Handed a lesson

PPCFC U-17s, back row, LtoR: Sakrovy, Senteang, Soksela, Rozak, Titchhy, V Samnang (capt). Front: Piphop, Ponvuthy, Noron, Chansopheak, Baraing - click to enlarge

Result: Phnom Penh Crown Academy U-17s 0 Nagaworld 8 (Friendly).
The Crown Academy U-17s were on the wrong end of a scoreline that they often inflict on other teams when they met the Nagaworld first-team at RSN this afternoon. The youngsters enjoyed good spells at the beginning of both halves but were made to pay for some sloppy defending against the semi-finalists in the Hun Sen Cup. Goalkeeper Keo Soksela was called upon to keep out a shot from Prak Chanratana early on, whilst Mat Sakrovy sent a shot from distance over the bar and Men Piphop kicked air instead of the ball, just twelve yards out, from Mat Noron's center. Naga took the lead on 23 minutes as Soksela dallied with the ball at his feet, lost possession and was made to pay with the first goal. Two minutes later Chhim Sambo broke from his own half after a Crown corner was cleared, sprinted past Sraing Titchhy and neatly slotted it past Soksela as he came off his line. Two goals in as many minutes. Naga added a third just four minutes later when captain Vat Samnang was dispossessed in his own area and paid the price for not clearing his lines. Soksela dived full length to pull off a good save and Naga hit the woodwork before they struck the fourth, five minutes from the break, as the Crown defence parted like the Red Sea and Naga went in four goals to the good.

Coach Bouy Dary made six changes at the break and Naga brought on recently departed Khim Borey against his old club. As in the first-half, the Academy held their own for the opening thirty minutes of the half with Kim Chhaya having his blast blocked by Om Thavrak after some neat one-touch build-up play. Then Long Phearath ventured forward and weaved past the last man, only for his shot to be blocked by the Naga goalkeeper. On 75 minutes, Naga made seven changes of their own and the fresh faces made light work of the tiring Crown defenders. Barry Lelouma rolled in number five a minute later, former Crown striker Baldwin Ngwa scored a brace on 80 and 84 minutes, using his strength top power his way through, and Lelouma robbed Vat Samnang for Naga's 8th goal, two minutes into stoppage time. A final scoreline that the Academy U-17s will not want to see repeated anytime soon. Injuries kept out Ouk Sovann, Suon Noeut and Kung Chanvuthy.
PPCFC U-17s: Soksela, Chansopheak (Chhaya 46), Baraing (Rozak 82), V Samnang (capt), Titchhy (Chanchav 46 (Senteang 72)), Sakrovy, Rozak (Chanpolin 46), Piphop (Phearath 46), Noron (Sodavid 46), Ponvuthy, Senteang (Muslim 46).