A brace for Muslim

The Academy starting XI. Back LtoR: Chanpolin, Sodavid, Piphop, S Samnang, Baraing, Sovan. Front: Noeut, Chansopheak, Muslim, Rozak, Senteang

The U-15s of Prek Kdam, a mainly Muslim community 35kms north of Phnom Penh, acted as the Phnom Penh Crown Academy's hosts this morning for a friendly encounter on what can only be described as a bumpy and uneven surface. The match attracted a handful of spectators as Crown's neat passing football was a challenge on this standard of pitch. On 23 minutes Orn Chanpolin was felled in the box, but Ouk Sovann's penalty kick was well saved by the Prek Kdam keeper, who had a storming game throughout. Chhuot Senteang turned on a sixpence and smashed a half volley onto the crossbar and was then denied by another brave save by the stopper. It was all level at the break. Ten minutes into the second half and Crown took the lead as Senteang mis-kicked a Ken Chansopheak center but Yeu Muslim was on hand at the far post to force the ball over the line. Seven minutes later Prek Kdam equalised on the breakaway. Undeterred, Crown stormed back and Muslim floated a gorgeous shot over the keeper's head to restore their lead on 70 minutes. With five minutes to go, Vat Samnang took aim from 30 yards out with a free-kick and it sailed into the top corner. A real humdinger of a shot. Three minutes later and Samnang turned provider for Pov Ponvuthy to sidefoot home Crown's fourth and final goal. A deserved success and another pleasurable visit to the provinces by the Academy team.