Wat Phnom suffer

Wat Phnom could find themselves in a relegation dog-fight if Prek Pra can win on Saturday

The midweek C-League match yesterday ended in a thunderstorm that uprooted trees around the city, as well as the team dug-outs and advertising hoardings pitchside. Undeterred, Khemara beat Wat Phnom 2-0 with two first half goals from Chhun Kirivatharo and an own goal from Khieu Vibol. Referee Yien Kivatanak booked five players including all three of Wat Phnom's Nigerian contingent. This result leaves Wat Phnom nervously looking over their shoulder at the bottom of the C-League table. Prek Pra Keila are three points behind them, but with a game in hand and a better goal difference. Wat Phnom have two tough games to finish their campaign, against Kirivong and Naga, whilst Prek Pra also face Kirivong and Khemara, but this Saturday they meet the bottom-club Chhma Khmao, who are effectively relegated already. I think Prek Pra will pull off the great escape as only two teams get relegated from the C-League and my money is on Chhma Khmao.... and Wat Phnom. Prek Pra have the noisiest fans in the C-League and have endured a rollercoaster of a debut season in the league, but a win over Chhma Khmao on Saturday might just do the trick.
At the top of the table, the Saturday match-up between Naga and Kirivong is an intriguing game. Naga are 5 points clear at the top of the standings whilst Kirivong need a win to maintain their push for a Super 4 spot. With striker Julius Ononiwu in red-hot form, Kirivong will fancy their chances I'm sure, especially as Naga haven't set the world alight this season, basing their top spot on churning out results rather than putting their opponents to the sword. Having said that, I predict a draw. On Sunday, down-in-the-dumps Army will most likely lose out to Phnom Penh Crown, whilst the Preah Khan versus BBU match will be an important one to win for both sides. I think Preah Khan will just edge it.