Svay Rieng (in blue) defeated Angkor Tigers 6-1 to make their Cambodian Premier League almost unassailable. Svay Rieng/CPL
Title-holders Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC now has an even higher chance of winning the Cambodian Premier League (CPL) after securing three more points, while close rivals Phnom Penh Crown and Visakha, both suffered painful defeats in this weekend’s action.
In Sunday night’s matches, Svay Rieng put in an outstanding home ground performance to thrash Angkor Tiger 6–1 — with four goals scored in the first half and two more added in the second half.
The one-sided affair saw striker Nhean Sosidan score a hat-trick, while Min Ratanak, Bounphachan Bounkong and Celestino Moresche Rodrigus Matheus each claimed a goal. Angkor Tiger’s sole consulation was a 28th-minute goal by striker Joao Pedro.
“It was a great match, especially in the first half. We controlled the game, dominated possession, and scored early goals. The players we subbed in also performed well, so I’m very happy we scored many goals. I hope our fans enjoy the six goals we delivered,” said Svay Rieng head coach Pep Munoz.
With three additional points from beating Tiger, Svay Rieng’s chances of winning the Cambodian Premier League title are now almost 90 per cent. They only need to win one of their three remaining matches to be crowned champions once again. As it stands, Svay Rieng have 70 points, 7 clear of second-placed Phnom Penh Crown.
A red card saw Phnom Penh Crown (in red) lose 4-3 to hosts Boeung Ket on Sunday. Phnom Penh Crown
The gap opened up thanks to Crown’s 4–3 Sunday loss to Boeung Ket FC.
Held at the National Olympic Stadium, the match saw striker Sieng Chanthea open the scoring for Boeung Ket in the 8th minute, but Gayoso Javier Augustine equalised for Crown in the 17th. Yem Devit put Crown ahead.
However, despite leading 2–1, they ran into trouble when Chhom Sokhay received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 53rd minute, leaving his team down to 10 men.
Shortly after, Mat Noron equalised for Boeung Ket, making it 2–2 in the 58th minute.
Despite being a man down, Crown managed to regain the lead 3–2 thanks to a brilliant goal from young striker Bong Samuel in the 77th minute.
It made no difference however, as Noron leveled the match 3–3 in the 84th minute, and then Touch Manoch scored the winning goal for Boeung Ket in the 86th minute.
“Getting a red card made a huge difference to the game because we were leading 2–1 before that. Boeung Ket then equalized 2–2,” explained Cown head coach Oleg Starynskyi.
“Even with just 10 players, we tried to stick to our plan and managed to score a third goal, but Boeung Ket made good use of their chances to beat us 4–3,” added the Ukrainian.
Meanwhile, third-placed Visakha also faced disappointment as they lost 1–0 away to NagaWorld at the Kompong Speu Stadium.
The only goal came from Minagawa Yusuke in the 22nd minute.
The defeat keeps Visakha firmly in third place with 59 points.
