Goal-less between casino teams

PPCFC v Naga. Back Row LtoR: Srin, Boris, Pheng, Thierry, Ha-Neul, Obadin. Front: Makara, Suhana, Seiha, Borey, Sokumpheak. Pic from CAM photoagency.

For their midweek Metfone C-League meeting with fellow top 4 casino side NagaCorp, Phnom Penh Crown coach Sam Schweingruber had to rest hot-shot Elroy van der Hooft with a knee injury. Aside from that, the team picked itself, with Leng Makara coming in as a replacement for the Dutchman. It was all Crown for the first half with Khim Borey's pass to Lee Ha-Neul giving the Korean a run on goal though his drive was inches too high. A poor clearance by Naga went straight to Ha-Neul but his guided shot lacked power to trouble the goalkeeper. Ishola Abiodun had Naga's sole attempt but his diving header found the side netting as Crown continued to dominate. Borey's through ball found Sos Suhana free in the box but his rolled shot rebounded to safety off the post. A Bin Thierry free-kick was spooned by keeper Phorn Ratana but the danger was cleared. Combination play between Kouch Sokumpheak and Ha-Neul released Borey but his low shot only found the near post side netting. The final chance of the first-half saw Borey drag his shot wide of the target from 20 yards out. After the break, both Suhana and Borey were halted by the Naga defence without any consideration for the ball. Later on, a Thierry corner fell to Suhana at the edge of the box but his powerful drive was turned away for a corner by a Naga arm, again no positive action by referee Chi Samedy. Finally, another corner found Odion Obadin steaming in at the far post but his header sailed wide. In time added on, Naga's Ou Lyhorng fired low against the foot of the upright with Naga's only goal-bound shot of the match and as play switched to the other end, Hong Pheng raced clear on goal, only to be stopped in his tracks by Samedy's whistle. He'd spotted a pull by Zogbe Anderson and the Nigerian was shown a second yellow and red cards, as the Crown players explained the advantage rule to the match referee. A truly shocking decision from the man in the middle that foiled Crown's attempt to claim all three points. PPCFC head coach Sam Schweingruber gave brief thoughts after the goal-less draw with Naga, which made no noticeable impression on the league table standings. "We failed to turn possession into solid chances, we came close on a few occasions in the first half, Suhana hit a post early on and there was a clear handball which the referee didn't spot from Suhana's volley late in the game. We restricted Naga to only one chance on 90 mins when they hit the post. All in all, a result we can live with, our effort was good but we didn't show enough quality and we know we can do better."
PPCFC line-up: Seiha, Srin, Pheng, Boris, Obadin, Thierry, Sokumpheak, Ha-Neul, Suhana, Makara (Seyha 83), Borey. Subs not used: Ary, Da, Narin, Dara, Lika, Sothy, Morslim, Kano, Phearun, Pisa. Bookings: Thierry, Sokumpheak. MOTM: Borey.