Let battle commence

The two PPCFC captains, Sraing Titchy (red) and Phoeun Sopheak (blue) watch the coin toss

The First State Gold Investment Cup, both the winners and runners-up trophies, are already in the Phnom Penh Crown Academy trophy cabinet, following the weekend's successful tournament, in which the PPCFC2 team beat their PPCFC1 teammates in the competition's final, 2-1 after extra time. The PPCFC2 team was overseen by Academy coach Kao Kiry, whilst the PPCFC1 team was under the guidance of the Academy head coach Bouy Dary. And it was a substitution by Kiry, bringing on Vat Samnang, that proved the turning point, with the diminutive youngster from Battambang claiming the two goals that won the cup for the PPCFC2 team. To set the scene for the final match of the competition, here are some pictures taken before the kick-off.

The PPCFC2 starting line-up. Back Row LtoR: Sovann, S Samnang, Titchhy. Front Row: Piphop, Noeut, Phearath, Ponvuthy

The PPCFC1 starting line-up. Back Row LtoR: Sovannaroth, Sopheak, Chanpolin, Senteang. Front Row: Muslim, Sodavid, Chansopheak

The two teams line-up before the start of the cup final

Phoeun Sopheak leads out the PPCFC1 team in blue

Sraing Titchhy heads the PPCFC2 team in red

The PPCFC1 bench with LtoR Chanchav, T Chhaya, Sakrovy, Rozak and Bouy Dary

The PPCFC2 bench with LtoR Kao Kiry, V Samnang, K Chhaya, Ronaldo, David, Baraing

The two guest commentators for the day of the finals that were beamed live on TVK, Kun Chivoan (left) and Khim Vuthy

The behind-the-scenes television control center for TVK