Makara does it again

PPCFC line-up v Army. Back LtoR: Schweingruber (coach), Pheng, Sothy, Srin, Rady, Seyha, Hasan. Front: Dani, Suhana, Ary, Makara, Borey - click to enlarge

With the French-Khmer duo of Kok Boris and Bin Thierry on the sidelines with injury, Phnom Penh Crown lined-up against the Army at the Old Stadium for a pre-season practice match this afternoon. Crown made all the early running and effectively bossed the pace throughout the game. Pheng drove straight at Sou Yaty and the national team stopper had to be at his best to palm away a looping Khim Borey touch that was heading for the bottom corner. A Sos Suhana drive was caught by Yaty at head height before Thong Udom fluffed the Army's best chance, sidefooting wide from six yards out. Borey turned and fired wide and Pheng ended the half, with a 1-on-1 with Yaty, but the keeper was out quickly to smother the danger. The 2nd half took fifteen minutes to warm up, as Borey outsprinted the Army backline from the halfway line but his touch let him down at the vital moment with Yaty falling on the ball. Moments later, Suhana took a pass from Mart Hasan in his stride but drilled his shot straight at Yaty and rushed the rebound wide.

Twenty minutes after the break and Crown got the all-important opener. A neat interchange of passes allowed Suhana to thread the ball between defenders and Leng Makara kept his cool to slot the ball inside the near post. It would turn out to be his 2nd match-winning goal in as many games. A treble substitution gave debuts for trialists Yem Sochetra and Kiet Limty though the latter limped off ten minutes later. Vi Lika found space to get his head to Borey's free-kick but watched the ball roll inches wide. In the final two minutes, Army will kick themselves for missing two golden chances. Chhin Chhoeun rounded Yok Ary but rolled his shot into the side netting and then crossed for Khek Khemarin to head over the top from six yards out. The 1-0 victory went to Crown and deservedly so on the balance of play.
PPCFC line-up: Ary, Seyha (Da 70), Dani, Srin (Lika 85), Rady, Sothy (Sochetra 70), Hasan, Makara (Limty 70 (Pisa 80)), Pheng, Suhana, Borey. Subs not used: Seiha, Chamrouen, Kano, Phearun, Morslim. Bookings: Srin.

Pre-match instructions from coach Sam Schweingruber

The Old Stadium changing rooms are open-air

Half-time breather for Khim Borey (left) and Mart Hasan