Walkover win

The starting line-up for Cambodia's U-22s today. Back LtoR: Khemarin, Vibol, Sovan, Yaty, Soksana, Sokngorn (capt). Front: Chhoeun, Veasna, Suhana, Samnang, Pancharong. Click to enlarge.

The Cambodian U-22 squad made sure of a confidence-boosting virtual walkover win against their Philippines counterparts this afternoon, running out comprehensive 5-1 victors in a build-up friendly ahead of the upcoming Asian U-22 Cup. It was all Cambodia from the kick-off and it took just 43 seconds for PPCFC's Sos Suhana to stroke home the first goal. Chhin Chhoeun put over a cross which Keo Sokngorn failed to convert but Suhana was on hand to poke home a close range effort, much to the crowd's delight. It was the perfect way to settle any nerves for the Khmer team. A well-timed run by Suhana was picked out by Sokngorn on 13 minutes and the lively Crown star, playing just off the front man in this game, slotted the ball under the keeper for his second goal. Cambodia continued to dominate possession with the visitors finding it impossible to keep the ball but there were no more goals in the 1st half. Six minutes into the second half and Phoung Soksana poked the ball into the corner from Chhoeun's pass and was promptly replaced, with a big smile on his face, having put his side 3-nil ahead. Twice Suhana could've netted a hat-trick goal but twice he failed to provide the finish that his non-stop movement deserved. With both teams making a flurry of substitutions, Pov Phearith's shot rebounded off the foot of the post and skipper Keo Sokngorn was on hand to turn the ball in for number four twelve minutes from time. Nen Sothearoth blotted his copybook with a needless pull on Jose Porteria in a rare Philippines attack and the same player netted easily from the penalty spot with five minute to go. There was still time for Heng Sokly, put through by Phearith, to fire straight and true to give the Cambodian U-22's a walkover 5-1 success, in the final minute. It was a good performance from the off by Prak Sokmony's young team, they were too strong for the visitors, who look destined for a few high turnovers at the forthcoming U-22 championships. On the other hand it's difficult to assess the Cambodian chances in a very tough group in the same competition from this sole showing, but they couldn't have signed-off any better than they did today. Okay, it would've been nice to score a few more goals and there were still a few individuals who can sharpen up their game, in particular Soksana and Chhoeun, but overall the crowd went home happy, and so did the team.
Cambodia U-22s line-up: Yaty, Pancharong (Sothearoth 52), Vibol (O Ravy 68), Sovan (Vannak 78), Khemarin (S Ravy 89), Samnang (Daravorn 82), Veasna (Phearith 61), Chhoeun (Sokly 75), Sokngorn, Suhana, Soksana (Saray 52). Subs not used: Vichet, Sophea, Dina,