKineR7etN0Ovk173yF_v8RQHf3jy/s1600/206799.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593674357313972562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcmJ7_A3lXIdKGStz-mXNfbca3UDL2xxUx7KKz2ErHmjocmHV9J-EySBzM3inOR61jpGf_T5uDtHI6Lkcr3QbM9QbNDoIbuHDVxYPMFRCcqX0RykZKineR7etN0Ovk173yF_v8RQHf3jy/s400/206799.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Army, in blue, and Kirivong take to the field</span><br /></span></div>In the 4pm kick-off, the first half was as dull as the previous game and the 2nd half was only marginally better. The National Police team lacked any spark, with Sophal Udom having an off day and Prek Pra weren't good enough to break them down. The better chances came in the 2nd period and at the death, Prek Pra should've done better. Debutant Adebayo Jamiv headed straight at keeper Hin Sarith and in time added on, Sos Hanafy's 40-yard arrowing free-kick was tipped over the top. Earlier, the Police's Ol Ravy and Sophal Udom had goal-bound efforts kept out by Prek Pra's reliable stopper Yok Ary and when Udom did get the ball in the net, it was ruled out for offside. A 0-0 draw was not what the fans in the stadium had come to see. Nor me. Let's hope tomorrow's matches produce a better show for all concerned.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDh7xkhR-kb1MeYcYACRZnJ_PsWigUpMLbcHOfdO7Ahox94IjGQ1WhZQf3LzcK4b9ozgKn4B_k4Y0lhaFOO6vAdz-53BjNUoFlXGjKDwCoRnB03w_bdDcPpaCzNyo9Q4kU4_JEo5iRHO2/s1600/206807.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593674267871455890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDh7xkhR-kb1MeYcYACRZnJ_PsWigUpMLbcHOfdO7Ahox94IjGQ1WhZQf3LzcK4b9ozgKn4B_k4Y0lhaFOO6vAdz-53BjNUoFlXGjKDwCoRnB03w_bdDcPpaCzNyo9Q4kU4_JEo5iRHO2/s400/206807.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 307px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">The National Police, held at 0-0 by Prek Pra Keila </span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAndaAKNYPNihujPowJX9e9xBPNL0WrogwFRiVMTWdn6LY_PyaWnVuuGhZupSWWFEHkFecCdtj7iyIL3uVIXTv_TAxds5MjhFoEwGcZO05dMU2ZuFJGZQV5xjkAZzz9yzU-gJ9AmW8Gzqs/s1600/206806.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593674199743452402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAndaAKNYPNihujPowJX9e9xBPNL0WrogwFRiVMTWdn6LY_PyaWnVuuGhZupSWWFEHkFecCdtj7iyIL3uVIXTv_TAxds5MjhFoEwGcZO05dMU2ZuFJGZQV5xjkAZzz9yzU-gJ9AmW8Gzqs/s400/206806.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 311px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Prek Pra line-up before the goal-less draw with the National Police</span><br /></span></div>

Dull and lifeless

Army's two talented keepers, Sou Yaty (left) and Oum Vichet Week 1 of the new Metfone C-League saw it raining goals, 21 of them in the...

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Rithysen up next

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5_CGgQL5wNvXpF8Bzxqetuce6oKPOdygY0Fd37O3t7C5rcORPGUgmhly60q6DchD-1wHrpZcGKmtSiT3B_6_51udr5o2Zv51FrIKXokdTqwcJBQKA5KRmdORNKjBpeDAPCtwNB_D0DHC/s1600/nicksellsphotography.com_PPCrown_27November10_MG_7279.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593111759340361538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5_CGgQL5wNvXpF8Bzxqetuce6oKPOdygY0Fd37O3t7C5rcORPGUgmhly60q6DchD-1wHrpZcGKmtSiT3B_6_51udr5o2Zv51FrIKXokdTqwcJBQKA5KRmdORNKjBpeDAPCtwNB_D0DHC/s400/nicksellsphotography.com_PPCrown_27November10_MG_7279.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Chim Rathanak, still not ready for league action versus Rithysen on Sunday</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Phnom Penh Crown</span> will take to the pitch at Olympic Stadium for their second match of the new Metfone Cambodian League season on Sunday (10 April) at 4pm. Rithysen, from Kompong Chhnang, will be the opponents, still smarting after their 6-0 thrashing by the National Defense Ministry in midweek. It was a disappointing debut in the top flight for Rithysen after their promotion as runners-up from Division 1A at the end of last season. They will be hoping for an improvement against the reigning C-League champions, who kicked-off their campaign with a 2-2 draw with Preah Khan Reach last Saturday. Striker Kingsley Njoku scored six minutes into his Crown debut against PKR and will be hoping for a similar start against Rithysen. Chan Chaya, Crown's other goalscorer, will sit out the match due to suspension, after picking up two yellow cards and a red one against PKR.<br /><br />Phnom Penh Crown head coach Bojan Hodak watched the midweek Rithysen defeat and commented; "I am expecting us to win. I think Rithysen are not at our level but we need to prove this on the pitch. If you underestimate any opponent you can be in trouble, so we need to go all out from the first whistle on Sunday." Hodak has three players on the medical treatment table, with new signing Sun Sovannrithy, a real doubt. "Ty began light training on Thursday after a few days rest with his knee injury, so he's likely to miss Sunday's game. Phoung Narong has a lower back problem though he's making progress and should be okay, but Chim Rathanak is a definite absentee. He's begun jogging but he's not yet doing any ball work. The three-week break after Sunday's game will also allow our national team players to recover from their recent heavy schedule."<br /><br />There were two unexpected results from week 1 of the new C-League season. A late goal from Say Piseth gave newcomers National Police Commissary a deserved 2-1 victory over Naga Corp on Sunday, but perhaps the biggest shock was the midweek 3-2 success by another new outfit, Chhlam Samuth over the Hun Sen Cup finalists BBU. Pov Samnang scored two classy goals for the former Navy team. Kirivong proved too strong for Prek Pra Keila, winning 3-0 and Nelson Oladiji netting a brace of goals. We already know that Crown drew 2-2 in their crunch game with Preah Khan Reach and Sunday's opponents, Rithysen, were on the wrong end of a 6-0 drubbing by the Army, for whom substitute Phlong Chanthou scored the season's first hat-trick.<br />After 21 goals in 5 matches in week 1, for week 2 of the Metfone C-League campaign, the Army meet Kirivong and the National Police take on Prek Pra in Saturday's two matches, with Preah Khan Reach facing surprise package Chhlam Samuth in the first game on Sunday. The final match of week 2 will be held over until 23 April when Naga Corp face BBU.

Rithysen up next

Chim Rathanak, still not ready for league action versus Rithysen on Sunday Phnom Penh Crown will take to the pitch at Olympic Stadium for t...

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Army hit six

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIddpRb9WYf04uYU5i-nBwYcdHo8lAzCwF8L0YCfbJgLdVIaoHOWqSoSyzLQz89KQf7NBI0wwflUFZ7YqNmVQ5hvPuhC07h_52QBVCH5mOYqdu7loBmj2u473e9vX2eJAcpfRxQ0dJ-9iP/s1600/206785.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592649500627116674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIddpRb9WYf04uYU5i-nBwYcdHo8lAzCwF8L0YCfbJgLdVIaoHOWqSoSyzLQz89KQf7NBI0wwflUFZ7YqNmVQ5hvPuhC07h_52QBVCH5mOYqdu7loBmj2u473e9vX2eJAcpfRxQ0dJ-9iP/s400/206785.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Army sub Phlong Chanthou registered the 1st hat-trick of the new season</span><br /></span></div>The opening game of the two <span style="font-weight: bold;">Metfone C-League</span> matches played on Wednesday was way too 1-sided to be enjoyed as a spectacle, though a 2nd half hat-trick by Phlong Chanthou certainly livened matters up after the Army had led by just the one-goal at the half-time interval. In truth, the Rithysen defence was so appalling that five-nil at the break would've been more worthy of their dominance but woeful finishing was to blame for the solitary goal, scored by skipper Thong Udom from the penalty spot a minute before the break, after Chhin Chhoeurn had his ankle clipped. Miss of the day must go to Touch Sokheng who managed to fluff the easiest of chances from three yards out and in front of an open goal. He rightly held his head in his hands after such a diabolical miss. After Chanthou's introduction up front at the interval, the Army began the 2nd half with even more purpose. It took him just three minutes to get off the mark, finishing off a cross by Phuong Soksana, and he was on target again, on 69 minutes when he headed in Chhoeurn's perfect bye-line center. Eight minutes from time, with Rithysen a spent force, Soeung Chan Vanno fired in his debut goal after coming on as a sub, whilst Chanthou flung himself at a Chhoeurn chip to head in a deserved hat-trick with two minutes left on the clock. Thong Udom rounded off the day to make it 6-0, a minute into added time, when he headed in a near post corner unopposed. It was no more than the Army deserved for stepping up a gear in the 2nd half. It was good to see Oum Kumpheak back in the Army fold after illness curtailed his campaign last season. To add to their woes, Rithysen now have a Sunday game against Phnom Penh Crown to look forward to.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6Ne5hySaLhlxfijWA8P_-gSe5LwK5eOJ20WSlvxYVxTKtlC2L2Q7QcfS0vOX_MvCf0e-erHQHvJEWAduRNqWDq7hixgRRpr1gdVJQx96WXOB94JQrFA09hDONcabUWH5F4PHsydluACk/s1600/206781.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592649440868772914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6Ne5hySaLhlxfijWA8P_-gSe5LwK5eOJ20WSlvxYVxTKtlC2L2Q7QcfS0vOX_MvCf0e-erHQHvJEWAduRNqWDq7hixgRRpr1gdVJQx96WXOB94JQrFA09hDONcabUWH5F4PHsydluACk/s400/206781.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 325px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">The successful Army team who kicked-off their season in winning fashion</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFh0r66rOLiMKwqI1ajZVuVMSFz5aWvtLkfx6n-1H89X3Dlxo81zmWTlNaTwsuxBOhZIPulfCqXj6IVQQkPTJIxPr67taj_eCGIpCb5jNpS84RFfgjg4dSL4cXCY2vxWTcR17xnTvVsgp/s1600/206780.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592649385400627810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFh0r66rOLiMKwqI1ajZVuVMSFz5aWvtLkfx6n-1H89X3Dlxo81zmWTlNaTwsuxBOhZIPulfCqXj6IVQQkPTJIxPr67taj_eCGIpCb5jNpS84RFfgjg4dSL4cXCY2vxWTcR17xnTvVsgp/s400/206780.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Back to the drawing board for Rithysen after their C-League debut ended in disaster</span><br /></span></div>

Army hit six

Army sub Phlong Chanthou registered the 1st hat-trick of the new season The opening game of the two Metfone C-League matches played on Wed...

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BBU stunned

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupFpPXiVsRgCxSY98TWtznW8w_bf5zyBgSrxaXJDhtkS0DqcHMATIgoejxSiHGhPt5HhkjC-tKhWjJlyvPhawJTTb77z6HHMqX1FYrxkfJrQkAFfrNno175t549bJxDS9tE14e2CNmkmh/s1600/206793.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592648403541701890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupFpPXiVsRgCxSY98TWtznW8w_bf5zyBgSrxaXJDhtkS0DqcHMATIgoejxSiHGhPt5HhkjC-tKhWjJlyvPhawJTTb77z6HHMqX1FYrxkfJrQkAFfrNno175t549bJxDS9tE14e2CNmkmh/s400/206793.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Pov Samnang netted two classy goals in Chhlam Samuth's surprise victory</span><br /></span></div>All of the teams in the Metfone C-league have now played their 1st game of the brand new season. And no-one can be more in shock than Build Bright United, who were outsmarted by the league's latest additions, Chhlam Samuth in Wednesday's 2nd game. They felt the full force of the Sea Sharks' bite and went down to a 3-2 defeat, with only themselves to blame for a lacklustre display. If anything they probably expected to walkover the newbies but they were in for a shock, which was an even bigger one that the Police's win over Naga on Sunday. BBU have been on fire at the start of this season, they reached the final of the Hun Sen Cup and aside from Rim Bunhieng on the bench, they had a full-strength line-up. They even took the lead on 27 minutes when Prum Puthsethy had his standing leg taken from under him by Ek Sovannara and Oum Chandara slotted home the resulting penalty with ease. Six minutes later Chhlam Samuth struck the leveller when Pov Samnang took a pass in his stride and rolled his shot confidently past Hem Simay. BBU were simply not clicking into gear whilst the former Navy team busied themselves in midfield and with the last kick of the 1st half, took the lead. It was two minutes into added on time when Samnang fed diminutive Nigerian striker Dauda Sanni and he floated a 20 yard first-time shot over a startled Hem Simay to give his team a deserved lead. Sanni joined the newcomers after plying his trade in SEAsia for the last three years in Vietnam, Thailand and here in Cambodia with Spark and Bayon Wanderers.<br />Twelve minutes into the 2nd half and Chhlam Samuth were celebrating once again. Pov Samnang showed classy control and a neat finish as he put his side 3-1 ahead after Sanni found him with a 30-yard pass. Within two minutes BBU gave themselves a lifeline when Pech Sina headed in Chan Veasna's free-kick and it looked like they'd turned the corner. A long distance Veasna chip was tipped over the top, Putsethy rattled the cross-bar from the edge of the box and Sina had two chances go astray as BBU huffed and puffed but couldn't break down the Navy defences. The dejected faces of the student team said it all at the final whistle; reputations count for nothing in football and there's always hope for the underdog.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfXOT8SgFuKGgTdjPFvknlrMMCZDO_dmWW47VN_4bis22vKeAhD4S9aG6w6faxH8Au-rCU1EK1Q-JTRWwu8FwoJiMbVv2u0eTG49BT997A0c5gd_Z6Qn4Hr8oOHVlYBG9uWy0yrEozqH2/s1600/206792.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592648355201763906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfXOT8SgFuKGgTdjPFvknlrMMCZDO_dmWW47VN_4bis22vKeAhD4S9aG6w6faxH8Au-rCU1EK1Q-JTRWwu8FwoJiMbVv2u0eTG49BT997A0c5gd_Z6Qn4Hr8oOHVlYBG9uWy0yrEozqH2/s400/206792.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">On his debut the Sea Sharks' Dauda Sanni was a thorn in BBU's side all game</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UUu6I2VEiXp_OJpDmhWOa0wxM30_dJDlRBT1GFpbRDydKKKQiTDh81-Pkm3UTTnCZoZjk3yyCW0Mebn9gDmWA8jPK2aKF7sy5j4yHsTN67txS6YMIFzciS-JPb4wDmS_z3i5dxCbvQwb/s1600/206789.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592648303508282418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UUu6I2VEiXp_OJpDmhWOa0wxM30_dJDlRBT1GFpbRDydKKKQiTDh81-Pkm3UTTnCZoZjk3yyCW0Mebn9gDmWA8jPK2aKF7sy5j4yHsTN67txS6YMIFzciS-JPb4wDmS_z3i5dxCbvQwb/s400/206789.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">A full strength BBU team that were thoroughly deflated at the end of 90 minutes</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqSVwPbbJqAKTYBtnklZe7PmuLxcNrgWdgUkGZgrycCq69i0fbhnVNU00LIUnGdI4Zh0xilDWvnpeuEDEf637ddcvtIOBjF_jMCFR0vJMYXgqwnWh8dyDtQYcTx8tbdOfjhY5WSGq4Y_y/s1600/206788.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592648247796916546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqSVwPbbJqAKTYBtnklZe7PmuLxcNrgWdgUkGZgrycCq69i0fbhnVNU00LIUnGdI4Zh0xilDWvnpeuEDEf637ddcvtIOBjF_jMCFR0vJMYXgqwnWh8dyDtQYcTx8tbdOfjhY5WSGq4Y_y/s400/206788.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 294px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Chhlam Samuth caused the biggest surprise of week 1 of the new C-League season</span><br /></span></div>

BBU stunned

Pov Samnang netted two classy goals in Chhlam Samuth's surprise victory All of the teams in the Metfone C-league have now played their 1...

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Midweek activity

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aKBMKN1LC_DXj4GarhSu8_YsaCDd-yTqZ4U3ozgYIzzojGKMOp2theQiEYnkfmuQgSymAJC7UhnRjHqEUfMNeHnftn9gQxKM5agzfCa_hWC7c7m7kwh227dWoLfyYYMxeKDVn9zUIIw-/s1600/206753.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592297098294508082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aKBMKN1LC_DXj4GarhSu8_YsaCDd-yTqZ4U3ozgYIzzojGKMOp2theQiEYnkfmuQgSymAJC7UhnRjHqEUfMNeHnftn9gQxKM5agzfCa_hWC7c7m7kwh227dWoLfyYYMxeKDVn9zUIIw-/s400/206753.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>There are two more <span style="font-weight: bold;">Metfone C-League</span> games this afternoon at Olympic Stadium. The Army meet new boys Rithysen at 2pm, with my money, what little there is, on the military team to win this one. Even though their team has been decimated over the close season with the loss of key players like Khim Borey, Sin Dalin, Nov Soseila and so on, they still keep churning them out like the very promising goalkeeping prospect Oum Vichet, who will be battling it out with one of the country's very best, Sou Yaty, for the number 1 spot this season. By the way, how Yaty isn't in the national team I don't know. With the early kick-off I expect the game to be played at walking pace, as the heat makes life very difficult for the players. Rithysen are based in Kompong Chhnang and were runners-up in the Division 1A qualifiers. It will be interesting to see how they fare as they meet champions Phnom Penh Crown in their 2nd match on Sunday. In the 4pm kick-off, Build Bright United will meet the Sea Sharks of Chhlam Samuth, who are effectively the former Navy team, and who scraped through to the top flight courtesy of a play-off success when Khemara decided to pull out at the last minute, just before the season began. BBU are on a run, even though they were halted by Preah Khan in the recent Hun Sen Cup Final, and I expect them to win comfortably with Chhun Sothearath pulling the strings in midfield. For Chhlam Samuth, the baptism of teenage keeper Hel Udom will be interesting to watch, as he's also tipped for great things.

Midweek activity

There are two more Metfone C-League games this afternoon at Olympic Stadium. The Army meet new boys Rithysen at 2pm, with my money, what li...

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