SVR win as expected

The Hun Sen Cup final went pretty much the way everyone expected with home team Svay Rieng winning, albeit at the death, 2-1 against Nagaworld, with a Nob Tola goal in the first minute of injury time deciding the tie. On the hour Naga's Sun Sophana levelled Prak Mony Udom's 1st-half opener, but Sun Sovannrithy was then red carded by referee Tuy Vichheka, which incurred the wrath of not only the Naga players but also Khmer football fans on Facebook, leaving the match official in doubt what they thought of him. Tola's late late winner gave the Military Police-backed team a third success in the country's only cup competition. Udom won the golden boot with 24 goals. The 2014 winners National Police came unstuck in the third-place play-off, going down 3-0 to TriAsia.

Crown knocked out

PPCFC vs SVR, back row, LtoR: Srin, Matnorotin, Pisa, Sokthorn, Thierry, Boris (capt). Front: Ary, Suhana, Sokheng, Makara, Sothy - click to enlarge

Result: Phnom Penh Crown 1 Svay Rieng 4 (Hun Sen Cup Q-F).
Phnom Penh Crown were knocked out of the Hun Sen Cup at the home of Svay Rieng, in the quarter-finals, the same stage they exited the competition a year earlier. They travelled the 140kms to the provincial capital with a fully-fit squad of Khmer players and coach Sam Schweingruber opted for a striking duo of Bin Thierry and Va Sokthorn against the competition favourites, Svay Rieng. In front of a large home following, Prak Mony Udom tried his luck from 20 yards out by Yok Ary caught the free-kick comfortably. Another Udom free-kick saw Ary punch clear only to be clattered by Nob Tola after the ball had gone, with no action taken by referee Lim Buntheoun. Crown's first opening came on 16 minutes as Sos Suhana sent Leng Makara surging forward but his shot was held comfortably low down by Aim Sovannarath. Sary Matnorotin joined Chhom Pisa in the referee's notebook with less than twenty minutes played as Buntheoun tried to unnecessarily stamp his authority on the tie. Tola sent a near post header wide of the mark for the home team and Thierry headed down for Sokthorn, only for his shot to blaze high and wide. On 26 minutes Udom's pace undid the Crown back-line and as Ary came out to challenge, the SVR striker slipped past him and rolled the ball into an unguarded net for the opening goal. Ngoy Srin got on the end of a Thierry free-kick but headed wide and Matnorotin fired a shot inches wide from Touch Sokheng's center. As Crown pressed, Sokheng blasted a shot high and Matnorotin had two opportunities to level but failed. The first arrived from Leng Makara's cross but he placed his shot wide, and then Thierry's pass found him in the box but he waited too long to pull the trigger and his shot was blocked. With SVR nerves fraying, keeper Sovannarath was cautioned for an altercation with Srin and from the resulting corner, Ouk Sothy headed onto the top of the net to leave SVR with a slender lead at the break.

Crown stopper Ary dived full length to fingertip a drive from Udom around the post seven minutes after the restart and moments later, Sovannarath was writhing around in agony after an innocuous challenge by Makara. A hopeful cross was missed by two defenders though Udom sent his finish a long way clear of the cross-bar, and then Srin sent a header too high from Thierry's free-kick. Crown found themselves two-goals behind on 69 minutes as Srin dallied on the ball just inside the SVR half, Udom robbed him and sprinted clear to finish with precision. It was the turning point of the match. Ten minutes later, Tola turned Pisa inside out in the box and drove a third past Ary and a minute later, Udom set up Phany Rotha and he calmly slid the ball inside the far post for two SVR goals in as many minutes. Game effectively over though Crown refused to lie down and finished strongly, albeit too late to rescue the tie. Long Boran's blast from Matnorotin's center was tipped over acrobatically by Sovannarath, and Sokthorn's low drive was held at the second attempt. In the first minute of stoppage time, Matnorotin found the run of Srin and his cross-shot was met by a lurking Um Tola for a tap-in to give Crown a consolation goal. Moments later, Tola fed Boran but his fierce strike was inches too high as the final whistle blew on Crown's hopes of cup success this season. Head coach Sam Schweingruber gave his verdict: "In the 1st half we counted we had 7 shots, they had five, but we were not brave enough, not doing what we asked them to do in the box, way too many touches and not brave enough to try to score. To concede the 1st goal was not acceptable, but up front we needed to do better. We had a plan for the 2nd half, we had a few half chances before we conceded again. The 2nd goal we gave away was unacceptable. I am very angry with the way we defended, but we have to look forward and try to sort it out.".
PPCFC vs SVR: Ary, Pisa, Sokheng, Boris, Srin, Sothy, Suhana, Matnorotin, Makara (Boran 74), Thierry (Tola 84), Sokthorn. Subs not used: Usarphea, Chetra, Lavy, Charly, Da, Polo. Bookings: Pisa, Matnorotin. SVR 4 bookings. MOTM: Matnorotin. Goal: Tola (90+1). Referee: Lim Bunthoeun.

Crown to meet Svay Rieng

PPCFC vs Boeungket, back row, LtoR: Srin, Thierry, Sokthorn, Polo, Pisa, Ary. Front Row: Makara, Boran, Suhana, Da, Boris (capt) - click to enlarge

Result: Phnom Penh Crown 0 Boeungket 1 (Hun Sen Cup Group C).
With both teams already through to the last eight, Crown rested four players with knocks and bookings, with one eye on the weekend's quarter-final which will be played in Svay Rieng. The opening salvo came from Crown and Long Boran who won a tackle but fired his shot meekly wide in the second minute. A minute later a Bin Thierry free-kick was met by Sor Polo but his header missed the target too. A weak header out by Chhom Pisa gave Ly Ravy a sight of goal by Yok Ary was equal to the strike, and minutes later Khuon Laboravy went around Ary but lost control as Ngoy Srin cleared the danger. Ary was again in the action, diving to the foot of the upright to turn Laboravy's free-kick past the post on 22 minutes. Crown were relying on counter-attack and it nearly paid off as Leng Makara sprinted onto Sos Suhana's through ball, only to touch it wide as Peng Bunchhay came out of his area to challenge him. The final action of the half came as Polo tried his luck from long distance but Bunchhay dealt with it comfortably.

Va Sokthorn moved onto a loose ball but his aim was off target as the second-half got underway, his shot going wide of the post. Thierry was booked for complaining to the match referee after he received an elbow in the face, and moments later lax marking at a corner saw Crown concede in the fourth minute after the restart. Keo Sokpheng's corner kick was hoisted into the box, Laboravy jumped unopposed and with Ary's view blocked, the ball found its way inside the post. Laboravy was Boeungket's only danger and Ary grabbed the ball off his toe and the striker then missed a sitter, after Kok Boris had deflected a cross to him just eight yards from goal. On 56 minutes, Makara outfoxed Ros Samoeun but his strike was kept out by Bunchhay's feet, and Ary did the same to Laboravy a few moments later. Srin was booked for a late challenge and was lucky not to see red a little while later, after referee Vichheka missed a leading forearm challenge on Sok Pheng. Um Tola arrived in place of Polo and was just off target with a volley from Makara's right-wing center. Just after the hour, Touch Pancharong escaped a booking for a deliberate handball on the edge of the penalty area, while Thierry's free-kick was blasted into the defensive wall. Boran got a shot on target which Bunchhay fumbled and Sokthorn's goal-bound touch was on cleared off the line by Ly Ravy. Pancharong was finally cautioned for a rugby tackle on Chey Chetra and then stood on the ball to stop a quick free-kick. Referee Vichheka was oblivious to Crown's appeals. With the game entering the final twenty minutes, Crown upped their game and Thierry's speculative 30-yard drive was held by Bunchhay at the second attempt. Sokthorn led the Rubbermen's defence a merry dance but his perfect cross was headed over the top by Suhana from eight yards as a great opportunity went begging. At the other end of the pitch, Srin got in a timely block on Laboravy after Pisa's wayward backpass. Sok Sovan came to Boeungket's rescue with a timely block as Sokthorn blasted a Makara pass goalwards, and as play swung to the other end, Ary was quickly out to take the ball from Chan Vathanaka. Bunchhay was booked for time-wasting and then came to his side's rescue with a game-winning save at the foot of the post from Thierry's 35-yard free-kick in the fourth minute of injury time.

Both teams go through to the quarter-finals, with Crown to face home team Svay Rieng on Sunday at 6.30pm. Boeungket meet Naga at 4pm the same afternoon. Crown head coach Sam Schweingruber spoke after the final whistle; "Everything we did today was in preparation for Sunday's game, we didn't want to take a risk with certain players like [Matno]Rotin, so we left him on the bench. The first half went to plan, we looked in control, comfortable and a few times looked good on the counter-attack. Quite happy. 2nd half - we should never concede on a set piece, our preparation was very specific. Very disappointing as it was a very average corner kick. We must do better. It changed the game, it became a lot more open, but we had enough chances to get a draw. At times we were very good, particularly Sokthorn who was unstoppable today. It was frustrating we didn't do better. Now we know we play Svay Rieng, and we will do everything possible to win that game on Sunday."
PPCFC vs BKet: Ary, Pisa, Da, Srin (Sothy 90), Boris, Thierry, Suhana, Makara, Boran (Chetra 68), Sokthorn, Polo (Tola 59). Subs not used: Usarphea, Matnorotin, Lavy, Charly, Sokheng. Bookings: Thierry, Srin. MOTM: Sokthorn - always causing problems. Ref: Tuy Vichheka.

20 goals in a day

PPCFC vs Battambang, back row, LtoR; Matnorotin, Srin, Polo, Sokthorn, Boris, Ary. Front: Sokheng, Makara, Pisa, Suhana, Sothy - click to enlarge

Result: Phnom Penh Crown 15 UYFC Battambang 0 (Hun Sen Cup Group C).
Crown coach Sam Schweingruber was without defender Thourng Da and striker Um Tola for his team's second tie in the Hun Sen Cup Group C at Tonle Bati. Both were missing through injury. The match began as expected, with Crown in the ascendency and it took just three minutes for debutant striker Sor Polo to strike the foot of the post. On five minutes, Sos Suhana tapped in the opening goal after Battambang keeper Tit Angsron juggled and dropped Touch Sokheng's center. Angsron did better when Va Sokthorn's shot was heading for the bottom corner, diving full length to push it aside. It was one-way traffic in Crown's favour and Leng Makara volleyed acrobatically onto the cross-bar from another Sokheng cross. With 18 minutes gone, Crown struck their second, as Sokthorn fed Makara and he burst through the middle before tucking his shot home. Other chances went begging before Crown scored their third goal. Polo sprinted through only to earn a yellow card for a foot up on Angsron who had left his box, Ouk Sothy sent a header over the top and Sokthorn had a goal ruled out for another foul by Polo on the overworked Angsron. That third goal arrived on 37 minutes as Chhom Pisa and Suhana combined to find Polo in the area, he took a touch before lacing the ball into the roof of the net for a debut goal from eight yards out. Sary Matnorotin had two attempts to get on the scoresheet but couldn't find the target until two minutes before the break, when he took the ball off the toe of Suhana, raced clear and finished with ease. Half-time and 4 goals ahead. 

With Ngoy Srin pushing into midfield, the central defender turned provider just three minutes after the break as Angsrom saved his drive, only for Sokthorn to turn in the loose ball. Eight minutes in and Matnorotin was in acres of space as he looped his header over the stranded keeper from Sokheng's center. Battambang were struggling to contain a rampant Crown team as they pushed in search for more goals. Polo was a few inches too high with a fierce drive and Suhana sent a volley wide from Sokthorn's cross, when it looked easier to score. On 64 minutes, Makara raced to the bye-line and pulled back for Sokthorn to set up Ouk Sothy for a simple score. Substitute Bin Thierry was on the field for just three minutes before he tapped in Crown's eighth just fifty seconds after Sothy's goal. Turning provider for Thierry's goal was Matnorotin who unselfishly squared the ball. Minutes later and Thierry had an attempt cleared off the goal-line, though Angsron was injured in the build-up and was replaced in goal by Battambang defender San Sotyan. Crown lost captain Kok Boris at the same time, with an ankle injury. Continuing their search for goals, Sokthorn's effort was cleared off the line by Ang Lyhor before Thierry volleyed over from six yards out. Goal number nine arrived on 76 minutes as Sokthorn fed Srin and his bye-line pull-back was tucked in by Suhana. A minute later and Srin sent Makara through, though he was fortunate the stand-in keeper kicked the ball against him and he rolled in his second goal. 

Yok Ary was finally called into action as ex-PPCFC Chea Dara's 25-yard free-kick looked to be creeping inside the post. At the other end Sotyan was happy to keep out Thierry's free-kick but he had no chance on 87 minutes as Srin released Lous Charly and his rolled cross was snapped up by Makara at the far post for his hat-trick goal. A minute later and Matnorotin also claimed his treble as Makara moved onto Pisa's long ball over the top and served it on a plate for his teammate to tap in. In the final minute a quickly-taken free-kick by Thierry found Srin in space and he fired in low to claim a deserved goal. In time added-on, Crown kept surging forward and claimed two more goals. Srin evaded three challenges on the edge of the box and set up Sokthorn, who was in no mood to miss. In the fourth minute of injury-time, Thierry claimed Crown's 15th when he won the ball and fired in a 20-yard low drive that went under the body of Sotyan to complete the demolition of the province team. Crown's second win in as many games takes them through to the quarter-finals with one Group C game still to go against Boeung Ket on Wednesday. 
PPCFC vs Battambang: Ary, Pisa, Sokheng, Srin, Boris (Boran 69), Sothy, Sokthorn, Matnorotin, Suhana (Charly 79), Makara, Polo (Thierry 61). Subs not used: Usarphea, Chetra, Lavy. Bookings: Polo, Sokheng. MOTM: Srin - all action 2nd half. Goals: Suhana 2 (5, 76), Makara 3 (18, 77, 87), Polo (37), Matnorotin 3 (43, 53, 88), Sokthorn 2 (48, 90+3), Sothy (64), Thierry 2 (64, 90+4), Srin (90).

PPCFC U-15s vs FFC, back row, LtoR: Chanmony, Sovannaroth, Savey, Chetra, Safy, Samnang. Front: Kakada, Pisoth, Piseth, S David, Panha - click to enlarge

Result: Phnom Penh Crown Academy U-15s 5 FFC Academy 1 (Friendly).
The Crown Academy maintained their winning record against the Federation Academy at Tonle Bati this morning with a comfortable victory. Chea Savey had to clear the ball from his own goal-line early on but after that it was Crown who forced the pace and Sok Panha rattled the top of the cross-bar with a cross-cum-shot. The same player gave his team the lead on 13 minutes when Mao Piseth's free-kick was deflected to him and he sent a half-volley into the net from six yards out. Piseth went close but saw his initial shot saved and from the resulting corner, his volley cleared the bat. Svang Samnang looked assured as he saved an FFC breakaway with his feet and on 20 minutes, Sin Kakada, with a 20-yard effort that eluded the FFC keeper's waving arms, put the Crown Academy further ahead. With the match bogged down in midfield, a save from Panha brought the first-half to a close. Four minutes after the restart, Kakada's perfect through ball saw Piseth hold off his marker and clipped in Crown's third goal. Ten minutes into the half and FFC took advantage of some sleepy defending to snatch a goal back. Crown were still dominant and on 67 minutes, Savey's thrust through the middle and shot were denied only for San David to slot the rebound into the net. Cue a cartwheel from the diminutive youngster. Kakada wrapped up the scoring on 77 minutes when he let rip from 30-yards out and his thunderbolt struck the bar and bounced over the line. A great strike to complete a dominant performance from Crown.
PPCFC U-15s vs FFC: Samnang (Rafat 46), Sovannaroth, Chetra (Davann 46 (Chetra 78), Safy, Savey (Davann 83), S David (N David 70), Pisoth (Samnang 61), Piseth, Kakada (Chanmony 78), Panha (Punlork 61), Chanmony (Rina 46). MOTM: Kakada. Goals: Panha (13), Kakada 2 (20, 77), Piseth (49), S David (67).

Cup success

PPCFC vs Army, back row, LtoR: Srin, Matnorotin, Thierry, Sokthorn, Ary, Boris (capt). Front: Pisa, Da, Sokheng, Suhana, Sothy- click to enlarge

Result: Phnom Penh Crown 4 Army 0 (Hun Sen Cup Group C).
With the competitive debuts of Sary Matnorotin and Va Sokthorn, Crown started slowly in the sunshine at Tonle Bati in their opening Group C match of the Hun Sen Cup. Yok Ary was called into a simple save from Pov Phearith's free-kick before coach Sam Schweingruber was forced into an early change, as Thourng Da left the field with a knee injury on 12 minutes, to be replaced by teenager Chey Chetra. Crown's first sight of goal came on 23 minutes as Ngoy Srin's ball to Bin Thierry, allowed the midfielder to create space for a shot but his strong drive went whistling wide of the target. Sokthorn went down claiming he'd been pulled over in the box but referee Khuon Vireak was in no mood to listen to Crown's pleas throughout the match. The opening goal came as Crown asserted themselves, on 29 minutes. Touch Sokheng, who had an outstanding game at left-back, fed Thierry, and his deflected cross sat up perfectly for Matnorotin to get a left-foot half-volley on target for the first of his two goals. The teenager could've scored again three minutes later, set up by Sokthorn after a neat interchange, but Um Sereyroth in the Army goal came out quickly to deny him. A wayward back-pass from Srin allowed Touch Roma space but his lob was well off target. With two minutes of the first-half remaining, Sereyroth was twice called upon to produce outstanding stops to keep his team in the tie. Matnorotin's cross to the far post was headed powerfully goalwards by Thierry, only for the keeper to tip it over the bar. Moments later, a 25-yard free-kick by Thierry was finger-tipped around the foot of the post by the stopper. In injury time, Ary pushed away a cross-shot from Phourng Soksana, but Army were well off the pace.

It took just 39 seconds of the second-half for Crown to continue their dominance. Sokthorn, who was the man-of-the-match in most observer eyes, broke clear and his cross was met by the forehead of Thierry, only for his header to miss the goal by inches. Three minutes later and Sokthorn set up Sos Suhana but his lob cleared the cross-bar. Ouk Sothy tried his luck from distance but Sereyroth was equal to it before Matnorotin clinched his second on 59 minutes. Ary's long drop-kick was headed on by Sokthorn and Matnorotin held off his marker and coolly rolled the ball past the keeper for Crown's second goal. Phearith struck the foot of the Crown upright with a free-kick, but it was all Crown and on 70 minutes, Sokthorn got the goal his performance deserved. Thierry held the ball up well and as it was cleared, Sokthorn took a touch and then blasted a left-foot screamer into the top corner from 25 yards out. A special strike, which must've looked good on the live TV cameras. Leng Makara and Um Tola entered the fray and the two combined with ten minutes to go, when Makara's 40-yard sprint set up Tola, but his finish struck the foot of the post and out to safety. Chetra set up Sokthorn but his shot was blocked low down by Sereyroth. With two minutes to go, captain Kok Boris stepped up to fire home his team's fourth goal from the penalty spot after Thong Udom had handled Makara's shot on the goal-line and was dismissed by referee Vireak. It was Sokthorn who released Tola, his initial shot was stopped by Sereyroth and that allowed Makara two strikes at goal, his second being punched away by last-man Udom. The game ended on a sour note as Ke Vannak's flying elbow caught Tola in the face and the striker was carried off with a bloody mouth. Crown, after this confident performance, will meet Battambang on Sunday in their next cup outing at Tonle Bati; the youngsters from the northwest were beaten 10-2 by Boeung Ket.  
PPCFC vs Army: Ary, Pisa, Da (Chetra 12), Srin, Boris, Thierry (Tola 79), Sothy, Sokheng, Sokthorn, Matnorotin (Makara 74), Suhana. Subs not used: Usarphea, Boran, Polo, Lavy, Charly. Booking: Sothy. MOTM: Sokthorn. Goals: Matnorotin 2 (29, 59), Sokthorn (70), Boris (88 pen).

Hun Sen Cup additions

Phnom Penh Crown open up their Group C Hun Sen Cup account this week, against the National Defense Ministry (Army) team at Tonle Bati on Thursday 22 Jan (kick-off 3.30pm). Crown head coach Sam Schweingruber has selected a squad of 19 Cambodian players - as no foreign players are allowed to participate. The squad includes 8 new faces, who have recently joined the club after trials, and Sam had this to say about the new signings: “Under pressure to fill the squad for the forthcoming cup matches, we have signed a number of young players with potential. All of them need time to adjust to the higher level of football at Phnom Penh Crown but they are working hard to catch up. As we have seen in the last few friendly games, some of them already have had some impact and we hope to see more from them in the next few months.”
The squad numbers for the Hun Sen Cup are as follows: (* = new signing):
1 - Yok Ary GK; 3 - Thourng Da; 4 - Touch Sokheng; 8 - Ouk Sothy; 9 - Bin Thierry; 13 - Um Tola*; 15 - Long Boran*; 16 - Sary Matnorotin; 17 - Sos Suhana; 18 - Kok Boris; 20 - Va Sokthorn; 23 - Leng Makara; 26 - Ngoy Srin; 28 - San Usarphea* GK; 31- Chey Chetra*; 33 - Sor Polo*; 34 - Hour Lavy*; 35 - Lous Chaly*; 30 - Chhom Pisa.
The next two Hun Sen Cup matches will be played on:
Sun 25 Jan - PPCFC vs UYFC Battambang - 3.30pm @ Tonle Bati
Wed 28 Jan - PPCFC vs Boeung Ket Angkor - 3.30pm @ Tonle Bati.

Goalkeeper San Usarphea (aged 23) is from Battambang and joins us after playing half a dozen matches for CMAC in the Division 1A play-offs. He was with BBU for a spell last season.
Midfielder Hour Lavy (aged 20) was born in Svay Rieng and has played with Chhlam Samuth and at BBU for the past two years. He was recently with CMAC for their Division 1A challenge.
Striker Sor Polo (aged 19) was born in Sihanoukville and played for his home town team since he was 14 years old. He scored 7 goals in 6 matches as Sihanoukville won the recent Division 1A play-offs.
Winger Chey Chetra (aged 17) comes from Kirivong in Takeo and recently played for Western University in the SEA University Games in Indonesia. He spent the last two years with the Suphanburi FC Academy in Thailand.
Striker Um Tola (aged 25) was born in Battambang, played for the Samdech Ov High School and his provincial team as a youngster. He also played for the Crossroads club, the SALT organization, Western University for three years and a brief spell with the Thaneakea Srov team. He played for Western University in the C-League during 2012.
Another Battambang-born winger, Long Boran (aged 23), also played for Western University for two years, alongside Tola. He appeared for Samdech Ov High School and his provincial team, as well as the SALT Organisation and Thaneakea Srov before moving to live in Phnom Penh in 2011 to study.
Winger Lous Charly (aged 18) comes from Thmor Koul in Battambang, played for Monivong High School, and also represented Battambang Police for the last two years.
Midfielder Sean Pisa (aged 18) joined Crown as part of the transfer deal that took Hong Pheng to Boeung Ket. Another native of Battambang, he played for Thaneakea Srov in his home town before ten matches for BBU and three games for Boeung Ket, who he joined last year. He is unavailable for the Hun Sen Cup.  

Movement at Crown

George Bisan signs on for another year. Pic Aman Singh.

Lots taking place this week already at Phnom Penh Crown. First-up is a further 1-year extension on the contract of last season's leading goalscorer with 20 goals, George Bisan, that will take him through to the end of 2015. George joined Crown in November 2013 after a year apiece with Chhlam Samuth (on loan) and Boeung Ket, where he was top scorer in both seasons. Born in Kaduna City in Nigeria, the 22-year-old striker started out with Waco Boys Academy and Maracana FC in his home country before coming to Cambodia where he has scored 52 goals in three seasons in the Metfone C-League. Head coach Sam Schweingruber had this to say about his star striker. "After last season's dominance by George in front of goal, we are very pleased to continue to have his support and goals. His physical power has helped him to make a name in Cambodia - often for being unstoppable. He was recently voted our best player at the Mekong Cup where he scored goals for fun and we are proud to have him on our side for the new season again. If his recent development continues, I am convinced his best season in Cambodia is still to come!"

There was also the Hun Sen Cup draw on Wednesday. The draw for the last 16 of the Hun Sen Cup saw 8 qualifying teams join the top 8 teams from last year's Metfone C-League and Crown have been drawn in Group C alongwith Boeung Ket, Army and Battambang. The matches will take place as follows, with locations and kick-off times to be confirmed in a couple of days:
Fri 23 Jan - PPCFC vs Army 3.45pm @ Army Stadium
Thu 5 Feb - PPCFC vs Battambang 1.30pm @ Army Stadium
Mon 9 Feb - PPCFC vs Boeung Ket 1.30pm at Tonle Bati.
The top two teams from Group C will be drawn against the top two from Group D, likely to be Naga and Svay Rieng, in the QF's on 13 & 14 February. The Final will be on 21 February.

On Tuesday, the club announced the sale of defender Hong Pheng to Boeung Ket for a substantial fee. The Battambang-born full-back made 23 appearances last season, scoring twice. He joined Crown in February 2011 from Baksey Chamkrong, and represented the Cambodia national team in the AFF Suzuki Cup last year. He was one of four players recently suspended from first-team activities. Young midfielder Sean Pisa moves in the opposite direction, joining Crown as part of the transfer arrangements, having also played with BBU last season. He originates from Battambang.

Third time lucky

Chroy Changvar, back row, LtoR: Chanchav, Sovann, Soksela, Titchhy, Senteang, Chanpolin. Front: Chhaya, Rozak, Samnang, Sodavid, Phearath - click to enlarge

Result: Chroy Changvar (Phnom Penh Crown Academy U-17s) 3 Tuol Kork (Svay Rieng B) 2 (Hun Sen Cup).
The Academy U-17s finished their Hun Sen Cup competition with a victory over old foes Svay Rieng, though both teams played under the name of city districts, in their first real taste of senior football. The Academy's two previous defeats to Kirivong and Albirex meant they could not qualify for the next round of the competition, so coach Bouy Dary made a number of personnel changes. Crown controlled the match for long periods with Tuol Kork offering token resistance with counterattacks. Sraing Titchhy missed a Kim Chhaya cross by inches and Chhuot Senteang's 25-yard effort crashed against the cross bar but without goal-line technology it was impossible to know if the ball crossed the line as it bounced down. An error by Choun Chanchav gifted the ball to Tuol Kork and An Sokchea made him pay with a sweet strike into the far corner for a goal against the run of play on 21 minutes. That quickly led to two competent saves from Sem Mesa in the Tuol Kork goal, a former Crown keeper, as he denied In Sodavid's long range effort and then Long Phearath's burst into the box. The expected equaliser arrived on 31 minutes as Ouk Sovann produced yet another of his trademark free-kick specials, getting the ball over the wall and the keeper's despairing dive with pace and precision from 20 yards out. Lionel Messi would've been proud of him. Keo Soksela made himself big to deny Sokchea with the last kick of the half as the teams went in level. 

Just 29 seconds into the second-half and Senteang raced clear onto Yeu Muslim's pass and rolled in his team's second with consummate ease. Muslim's shot lacked power to beat Mesa, while Soksela was down quickly to deny Sokchea at the near post. Sath Rozak poked in number three from close range after Sodavid's shot was saved by Mesa on 70 minutes. Chhaya's 30-yard run along the left flank sliced open the Tuol Kork defence to create the opening. Cheam Ratana nicked a goal back eight minutes later as the Academy failed to clear their lines but the Academy were on top and only another great save from Mesa denied Sodavid from netting at close range. Pov Ponvuthy was also denied by the keeper who then watched Senteang's audacious 35-yard lob sail just inches over the bar. A deserved success for Crown, though too late to progress to the next stage of the Hun Sen Cup, as Kirivong claimed top spot with a 1-0 win over Albirex.
Chroy Changvar (PPCFC U-17s): Soksela, Sovann (Noeut 46), Phearath, V Samnang, Chanchav, Chanpolin, Sodavid, Rozak (Ponvuthy 83), Chhaya, Titchhy (Muslim 46), Senteang. Subs not used: Chanvuthy, Sakrovy, Chansopheak, Baraing, Noron, Piphop. Goals: Sovann (31), Senteang (46), Rozak (70). MOTM: Chanpolin.

Poor decisions

Chroy Changvar (PPCFC U-17s), back row, LtoR: Chanchav, Soksela, Sakrovy, Chhaya, Senteang, Chanpolin. Front: Noron, Ponvuthy, Noeut, Samnang, Baraing - click to enlarge

Result: Chroy Changvar (Phnom Penh Crown Academy U-17s) 1 Albirex Niigata 3 (Hun Sen Cup).
Two crucial decisions by the match referee Neang Sopharith did the U-17s no favours in their second Hun Sen Cup match in two days. This second defeat means an end to their hopes of Cup progress, with one game still to be played. Twice Albirex keeper Pich Rovinyothin brought down Chhuot Senteang in reckless last-man challenges, one in each half, and both justified a red card. The referee issued one yellow and gave a penalty for the other. In fact, Rovinyothin then saved Mat Sakrovy's spot-kick, just to inflict more injustice.

Under the hot sun with their second 1.30pm kick-off in a row, it was Albirex who threatened first when Keo Soksela was alert to push aside Mart Hasan's low drive and then throw himself in the way of Ek Vannak's follow-up. Soon after Crown striker Senteang raced clear of the backline but sent his fizzing drive over the cross-bar. On 15 minutes the first contentious decision by referee Sopharith saw him wave only a yellow card at Albirex keeper Rovinyothin for a feet-first tackle on Senteang as he raced clear onto Kim Chhaya's pass. It was outside the box but with a clear run on goal, a red card seemed unavoidable. The free-kick came to nothing. Two minutes later Mat Noron weaved into the box, rounded Rovinyothin but sent his angled shot across the face of goal and wide. At the other end Soksela came out to deny ex-PPCFC winger Neou Sosela, but on 25 minutes, the young keeper could only palm Sosela's left-wing free-kick to the far post where the ball hit the head of Chhim Bunsan and sailed into the net. Five minutes later, Soksela kept out two more efforts, whilst at the other end, the Academy cashed in on some quick thinking and speedy reactions. Mat Sakrovy's quickly-taken free-kick sent Mat Noron free and his side-step around Rovinyothin allowed him to plant the ball into an empty net for the equaliser on 34 minutes. With five minutes of the half remaining, Albirex caught the Academy napping down the left wing and Men Seyha's bye-line cross was touched home by Mart Hasan, to put his team ahead once more. before the interval break, Chhaya tried his luck from distance without reward, while Soksela was again out smartly to deny Vannak.

The Academy began brightly and Pov Ponvuthy's bye-line cross-shot was palmed out by Rovinyothin with less than a minute on the clock. Albirex rattled the edge of the cross-bar but with seven minutes of the second-half played, another rash Rovinyothin challenge offered the Academy a way back. Orn Chanpolin's pass through the defence found a willing runner in Senteang, only for Rovinyothin to take his legs away with his flailing arms. Referee Sopharith pointed to the spot but refused to issue another card, either yellow or a straight red. It was clearly a second bookable offence at the very least, but the match official failed to act. As it was, Sakrovy's spot-kick, to Rovinyothin's right was too close to the keeper and the stopper, who shouldn't have been on the pitch, became his team's hero. Rough justice for the Academy. With legs tiring, changes brought on In Sodavid and his pass sent Senteang racing clear again, only for the striker to under-hit his shot directly at the keeper. On 79 minutes, Soksela came rushing off his line as Math Rofazy latched onto Sosela's punted pass and with the goal unguarded, the Albirex winger lobbed the ball inside the far post for his team's third. There was time for Vannak to hit the bar and then blast over as the Academy defence tired visibly, and sank to their second consecutive defeat.
Chroy Changvar: Soksela, Noeut, Baraing, V Samnang. Chanchav, Chanpolin, Sakrovy, Chhaya (Sodavid 67), Noron (Rozak 60), Ponvuthy (Titchhy 78), Senteang. Subs not used: Chanvuthy, Phearath, Sovann, Chansopheak, Piphop. Booking: Samnang. Goal: Noron (34). MOTM: Chanpolin.

Cup debut defeat

Chroy Changvar/PPCFC U-17s, back row, LtoR: Sakrovy, Chanchav, Soksela, V Samnang, Senteang, Chanpolin. Front: Ponvuthy, Noron, Noeut, Baraing, Rozak - click to enlarge

Result: Chroy Changvar (PPCFC Academy U-17s) 1 Kirivong SSC 2 (Hun Sen Cup First Round).
The Academy U-17s, playing under the name of Chroy Changvar District, suffered a first game defeat in the Hun Sen Cup qualifying round at Tonle Bati. They struggled to maintain their bright start after they opened the scoring on 5 minutes. Suon Noeut's cross was kicked clear to captain Orn Chanpolin who rifled in a shot from the edge of the box into the far corner. A perfect start. Two minutes later Mat Sakrovy tried his luck from 35 yards out which Kirivong keeper Kun Thnou dived to keep at at the foot of the post. 17 minutes in and Chhuot Senteang will wonder how he failed to head in from right in front of goal as Mat Noron's cross eluded everyone. Sakrovy's next shot lacked power and on 23 minutes, Noron should've done better with his 10-yard drive after Senteang blocked the keeper's clearance kick. Kirivong's In Vichheka missed three presentable chances, with Keo Soksela's legs getting in the way of the third effort and Heng Kimhong lashed a shot against the Academy cross-bar. The equaliser arrived on 37 minutes as Nop Chanborareasmey got to the bye-line and his driven cross rebounded off Soksela's gloves and over the goal-line. Three minutes later and Kirivong took the lead when the ball went through Samnang's legs and Chanborareasmey had the simple task of tapping home for a soft goal. Soksela had to dive low to keep out a Sos Nasiet headed chance just before the whistle. The first half had started brightly for the Academy but their fizz was well and truly flat by the interval break.

Five minutes into the second period and Pov Ponvuthy threw himself forward to head Noron's cross goalwards but Thnou covered the ground to palm the effort wide. With Kirivong dangerous on the break, the double goalscorer was denied and so was In Savdy as Soksela stood firm. Some rugged challenges gave the Academy a series of free-kicks outside the box but they failed to deliver any telling opportunities. Vichheka's late arrival in the box was denied by Soksela and moments later his ill-timed challenge on Ponvuthy gave the referee no alternative but to issue a second yellow, followed by a red card, on 85 minutes. In fact referee Khuon Virak had been on the field less than 30 seconds after he replaced an exhausted Sam Sirann in the middle, and it took him a few moments to realise Vichheka had already been booked. In the final minute of normal time, Mom Sophal's waist-high foot into Soksela's midriff deserved the straight red card it received, as Kirivong desperately clung on to their lead. Two minutes into time added on, Senteang bustled his way through the middle but couldn't find a finish to test Thnou, and then in the 4th minute of extra time, he sent a header the wrong side of the post from Noeut's cross, when it seemed easier to score. A golden chance to equalise that went begging as the Academy went down to an opening cup defeat in their first competitive senior match.
Chroy Changvar: Soksela, Noeut, Baraing (Phearath 67), V Samnang, Chanchav, Chanpolin,. Sakrovy, Rozak (Muslim 79), Noron (Chhaya 78), Ponvuthy, Senteang. Subs not used: Chanvuthy, Sodavid, Sovann, Titchhy. Injured (N/A): Piphop. Chansopheak. Goal: Chanpolin (5). MOTM: Soksela.

Academy in Hun Sen Cup

2 new kits for the Hun Sen Cup: Academy players LtoR: Baraing, Chhaya, Senteang, Chanvuthy, Sovann, Sodavid, Chanpolin - click to enlarge

The Phnom Penh Crown Academy will take part in the Hun Sen Cup 2015 competition, which begins on 8 January, and will represent Chroy Changvar district in Pool B of the Phnom Penh preliminary round. Of the 8 city teams, 3 will qualify for the knock-out rounds alongwith the regional qualifiers and the 8 best teams in the C-League last term. The Chroy Changvar team will be made up of the Crown Academy U-17 players under head coach Bouy Dary and could conceivably be drawn against the senior Crown team in the later stages if they qualify. The three matches in their pool of 4 teams will be as follows:
Thur 8 Jan v Kirivong - KO:1.30pm at RSN Stadium.
Fri 9 Jan vs Albirex Niigata - KO:1.30pm at PE School
Sun 11 Jan vs Tuol Kork (who will be Svay Rieng 'B') - KO:3.45pm at RSN Stadium.
The Academy youngsters are pictured with their two new playing kits for the cup competition, sponsored by 855Crown.Asia.

No change in the MCL

The Metfone C-League play-offs have been and gone, with the composition of the top division unchanged. The two teams in the 2014 relegation places, Kirivong and Albirex Niigata, will return to the fold after succeeding in the 3-team play-off battle at the FFC's Tonle Bati HQ last week. They were supposed to face the best teams from the Division 1A qualifiers, Sihanoukville and CMAC, but the seaside team pulled out leaving the three-teams to battle it out. Albirex made sure of their place with a 2-0 win over CMAC, after a 1-1 draw with Kirivong in the opening tie. A goal-less draw for Kirivong with CMAC, also saw the Takeo-based team return to the top flight too, so effectively no change.

The Olympic Stadium pitch is now being renovated, courtesy of a $500,000 grant from FIFA and an artificial surface will be laid between now and May. The likelihood is that the start of the C-League in 2015, scheduled for late March, will be played at other stadiums, such as the Army Stadium and the new RSN Stadium, with the Olympic pitch not likely to be ready. The Hun Sen Cup will begin in early January with qualifying matches in the provinces and amongst the Phnom Penh qualifiers, before the top eight teams in last season's C-League are invited to join the qualifying teams in the main competition. The teams in the Phnom Penh preliminary round are Army, Western Uni, Civil Aviation and Chbar Ampov (Creek Victory Sport), Kirivong, Albirex, Tuol Kork (Svay Rieng B) and Chroy Changvar. Games will begin on 8 January with three capital teams joining the province qualifiers in the next round.