Crown claim 3rd

PPCFC v Changwon, back row, LtoR: Thierry, Hutchinson, Pheng, King, Srin, Ary. Front: Da, Sosela, Sothy, Borey, Sokumpheak (capt) - click to enlarge

Phnom Penh Crown rounded off their first visit to China with third place in the 2nd Nanning Asean International Tournament with a 1-0 victory in the 3rd place play-off against the South Korean team, Changwon Mechanical Technical High School in Nanning this afternoon. Kyle King turned out to be the match-winner with the only goal of the game on 83 minutes, which came with a stroke of good luck. As Crown pressed, the opposing keeper's clearance struck King and bounced over his head into the empty net. Against a young and well disciplined team, Crown edged it, with lots of possession but created few chances in the first half. After the break, Bin Thierry whipped in a great free-kick, only for it to be disallowed as it was an indirect kick and Thierry had misread the referee's instructions. From a corner Khim Borey's header was goal-bound until it hit the back of King's head and was cleared. And then with seven minutes to go. King's winner sealed it for Crown, who picked up a trophy and a cheque for $500. The competition's winners were Guangxi Nanning Runhua, who beat Crown 3-0 in the group stage, with a 2-0 win over their city rivals Guangxi Huanglongju FC. The PPCFC team return home on Thursday and have booked a practice match with AEU on Friday morning. The China trip gave Sam Schweingruber's squad some good competitive playing time as they prepare for the forthcoming season.

PPCFC v Changwon; Ary, Da, Pheng, Srin, Hutchinson (Sarak 80), Thierry, Sothy (Sophat 84), Sosela (Keo 85), Sokumpheak, Borey, King. Subs not used: Boris, Sokheng, Makara. Goal: King (83).

After-match celebration team photo for players, coaches and fans