Rozak inspires win

PPCFC U-17s, back row, LtoR: Chanvuthy, Sakrovy, Senteang, Chanchav, Chanpolin, Baraing. Front: Sovann, Ponvuthy, Sodavid, Phearath, Rozak (capt) - click to enlarge

Result: Phnom Penh Crown Academy U-17 4 Boeung Ket 1 (Cambodia U-17 Youth League).
Crown began in confident fashion, passing the ball cleanly while Boeung Ket were content to defend in numbers. Mat Sakrovy headed over a Long Phearath free-kick and Orn Chanpolin had a long range shot deflected inches wide of the upright. The BK goalkeeper did well to punch a Seut Baraing free-kick to safety after Ouk Sovann was fouled. At the other end Kung Chanvuthy made a diving save but from the resulting corner, he was clearly impeded as he went for the ball, but the referee turned away as Boeung Ket stabbed the ball home to take the lead, much to Chanvuthy's disgust. Four minutes later on 28 minutes, Crown were level. In Sodavid's short pass put Sath Rozak in space 25 yards out and he drilled an arrow-like scorcher into the bottom corner. It was his third attempt on goal in five minutes. Sodavid then set up Sakrovy but he powered a shot against the crossbar, a long distance drive from Seut Baraing stung the keeper's hands before Sakrovy went close on two more occasions. With four minutes of the first-half remaining, a foul on Chhuot Senteang gave Sovann the excuse to try his trademark free-kick and he didn't let his teammates down. Twenty-five yards from goal he curled the ball over the wall and in off the inside of the post. 2-1 to Crown. And there was still time for both Sakrovy and Senteang to miss very presentable chances before the break.

The one-way traffic continued after the interval. Sodavid had a shot blocked by a forest of legs, another Sovann free-kick was caught by the keeper, who then took out Chanpolin around his ears, as he was clean through and touched the ball past the stopper, only for the referee to blow for a foul by Chanpolin. A decision no-one could fathom. It was at the very least a red card and a penalty. Yeu Muslim broke clear but his shot was saved by the keeper's legs, Baraing sent a free-header over the bar from close in before Crown claimed their third on 75 minutes. Rozak's through ball was pounced on by Suon Noeut, who cut inside a defender and let fly with a hard drive inside the near post. Crown piled on the pressure, with Muslim's snap-shot tipped over the bar and then he screwed another shot across the face of goal. Sakrovy's drive was touched onto the cross-bar by the keeper until on 87 minutes Men Piphop blasted in the Academy's fourth from ten yards out, to make it 2 wins in two games.
PPCFC U-17s: Chanvuthy, Sovann, Phearath, Baraing, Chanchav, Chanpolin (Piphop 82), Sodavid, Rozak (capt), Ponvuthy (Noeut 66), Sakrovy, Senteang (Muslim 63). Subs not used: S Samnang, Chhaya, Titchhy. Bookings: Ponvuthy. MOTM: Rozak - led by example. Goals: Rozak (28), Sovann (41), Noeut (75), Piphop (87).