Build-up in pictures

The match referee in typical tossing mode, with the team captains in attendance

Let's take a look at the build-up to Phnom Penh Crown's first C-League game of the new season yesterday at the Olympic Stadium, in pictures. It was a baking hot afternoon and a 2pm kick-off is not conducive to fast, open football as everyone knows. Neither is a Wednesday afternoon the best time to attract the crowds, so the game kicked-off with just a few hundred spectators in the grandstand, sitting in the shade. A cool evening start, under floodlights, would be far more suitable for all concerned, especially the players who are subjected to temperatures that would fry an egg. The referee Thong Chankethya, not one of my favourites, kept a fairly low profile, only booking four players (1 from Crown and Khuon Laboravy for simulation) and steered clear of the controversial decisions he usually manages to insert into games he officiates in.

Kouch Sokumpheak leads out the Crown team into the baking hot sun

The Crown substitutes bench

Kouch Sokumpheak adjusts his captain's armband in the tunnel

Goalkeeper Yok Ary seeking inspiration from his Muslim faith

A prayer for Crown's three African players before they step onto the pitch

Skipper Kouch Sokumpheak in the warm-up

Khim Borey and Emmanuel Frimpong are great friends from their stint at Sisaket last season

Head coach David Booth giving Khim Borey some words of encouragement on his C-League debut

Catching practice for Yok Ary with goalkeeping coach Prak Vanny