Reaction from the dressing room

PPCFC celebrating their success - courtesy of Pou Neang/CamSports

I spoke to some of the Phnom Penh Crown players for their reaction to winning the Metfone C-League Championship.
Crown’s marquee signing Adriano Pellegrino gave his view on what winning the Championship meant to him. “I think it’s been sensational, that’s the right word. Honestly, it’s been a dream come true to come here and have an impact on the team and to be talking right now about winning the championship by 7 points, it’s amazing. It’s been a dream for me, being presented with that medal today and holding that trophy was honestly one of the best moments of my career. I’ve been very pleased with my performance. There was a lot of pressure on me when I first came, to do well and to push on – we had one goal as a team, to win the championship. My personal goal was to come and contribute, score goals and assist my teammates, and today I got another assist to cap it off, which I was pleased with, so all in all I’ve been very pleased with my personal contribution. Most of all our goal was to win the title, and to win the last game where there was nothing to play for, but we trained really hard this week and even though people might say the season was already over, Sam made sure that we won today. A great finish from everyone. Sensational.”

With 52 goals in 3 seasons of football in Cambodia, George Bisan has proved himself a lethal striker. A goal-machine. And he did what his coach Sam Schweingruber wanted him to do when he signed George before the season began, to realise the dream as a team and his dream as a striker and to get success. So how did George view this season? “I feel very excited to win because of the hard work throughout the team and we wanted to achieve this goal and God helped us, so its a great honour and joy. I’m very excited to win the championship trophy. I’m very happy with my own contribution, a little bit sad I cannot get the Golden Boot but at least I won the championship, so that’s enough for me. Next season I will be more explosive, so I will look to next season to get the Golden Boot. I’m very happy with the team because we all work so hard and encourage each other. Especially Adriano who encourages me in the field of play, and Sokumpheak, who tells me to remain calm, relax and play my game as the goals will come. I thank God for the courage he’s given me and for our success this season.”

Odion ‘Tony’ Obadin has just completed his 4th season with Crown and collected his second Championship medal. It would be hard to find a better clubman, and example to his teammates. So we asked Tony how did this success compare to 2011. “It’s not much different to 2011, we worked just as hard this time around as well. My first season was really great, then two seasons where we didn’t achieve enough, we lacked a few things like self-discipline and team discipline. The difference is now that we have so much discipline, teamwork in abundance, hard work and some great quality throughout the team that has really helped us. I can say it was a good season for me personally, last year I was okay but I didn’t perform as well as I did this year. To get five goals this season and a couple of assists and I stepped up my whole game from last season. I’m very happy.”

Crown captain Kouch Sokumpheak flies out to Laos this week with the Cambodia U-21 team for a friendly match, but I caught up with him to ask for this thoughts on winning the Metfone C-League Championship this year, which made it a hat-trick of Championship successes for the former Khemara Keila player. "I'm very happy and very excited to win it again. The second and third times were more meaningful for me as for the first championship I was used not so much and was substitute a lot. Now you can see how much the Cambodian players have improved than before, the same with the different foreign players we now have from so many nations. In my opinion, Crown won the championship because we prepared so well at all levels and we had unity throughout the club, the coaches and the players. The players like each other on and off the pitch, we are like a family. The leaders and administrators are great too. Everyone worked very hard, and worked together, to get this success. That's why I believe we deserved it. For me personally, I'm very happy as I can play a lot of games this season and contribute more to the team. I was so happy that I scored against Naga so that we could win the trophy. Very happy. I'm very pleased we won because we had to work really hard all season, whether under the hot sun or the rain. And I'm glad to win as I am getting old now and I don't know what will happen in the future." 

Final MCL weekend

The final weekend of the Metfone C-League season played out pretty much as expected with Phnom Penh Crown beating Boeung Ket 2-1 in the top vs runners-up game at Olympic Stadium on Sunday before Crown received their Championship trophy, medals and cheque for $15,000, which they had already assured themselves two weeks before. Referee Tuy Vichheka tried to make the game interesting in front of a big crowd by reducing Crown to 10-men, sending off Hong Pheng but they were too strong for Boeung Ket throughout the game. George Bisan, with his 20th of the season, and Odion Obadin netted for the champions, with Chan Vathanaka scoring a late penalty for the Rubbermen. Third-place went to NagaCorp who made relegated Albirex Niigata pay dearly for having the audacity to level the scores early on. Tatsuta Kazuki was the guy responsible for upsetting Naga who went about their task with renewed zeal, winning 6-1 and scoring through Sovannrithy, Anderson, Barry, Nyza and two from Chum. Svay Rieng had to settle for fourth, with a narrow 2-1 win over Army. Sothearoth and Tola scored for the military police team, with Phearith getting Army's consolation. Dzarma Bata didn't find the net for SVR in his final game but his 23 goals this season were enough to win him the Golden Boot, three ahead of Crown's George Bisan. TriAsia put paid to National Police 2-0, with Police failing to win in their last six matches. That said, their coach still managed to walk away with the Best Coach of the Year award, to everyone's amazement, at the awards ceremony before the champions were crowned late on Sunday night. Kihara and Kouch were the TriAsia scorers. Baldwin Ngwa, on loan from Crown, netted another brace of goals as AEU saw off Kirivong 3-1, with the Takeo-based team in the relegation zone with Albirex and will have to play-off later this year to secure their MCL status for next year. Western Uni wrapped up the season in style, with a morale-boosting 4-0 victory over BBU. Ivory Coast striker Goze Dieudonne, back from injury, netted twice as Mbarga and Saroth completed the rout.

Sam speaks and more awards

Sam Schweingruber with his son and friend

Phnom Penh Crown head coach Sam Schweingruber gave his view after Sunday's victory over Boeung Ket and the presentation of the medals and trophy to his team. "It was a dominant display. I don't think they really threatened us. Unfortunate that we couldn't come up with a second goal in the first half and George was unlucky not to score when he got injured. We played to our plan, we had a slightly different approach today than normal and it worked well for us. Up after seven minutes or so, they had one situation when we had to change George and our organisation was struggling a bit as my ideas didn't quite work out. We adjusted quickly and had complete control of the game again. Another early goal in the second half and then we know we can sit it out easily enough.
I found it hard to believe how the referee tried to keep the game interesting. The amount of yellow cards we got for nothing, then a red card and a penalty, it makes me laugh, almost as much as Vathanaka getting the MVP award. What has he done, what game has he decided, what influence did he have on this year's league? Certainly not anywhere close to what Sokumpheak has done, what Adriano has done, what a whole bunch of our players have done. I'm shocked, but not surprised at all. As for best coach, I had a strong feeling they would give it to a Cambodian.
We came close last season so it was an obvious progression that we wanted to win it this year. The boss [Rithy Samnang] helped in many ways by getting the people on board we needed, coaching-wise and playing-wise. There were a few games that were close, though today was not a close game, there was only one winner today. The crowd support today was amazing, I wish we'll have this more often. For the players, I'm sad for some who didn't play today and for some who didn't have the impact this season they wanted to but very pleased overall with the performances from everyone involved." 

Ung Kanyanith gets his coach award - photo by Masayori Ishikawa

In addition to the medals and presentation of the Championship trophy to Crown, as well as a cheque for $15,000, there were awards and medals to the runners-up and third-placed teams. Boeung Ket received $11,500 and NagaCorp $9,000. The usual end of season individual awards were also meted out by the football federation and this is where is got interesting, and highly controversial. Everyone expected Sam Schweingruber to collect the Best Coach accolade after guiding his team to the championship with just two defeats in only his second season. The FFC thought otherwise and handed it to Ung Kanyanith, the coach of National Police who finished well down the pecking order in 6th place. No-one can fathom how that decision was based on merit over the league campaign just completed. There was also audible gasps of shock when Chan Vathanaka was called forward to collect the season's Most Valuable Player award. Compared to the performances of outstanding performers like Kouch Sokumpheak, the captain of the league champions and everyone's nailed-on favourite to collect the prize, and others, Vathanaka has spent time on the bench or injured this season and his choice of MVP ranks up there with that of Chea Samnang in 2011. Incomprehensible. The Golden Boot went to Dzarma Bata, who has been banging in goals for fun with Svay Rieng and managed to overtake Crown's George Bisan in the last few weeks of the season. Bata topped the chart with 23 goals, Bisan finished with 20. At least Crown got a look-in when Sou Yaty collected the Best Goalkeeper award and a cheque for 1.5 million riels. Acknowledged as Cambodia's no.1 for a long time now, it was a fair decision for the stopper who picked up his first league medal after joining Crown at the start of the campaign and performed consistently well. Tuy Vichheka led the refereeing team that collected $1,000 as Best Referee group, after what can only be described as a performance in the final game that left many scratching their heads over a series of his decisions. Bottom club Albirex Niigata picked up the Fair Play award, another $1,000 reward that only the FFC control.

The sweet smell of success

Crown collect their 5th Championship - photo by Masayori Ishikawa, click to enlarge

Match Result: Phnom Penh Crown 2 Boeung Ket 1 (Metfone C-League).
Phnom Penh Crown signed off their season with a final game against  runners-up Boeung Ket and looking to settle a score after the Rubbermen won their first round encounter. Only Kok Boris was absent with an infected foot injury, Bin Thierry taking his place alongside Odion Obadin. In front of a massive Olympic Stadium crowd under the floodlights, the match came to life on eight minutes as Ly Ravy underhit a back pass which George Bisan quickly read and with Peng Bunchhay in no-man's land, the Crown striker lobbed the ball into the unguarded net for his 20th strike of the season from all of thirty yards out. Two minutes later and Thourng Da found Adriano Pellegrino with a through ball but his run into the box was halted by a lunging Ravy tackle. Chan Vathanaka weaved his way to the edge of the Crown penalty area but Ouk Sothy made a timely interception. Chukwuma Ohuruogu's long throw-ins are a known menace and Sou Yaty was under pressure from Mohammed Tijani before Obadin cleared his lines. At the other end, Khim Borey cut inside his marker only to see his shot deflected for a corner, from which Sos Suhana sent a fizzing shot a foot wide as it was cleared to him 35 yards from goal. Crown were forcing the pace and a Borey dink saw Bisan get a touch as Bunchhay came out to smother at his feet. The striker sustained an ankle injury and a few minutes later was replaced by Leng Makara. From the corner, a training ground move between Pellegrino and Thierry saw the latter's low drive blocked and cleared. Vathanaka's dipping free-kick almost caught out Yaty, who collected the ball at the second attempt with Sok Pheng closing in. Borey's deep cross was an inch or so too high for Pellegrino who sent a skimming header wide of the target. Boeung Ket's best chance fell to Khuon Laboravy, but he blasted high and wide, and looked a pale shadow of last season's top scorer and MVP. On the half hour of a pulsating encounter, a Pellegrino corner seared its way across the face of goal and Makara somehow managed to put his effort over the bar from close range. Referee Tuy Vichheka had already booked Hong Pheng for dissent and then harshly cautioned Pellegrino for kicking the ball at the Boeung Ket goal, at the same instant as he blew his whistle. Borey sent a 30-yard effort a few feet wide and twice Kouch Sokumpheak broke into the box but both times his shot was blocked by a forest of legs. The half ended with Yaty racing out of his area and then falling at the feet of Laboravy after recovering his position.

Another Ohuruogu throw into the six-yard box was caught by Yaty at the second attempt early on, but it was Crown who upped the stakes with a second goal after just four minutes of the restart. A foul on Makara near the left-hand touchline allowed Pellegrino to swing in one of his trademark pinpoint free-kicks and Obadin stabbed the ball goalwards with his right foot, with Bunchhay unable to stop it rolling over the goal-line. Boeung Ket made an early double change, though Tijani was the culprit as Yaty was hurt catching a free-kick. A late challenge on Thierry earned the Boeung Ket striker a yellow card two minutes later. Moments later Ohuruogu went into the book for a last-man trip as Sokumpheak broke clear onto Pellegrino's pass, though he was fortunate the referee was in a lenient mood. From the free-kick, Thierry curled the ball a foot wide of the far post. There was no such leniency from referee Vichheka on 59 minutes when Vathanaka spurted forward and the ball brushed the hand of Pheng. He immediately reached for his cards and flashed a yellow followed by a red. It was harsh in the extreme. Vathanaka's free-kick was easily handled by Yaty. The keeper was caught by Laboravay's boot in their next attack as Vathanaka's bye-line center caused concern, though Laboravy then went into the referee's notebook for an obvious trip on Sothy. Vathanaka was Boeung Ket's only source of danger and his 25-yard free-kick was acrobatically tipped over the bar by Yaty. From the corner, Momoh Sumaila will feel he should've done better with his blind run and far post header. Another Vathanaka free-kick fell onto the top of the bar before referee Vichheka handed the Rubbermen a lifeline they didn't really deserve. Touch Pancharong's lunge as Makara cleared his box should've been a caution but instead the referee saw it the other way and booked Makara, before pointing to the penalty spot. The Crown players simply couldn't believe their eyes and no amount of complaining would change the match officials' view. The clock had ticked into stoppage time as Vathanaka fired home the penalty which Yaty got his fingers to but couldn't stop. To add insult to injury, Vichheka allotted an additional six minutes but Crown were determined to hold onto their hard-fought success and they did so without any difficulty, finishing the game as 2014 champions and leaving Boeung Ket to lick their wounds, trailing some seven points behind in the final league standings. All that was left was for Crown to step up to the stage and collect their fifth Championship trophy.
PPCFC v Boeung Ket: Yaty, Da, Pheng, Thierry, Obadin, Sokumpheak, Sothy, Borey, Suhana, Pellegrino (Srin 90+2), Bisan (Makara 25). Subs not used: Ary, Soksela, Dara, Sokheng, Morslim, Pisa, Sosela. Bookings: Pheng (+ red card 59), Pellegrino, Yaty, Makara. MOTM: Obadin - rock solid and the winning goal. Goals: Bisan (8), Obadin (49). 

PPCFC v B/Ket, back row, LtoR: Pheng, Obadin, Thierry, Bisan, Borey, Yaty. Front: Da, Suhana, Sothy, Sokumpheak, Pellegrino - click to enlarge

The Champions await their prize

Here's a sneak preview of the champions banner that Phnom Penh Crown will be holding on Sunday around 8pm when they collect their 5th Cambodian League Championship. Their previous championships have come in 2002, 2008, 2010 and the most recent was in 2011. Captain Kouch Sokumpheak and defender Odion Obadin were regulars back in 2011, with Khim Borey, Hong Pheng and now assistant coach Tes Sophat being part of that squad too. It's a vindication of the way Phnom Penh Crown approach the game both on and off the pitch that they can claim this year's championship. Quite simply, no one deserves it more for their style of football and what they are achieving off the pitch as well. Phnom Penh Crown represent what is good about Cambodian football and long may it continue.

Baldwin grabs a hat-trick

The MCL table after Week 21

Baldwin Ngwa, the Phnom Penh Crown striker on loan to Asia Europe helped his team to a comprehensive 5-2 victory over National Police with the Cameroonian grabbing a hat-trick in the weekend's Metfone C-League matches. Ngwa netted twice in a first-half flurry of AEU goals with George Kelechi and Mohammed Hamza getting in on the act, while Police replied through Reijin Tani and Nuon Borey. Ngwa competed his three-goal haul after the break. Both defences were absent without leave when Boeung Ket and BBU met on Sunday. The Rubbermen bounced to a 10-5 victory that left observers speechless but amused, as the Kompong Cham outfit confirmed second place in the league table, their second year in succession as the bridesmaids. The goalscorers also went unnoticed by any of the media though its believed Keo Sokpheng and Momoh Sumaila each got a brace. NagaCorp held onto third place for the time being, despite Svay Rieng's fortunate win over champions Phnom Penh Crown. Naga's goals, in a 2-1 win over Western Uni, came through Choun Chum and Jang In Yong. As for Svay Rieng, they triumphed 3-2 over the new champs courtesy of a mistake by Crown keeper Yok Ary that handed the winner in a close 3-2 game to Samoeun Pidor with 12 minutes to go. Seuy Visal headed an own goal to give Crown the lead but James Adekunle levelled with a hotly disputed goal. In the second-half, Dzarma Bata, the league's top scorer, netted early on before Kouch Sokumpheak equalised. Keeper Sar Sophea made a match-winning save from Khim Borey in stoppage time. TriAsia has Suong Virak to thank for both goals in a 2-0 win over the Army, while Albirex Niigata registered only their second win of the campaign, beating fellow relegated side Kirivong 2-1. Tatsuta Kazuki scored both goals in a game Albirex dominated. In the previous midweek tie, Naga were held 2-2 by Svay Rieng, after leading 2-nil with 7 minutes to go. Barry Lelouma got both Naga goals before Dzarma Bata and Samoeun Pidor made it all-square at the final whistle.

Crown slip up

PPCFC v Svay Rieng line-up, back row, LtoR: Obadin, Makara, Thierry, Bisan, Borey, Ary. Front: Dara, Da, Sothy, Pellegrino, Sokumpheak - click to enlarge

Match Result: Phnom Penh Crown 2 Svay Rieng 3 (Metfone C-League).
Phnom Penh Crown slipped to their first defeat in 16 matches and their first reversal in Round 2 of the Championship, which they had already guaranteed themselves with their win over NagaCorp last week. Kok Boris was suspended so coach Sam Schweingruber sprang a surprise by slotting Bin Thierry alongside Odion Obadin as the central defensive pairing. Hong Pheng missed the game as he was at a wedding. It took a while for the game to warm up before George Bisan's shot was blocked by James Adekunle and Obadin cleared the danger from Prak Mony Udom's low cross into the six-yard area. The best opportunity fell to Dzarma Bata when a fortunate rebound off Ouk Sothy fell into his path but he slipped his shot wide of Yok Ary and the upright. Ary looked a bit uncomfortable as he fumbled a low shot from distance by Nob Tola around the post, before an unfortunate clash required Svay Rieng to change their goalkeeper after just twenty minutes. Khim Borey slotted a pass through to Sothy but keeper Aim Sovannarath came out quickly to collect, but also got caught by Sothy's boot on his head and required stitches in a wound. Sar Sophea replaced him in goal. Bisan's long range free-kick was deflected for a corner and then his run across the pitch, exchanging passes with Adriano Pellegrino and Leng Makara, ended with the striker firing well wide of the target. A few minutes later Pellegrino played a one-two with Bisan and let fly from 25 yards, though his drive whistled a foot over the cross-bar. Borey's long ball send Bisan scampering clear on the left touchline but his sprint into the box was ended with a heavy touch allowing Sophea to collect. Bata forced a one-handed save from Ary though a raised flag meant it didn't count.

On 33 minutes Crown opened the scoring when Kouch Sokumpheak's lobbed pass, aimed at Bisan, found the head of Seuy Visal and in trying to direct his header to Sophea, sent it inside the far post for an own goal. It took just two minutes for Svay Rieng to equalise. Udom's curling free-kick was forced in at close range by Adekunle's high foot though Crown complained bitterly to referee Sang Sopheak that the scorer's foot was dangerously high, with a mark on Ary's ribcage to back up their claims. He waved aside the appeals. Stung by the decision, Crown forced the pace with halftime approaching. Borey released Bisan again and this time the striker cut inside but couldn't find the power to beat Sophea. Bisan nearly turned provider when his through ball looked to have caught out the Svay Rieng defence with Pellegrino looking to get a crucial touch, only for Sophea to clear the ball to safety off the Australian's toes. Udom's curler narrowly avoided the post after Tola had set him up and to close the first-half, Makara blasted well over after Pellegrino's shot was deflected into his path. It was all-square at the interval.

Crown will be disappointed to concede just three minutes after the restart as Svay Rieng broke, Tola laid the ball into the path of Bata, and he made no mistake, forcing the ball past Ary, to take him well clear of Bisan in the race for the Golden Boot award. Responding well to the reverse, Visal was forced to head the ball away from danger from Borey's cross, though at the other end it needed a timely intervention by Thierry to clear a similar situation. Bata's touch let him down as Udom sent him clear and Ary came out quickly to collect at the striker's feet. A trademark Pellegrino free-kick from 35 yards out looked destined for the net from Sokumpheak's flicked header but Sophea dived full-length to divert it around the post. Pellegrino's corner was met by Borey's head at the near post and though Sophea's stop gave Makara a close range header, he missed the target and sent the golden opportunity over the cross-bar. On 63 minutes, Crown got the goal their pressure deserved. Pellegrino, 30 yards out on the touchline, floated over a free-kick which missed everyone except Makara at the far post and his hook back across goal was nodded in by Sokumpheak from a couple of yards out to draw the teams level again. Nofiu Lawal swept a cleared corner past the post through a crowded area, before another Pellegrino corner was headed goalwards by Sokumpheak but stopped on the line by Visal and cleared. 

Ngoy Srin tried his luck from 35 yards when a poor clearance landed at his feet, but a back-pedalling Sophea saw it all the way and fingertipped it over the bar. A foul on Sothy gave Borey an opportunity for one of his curling free-kicks but he pulled it left and past the upright from 25 yards. The winning goal came out of the blue with twelve minutes to go. A long ball down the middle saw Ary race out to kick it away, only for the ball to hit Bata and ricochet into the path of substitute Samouen Pidor, who calmly volleyed it into the empty net. It was rough luck on Ary and his Crown teammates who quickly recovered their composure to take the game to their opponents. Pellegrino found Borey and he took aim from 30 yards only for his ferocious drive to strike the wrong side of the post. Sophea, not involved at all, remained motionless on the ground for two minutes as Svay Rieng played for time. Neou Sosela sent a hit and hopeful shot wide before the final chance of the match fell to Borey. Two minutes into stoppage time, Sokumpheak forced his way at the heart of the defence and slipped the ball to his teammate, but Borey's dipping drive was tipped aside by Sophea and referee Sopheak had seen enough and blew for time, and the end of Crown's nine-match winning sequence.

Coach Sam Schweingruber had this to say about the game. "The game was quite good, I thought they had a bit more in midfield, they keep the ball well and were a bit better organised in the 1st half. We had a couple of good opportunities and were a bit unlucky a couple of times. We got a fortunate goal and then they got one that shouldn't have counted for a high foot, though it was poor defending by us. I was quite happy with our possession, rotations and general build-up play. We made a little mistake at the start of the 2nd half and were too far away from Bata, and he showed why he's the top scorer. I was unhappy with that. We equalised, had more opportunities, we were the better team at that stage. Then as we were deciding on our next change, their third goal came. We did really well playing from the back today and Ary had some really good moments helping the build-up. And then to have this fairly easy ball, which he kicked at Bata and it bounced perfectly for a one-touch finish. These things happen. We tried to equalise, there wasn't much between the two teams and I'm disappointed we couldn't get a result out of this game. We deserved another goal." 
PPCFC v SVR: Ary, Dara (Srin 54), Da (Sosela 83), Thierry, Obadin, Sokumpheak, Sothy, Borey, Makara, Pellegrino, Bisan. Subs not used: Yaty, Soksela, Pisa, Morslim, Sokheng, Suhana. Bookings: None. MOTM: Pellegrino - for his 2nd half prompting. Goals: OG (33), Sokumpheak (63).

It's Crown's Championship

Week 20 and PPCFC have clinched the Championship with 2 games to go

Phnom Penh Crown clinched the Metfone C-League Championship with two games to spare - their 5th title success - with a 1-0 win over NagaCorp on Saturday evening under the floodlights of the Olympic Stadium. On a winning streak that has seen them forge ahead in the title race, Crown were nervous knowing that they had to find a win from their final three games and found it hard to break down Naga until captain Kouch Sokumpheak stole in unnoticed to head home just after the half-time break. It proved to be the only goal of the game and Crown's players and staff reacted wildly to the final whistle when it came. And why not. Their championship is well deserved. On Sunday, Boeung Ket, who had been Crown's closest chasers scored a predictable win against relegation certainties Kirivong, thanks in the main to a brace from Khuon Laboravy. But they are unable to catch the runaway leaders and will have to settle for the runners-up spot. Svay Rieng have upped their game in the last few weeks with striker Dzarma Bata sprinting ahead in the race for the Golden Boot, and helped himself to a tap-in for goal number 21 in the 3-0 defeat of BBU on Saturday. Nofiu Lawal, who was later red-carded for punching an opponent, and Samoeun Pidor netted the others. The Army showed no mercy towards bottom club Albirex Niigata, scoring with the last kick of the game to win 2-1. Sen Sarak had earlier put Albirex ahead with a superb strike. TriAsia were too strong for AEU winning 1-0 with a goal from Sok Chanrasmey. On Sunday Western Uni managed a creditable goalless draw with National Police, who have fallen off the pace in recent weeks.

Crowned as Champions

PPCFC v Naga, back row, LtoR: Srin, Boris, Bisan, Obadin, Borey, Ary. Front: Suhana, Sothy, Da, Sokumpheak, Pellegrino (and mascots) - click to enlarge

Match Result: Phnom Penh Crown 1 NagaCorp 0 (Metfone C-League).
Phnom Penh Crown's challenge for the Metfone C-League, winning all 8 matches in the second round of competition, gave them the comfortable position of having to win just one of their final three league matches to claim the title. With a full complement of players to choose from, only a late concern for Hong Pheng left him on the bench as coach Sam Schweingruber went with his tried and tested line-up, led out by captain Kouch Solumpheak. Opponents NagaCorp included no less than six ex-Crown players in their squad. Naga kicked off but it was Crown's Sos Suhana who had the first shot at goal in the second minute, but it was an easy pick-up for Samrith Seiha. Khim Borey cut in and let fly, but it sailed wide and Chhim Sambo gave an easy catch for Yok Ary at the other end. On fifteen minutes, George Bisan took a pass from Sokumpheak, turned his marker and sent in a dipping, bouncing shot that Seiha just managed to tip around the post. Five minutes later, Kok Boris rose high to head Borey's center firmly against the cross-bar and as the ball bounced down on the goal-line, the danger was cleared. It was the highlight of an otherwise nervy and inconclusive first-half for both teams. Odion Obadin stood strong to head away a dangerous Sun Sopanha corner and moments later Sun Sovannrithy found room in the box but headed over the top with Naga's best opportunity of the half. Borey sent a cross-shot across Seiha's goal, a rebound off Ngoy Srin sailed over the bar and Adriano Pellegrino's center was inches away from Bisan's boot in front of goal as referee Chy Samedy blew for half-time. 

Pheng replaced Srin at the break as Crown showed their determination to get the all-important win they required. Pellegrino tried a long range effort that was well wide, and Bisan set himself up for a drive from the edge of the box that took a deflection off Zogbe Anderson and cleared the bar by a matter of inches. With their next attack, Crown at last broke the deadlock and sent their fans into raptures in the grandstand. Pellegrino, as he has done so many times, sent over another of his pinpoint crosses from the right flank and Sokumpheak timed his run to perfection, sending his header past Seiha and into the corner of the net from twelve yards. A fitting reward for the captain who covered every blade of grass on the pitch. Bisan was next to threaten as he drove goalwards from 20 yards out with Seiha parrying and collecting at the second attempt. Sovannrithy headed wide and Ary dealt comfortably with a long range effort from Jang In Yong as the clock ticked down. In stoppage time, Anderson got a touch to a cross but steered it wide and with the final action of the game, Seiha rushed out of his area and clattered into Bisan, as the striker got to the ball first but sent it looping wide of the target. The whistle blew and Crown's players and staff began wild celebrations on the pitch as the three points confirmed their fifth Championship victory, with two matches still left to play.

Head coach Sam Schweingruber gave his verdict in the midst of the celebrations. "It's a great relief finishing the job in the first Final and not having to go through another two Finals. Lots of emotions, pressure, it's been building up over the week, trying to prepare, do everything right and hoping things will work out. The game was more difficult than I expected. They had almost nothing but we still couldn't create the chances and opportunities that we are used to. At the end of the day, just very happy, thankful to the fans who came today to support us, they were really amazing - and really thankful to the players who put in 90 minutes of excellent fight, showing the right spirit, showing the discipline and showing the commitment of champions. I was very happy with what we displayed, but we can clearly see we have a long way to go if we want to play at the next level. We have to get a lot more comfortable to play our style when we're under pressure, when things are a bit shaky because of the emotions, we have to develop that. Hopefully we can move forward as a club and the team can establish even more victories for the future of Crown."
PPCFC v NagaCorp: Ary, Srin (Pheng 46), Da, Boris, Obadin, Sokumpheak, Sothy, Borey, Suhana (Thierry 88), Pellegrino (Makara 90+2), Bisan. Subs not used: Yaty, Soksela, Dara, Pisa, Sokheng, Sosela, Morslim. Bookings: Boris. MOTM: Sokumpheak - the game's winning goal. Goal: Sokumpheak (53). 

Celebrations after the final whistle - courtesy of Masayori Ishikawa

Previewing the game

Sam Schweingruber

Bottom-line, if Phnom Penh Crown beat NagaCorp in tomorrow's late Metfone C-League clash under floodlights at Olympic Stadium, then they will be champions with two games to spare. If they don't win they have games against Svay Rieng and Boeung Ket to get the three points they need to make sure of the title, their first since 2011. Crown head coach Sam Schweingruber gave his thoughts to the Phnom Penh Post this week on tomorrow's mouth-watering clash between the first and third-placed teams.
“We are close to receiving the rewards for our hard work over the last 20 months. Yes, we know that we are facing the strongest opponents of this year for all of our final three matches and will take preparation as seriously as we can and not be affected by the comfortable view of the table. If we approach our game the way we have recently, I am confident we can lift the title as expected by many of our fans. But it will certainly not be easy as each of our opponents will do everything possible to see us stumble. While Naga’s and Boeung Ket's form has recently not been their best, Svay Rieng have shown similar qualities to last year when they were Champions - so we have been warned!”
"For the first time in many months every player is available for selection and I will have to make the right choices for this match, which we will treat as a Final. We have won all our 8 games of the second round and established some good ways to control games and get the results we want. We won't make many changes to the way we have recently played. For our first game with Naga, we were disappointed with the result and at the same time were fortunate as they missed a late penalty. Hopefully we can learn from that and find a way to overcome the best defence of the league (only conceded 13 goals so far) and show that we have the best attack (we've scored 52 goals) and score the goals we need."
"Obviously our foreign players have been important for us, just looking at George's 19 goals, the many assists by Adriano and the defence organised around Tony. Our Cambodian players have also developed very well which is recognized by the national team coach in selecting so many to his squad. In each position we have options and players have to fight for a starting spot, which creates healthy competition. The work rate and discipline of our team is very good and the unity is an additional strong factor. The coaching staff have as a team managed with hard work to get the team on a nice level in all aspects of the game and we are looking forward to further strengthen the ability of Phnom Penh Crown. Difficulties come along during a season, key players are injured or not fit and players suspended, but each time less recognized players have stepped up and did a good job for us."

Strengthening their grip

Week 19 of the MCL campaign, courtesy of Sabay.com.kh

It sure looks like Phnom Penh Crown are in no mood to let their grip on the Metfone C-League Championship slip, condemning National Police to a 3-1 defeat in Saturday's clash at Olympic Stadium under lights. George Bisan, with goal number 19, Odion Obadin and on the hour, captain Kouch Sokumpheak getting on the Crown scoresheet, with Tith Dina scoring the Police's consolation. It was their 7th straight win. In contrast, Boeung Ket were frustrated by the Army on Sunday and have conceded that their challenge has faltered beyond repair, after a surprise 1-1 draw in a game they expected to win. The gap between the Rubbermen and Crown is now seven points and one more win in their next three games will give Crown the crown, so to speak. Mohammed Tijani scored for Boeung Ket but didn't know much about it, as an attempted clearance struck his body and rebounded back into the net. The leveller from Ung Dara came courtesy of a penalty conceded by Pheak Rady. Boeung Ket groaned as Army rode out a late surge to share the spoils. Elsewhere, BBU managed a 2-1 win over strugglers Kirivong with Thai Phalla and Takahito Ota scoring. A late late strike from Yusuke Ueda helped bottom dwellers Albirex Niigata to a 2-2 draw with AEU, but it won't help their plight as they are doomed to relegation. Western Uni did their survival hopes a power of good when Reo Nakamura's late goal proved decisive in beating TriAsia 1-0.
In Wednesday's midweek game, former champions Svay Rieng gave Kirivong a lesson they won't forget quickly, thrashing them 9-0 with Nigerian striker Dzarma Bata netting a personal tally of 5 goals to take him above Crown's George Bisan in the race for the Golden Boot. Prak Mony Odom grabbed a brace, with Nob Tola and Samoeun Pidor adding the others. In the later game, NagaCorp and National Police rode out a boring 0-0 draw.

7 wins on the trot

PPCFC v Nat Police, back row, LtoR: Boris, Pheng, Obadin, Bisan, Ary, Borey. Front Row: Pellegrino, Da, Suhana, Sosela, Sokumpheak - click to enlarge

Match Result: Phnom Penh Crown 3 National Police 1 (Metfone C-League).
With three players missing due to suspension - Bin Thierry, Ouk Sothy and Ngoy Srin - coach Sam Schweingruber switched Neou Sosela for Leng Makara in his starting eleven for this potentially tricky game with National Police at Olympic Stadium under lights. Sosela is a former Police player. Crown's Khim Borey sent a long distance effort wide, while Police's Noun Borey aimed a low drive straight at Yok Ary as the match took a while to get into its rhythm. It took the league's leading goalscorer, George Bisan to bring the game to life, when he smashed in his 19th goal of the campaign, on 24 minutes. Borey moved into the middle and laid the ball back for the Nigerian hotshot to strike a 25-yard volley into the bottom left corner leaving goalkeeper Yasuyuki Yoshida clutching at straws. It was just what the game needed. Ieng Tin cynically took out Kouch Sokumpheak on the half-way line as the Crown captain scurried clear and having already been booked, Tin was fortunate to escape a second caution. Bisan was on target again with a header from Hong Pheng's center but Yoshida clutched it under the bar. At the other end, Ary had to be alert to fingertip a Samuel Oseika looping header over the top. With Crown on top, Adriano Pellegrino's free-kick found the head of Odion Obadin and his nod across the box found Bisan, but the striker swung his boot and miskicked. Thirty seconds later Sosela's pass sent Bisan on a charge but as he let fly, a long leg from Say Piseth saved Police's blushes. That let-off didn't last long. From the Pellegrino corner, Obadin dived forwards to head the ball past Yoshida from eight yards out, with five minutes of the half remaining. It was Obadin's fourth of the season, all of them headers. Bisan broke away again and attempted to set up Pellegrino but without success and the Australian then sent a shot on the turn straight at Yoshida. Noun Borey sent a header well wide in a rare Police break and the final action of the first-half, saw Sosela's cross deflected off Tin and spin inches wide of the near post.

It needed a Police revival at the start of the second-half to make inroads into Crown's lead and though they huffed and puffed, it never came. Two Borey free-kick's went straight to Ary and wide of the post before Crown took back the initiative and Obadin headed over the top from Pellegrino's deep corner. Police full-back Ieng Tin's rash challenges were his undoing, as he again caught Sosela late and referee Tuy Vichheka was spot-on to produce a yellow followed by a red card. That was two minutes before Crown netted their third goal on the hour. Sosela fed Pellegrino and his sublime chip over the defence was chested down by Sokumpheak, who took an extra touch and calmly rolled the ball wide of Yoshida. Crown were looking to put the result beyond doubt as Sokumpheak released Bisan through the middle but Yoshida stood firm and stopped the striker's shot with his feet. Barely ten seconds later, Pellegrino ghosted past the last defender but also found Yoshida equal to his goal-bound shot. Police had no answer to the waves of Crown attacks and Pellegrino slipped a pass wide to Sosela but the tiny winger's aim was off and he blazed the ball over the cross-bar. Bisan moved onto a pass from Borey and his powerful drive was fumbled by Yoshida, though the goalkeeper produced a dramatic fingertip save two minutes later as Bisan raced onto Sokumpheak's pass and unleashed a ferocious drive which the Japanese stopper somehow kept out. A contender for save of the season without a doubt.   
Pellegrino sent an effort from distance harmlessly wide and another of his dangerous corners saw substitute Leng Makara head the first of a trio of good chances over the top at the far post. Police's Say Piseth was fortunate to only see yellow for a shocking late tackle on Sokumpheak. With fifteen minutes of the game remaining, Police were offered a lifeline when Tith Dina collected a ball through the middle and slotted his shot past Ary. However, Crown continued to create chances, with Borey's free-kick headed back across goal by Bisan and Makara sent an overhead kick ballooning over the bar. Next, Sokumpheak slalomed through three challenges and set up Makara, only for his fierce drive to clear the cross-bar. Ary watched a 45-yard volley from Chhin Meng Seang dip at the last moment and touched it over the top, while Bisan was again on target with a powerful shot but Piseth's foot deflected it wide. In stoppage time of seven minutes, Ary was again alert to keep out two goal-bound strikes in a crowded penalty area, as Crown saw out their seventh straight victory and extended their lead at the top of the Metfone C-League table to eight points Head coach Sam Schweingruber reflected on the chances that got away. "The most difficult part of the game is scoring goals. Its been the story of our season. Its easier to defend and park the bus than create chances and break down a fairly decent defence. We've been struggling, not for the first time, to put the ball into the net. For example, George scored the most difficult chance he had, while the later chances he had were actually easier. Police didn't have anything to threaten us and it was a completely dominant first half from us. Good possession, the goals we scored were great and we should've scored more from the chances we had. We'll take the positives that we created those chances, so that's very good. Just sad that we didn't score more."
PPCFC v Nat Police: Ary, Da, Pheng, Boris, Obadin, Sokumpheak, Suhana, Borey, Sosela (Makara 70, Pisa 89)), Pellegrino (Sokheng 74), Bisan. Subs not used: Yaty, Soksela, Dara, Morslim. Bookings: None. MOTM: Sokumpheak - a captain's performance in every respect. Goals: Bisan (24), Obadin (40), Sokumpheak (60).

MCL round-up

After Week 18 for most teams, table courtesy of Sabay.com.kh

With the Metfone C-League program reduced to just 4 matches this weekend, it was left to Phnom Penh Crown and Boeung Ket to forge ahead as the clear frontrunners in the championship race while NagaCorp and Svay Rieng were left twiddling their thumbs by a short-sighted fixture listing. The latter two clubs have two weekends without games despite being knocked out of the Singapore Cup weeks ago, so it makes no sense that their games weren't added back onto the roster. That said, both clubs are effectively out of the title fight, so it makes little difference. Crown extended their lead to eight points by beating TriAsia 2-1 under floodlights on Saturday, but Boeung Ket bounced back to whip AEU 4-1 to close the gap back to five points. George Bisan with his 18th of the campaign, and Odion Obadin scored first-half goals for Crown after TriAsia took the lead through fleet-footed Suong Virak. The league leaders were always in command after TriAsia began brightly but faded. The next day, TriAsia took control of their match with four goals before half time including two for Mohammed Tijani and one each for Khuon Laboravy and Sok Pheng. Boeung Ket are praying for Crown to slip up in the final four games of the season, as the Rubbermen have by far the easier of the two run-ins. The teams meet on the last day of the season, Sunday 27 July. Elsewhere BBU and Army eked out a 1-1 draw, Rim Bunheang for BBU and Va Buthror for Army scoring, while Western Uni put another nail in Albirex Niigata's coffin, with a 3-2 victory on Sunday to move themselves out of the drop-zone. Yuseke Ueda netted twice for Albirex but Western won it with goals from Chet Phannith, Pen Panha and on-loan Svay Rieng striker Ly Saroth.

Obadin on the mark

PPCFC v TriASia, back row, LtoR: Bisan, Makara, Boris, Obadin, Ary, Pellegrino. Front; Sothy, Srin, Pheng, Borey, Sokumpheak - click to enlarge

Match Result: Phnom Penh Crown 2 TriAsia 1 (Metfone C-League).
Crown coach Sam Schweingruber was without his injured goalkeeper Sou Yaty and the suspended Bin Thierry but welcomed back from injury the defensive duo of Kok Boris and Odion Obadin for this important clash with TriAsia. A win was vital for the league leaders as they maintain their march to the Metfone C-League championship. The opening fifteen minutes of the game was bogged down in midfield and it was Crown who forced the first noteworthy chance when George Bisan moved onto Boris' long ball and set up Adriano Pellegrino for a shot, which was blocked, as was Leng Makara's  follow-up at the far post. TriAsia then grabbed the initiative on 18 minutes as Thul Sothearith's long ball caught the Crown backline napping and Suong Virak sped away and tucked his shot under Yok Ary's body for the game's opening goal. A minute later and Ary's feet stopped Virak from doubling the lead. Former Crown player, Virak was causing problems with his quick feet and his low cross was touched wide at the far post by Friday Nwakuna as TriAsia posed all the questions. That was until the 26th minute when Crown used Route 1 football to level matters. Ary's long kick was headed on by Bisan, Pellegrino nodded it sideways and as it dropped, Bisan unleashed a thunderbolt volley from the edge of the area that gave Hem Simay absolutely zero chance as it arrowed into the top corner. Crown were level, though Virak twice sent in long range efforts that Ary collected comfortably. On the half hour, Kouch Sokumpheak sent Ngoy Srin sprinting away on the left flank and as he tussled with En Vichhay in the penalty area, referee Khuon Virak pointed to the spot after seeing the defender use his hands to gain an advantage. It took nearly two minutes for the TriAsia protests to die down as Bisan stepped up to smack the penalty against the foot of the left upright, with Simay's fingertips helping it on its way. With TriAsia still celebrating, Srin's quick throw-in was pounced on by Khim Borey and his header into the six yard box was nodded in by Odion Obadin to put Crown 2-1 ahead. It was a mere twenty seconds after the penalty miss, and 32 minutes into the game. Borey's long ranger was easily held by Simay, while Tomohiro Masaki's header was touched over the bar by Ary. From the corner, Hong Pheng was on the post to head away Nuth Sinoun's goalbound effort for the last serious action of the first-half.  

Dani Kouch whipped his drive a yard wide early on after the restart but it was the introduction of Khmer-Dutch midfielder Chan Sokha that briefly livened up proceedings. Crown's Ouk Sothy was booked for lashing out at the new arrival and after just five minutes on the pitch, Sokha was red-carded by referee Virak for a high foot on Sothy. TriAsia were down to ten men with 62 minutes of the game played. Bisan powered his way towards goal and his vicious drive rebounded off Simay's gloves, while Sokumpheak chanced his arm from 25 yards, but his shot veered well wide. TriAsia lost one of their coaches, when he was sent to the stands but they looked to have been presented with a gift when Virak adjudged Crown keeper Ary to have picked the ball up twice and gave an indirect free-kick just nine yards from goal. With the whole Crown team on the goal-line, Seng Kosen wasted the chance, sending it wide of the far post. Crown lost Pellegrino with a knee injury and Virak was again lively, nipping in behind the Crown defence, only to find Ary's legs blocking his way to goal, with six minutes left on the clock. Pheng and Sos Suhana exchanged passes with Pheng racing into the area only to send his shot high and wide. With five minute of stoppage time added on, Borey sent Suhana sprinting clear only for Simay to punch his angled shot away. It was the final action of the game as Crown collected three more valuable points, extending their lead to eight points and registering the double over TriAsia. 

Sam Schweingruber's after-match comments were: "We stay on top with another hard-fought win but we struggled a bit on the bumpy pitch, struggled with relaxing and getting into our groove. We found ourselves a goal down but managed to get ahead before halftime, which was very good, mentally strong to keep pushing. An amazing goal by George, a brilliant strike. He could've scored with the penalty but I think the keeper got a touch onto the post. But very happy how quickly we reacted to that, that's a sign of mental strength. We deserved to win, they didn't really create but I wish we were more relaxed and in control of the game and the ball. Towards the end we were too nervous, we should be keeping the ball and riding the time out. When they did get dangerous through 32 who I thought had a really good game, Ary did very well to save the situation." 
PPCFC v TriAsia: Ary, Pheng, Srin, Boris (Pisa 90+2), Obadin, Sokumpheak, Sothy, Makara (Suhana 58), Borey, Pellegrino (Sosela 81), Bisan. Subs not used; Soksela, Da, Dara, Morslim. Bookings: Srin, Sothy. MOTM: Srin - showed adventure down the flanks. Goals: Bisan (26), Obadin (32).

League Round-up

Week 17 MCL league table - from sabay.com.kh

Phnom Penh Crown maintained their 5 point lead at the top of the Metfone C-League table with a slightly less than convincing 4-2 win over the bottom club Albirex Niigata in Week 17. They were never seriously threatened but coach Sam Schweingruber will have something to say about conceding two goals. George Bisan wrapped it up with his 17th goal, of the season from the penalty spot at the start of the 2nd half. Four different nationalities scored for Crown. That doesn't happen often. Nearest challengers Boeung Ket limped home 3-2 against Western University but should've put the game to bed with some glaring misses in front of goal. Western took the lead with a thunderous Ly Saroth free-kick but Khuon Laboravy, Keo Sokpheng and Chan Vathanaka gave the Rubbermen a commanding lead before Chan Vannak made their sweat a bit before the final whistle. The championship race is now a two-horse affair, especially after NagaCorp could only muster a 1-1 draw with TriAsia on Saturday. Chim Sambo for Naga and Nuth Sinoun for TriAsia got the goals. In the other games of less significance, Kirivong moved out of the relegation places with a 3-0 win over Army, two goals from Savour Ratankvisa doing the damage. On Sunday, 1-1 was the final score between AEU and BBU as the two university teams came to a stalemate. Yusuke Yamagata opened the scoring for BBU with George Kelechi levelling just before the break. Sunday's game under lights saw Svay Rieng burst into a two-goal lead against National Police, including another brace for in-form striker Bata Dzarma, only for Samuel Oseika to pop up with two goals to end it at 2-2.

Crown march on

PPCFC v Albirex, back row, LtoR: Suhana, Srin, Makara, Bisan, Kim, Ary. Front Row: Da, Pheng, Pellegrino, Borey (capt), Sothy - click to enlarge

Result: Phnom Penh Crown 4 Albirex Niigata 2 (Metfone C-League).
Crown arrived at the Olympic Stadium for this top v bottom clash with Japanese-club Albirex Niigata without five of their starting line-up. Suspension saw Bin Thierry and Kouch Sokumpheak on the sidelines, with injury forcing Sou Yaty, Odion Obadin and Kok Boris to watch from the stands. Albirex have been improving of late and are not a team to underestimate, despite their place at the foot of the league ladder. A slow start saw Crown with a few attempts on goal though it was Albirex who came closest to open the scoring. Jeongho Kim's recovery tackle on the marauding Yusuke Ueda took a deflection off Ngoy Srin and edged towards the goal-line, only for Thourng Da to clear the danger with his quick reactions. Crown had already gone close when Sos Suhana ghosted in behind the Albirex defence but just failed to get a touch to Adriano Pellegrino's decisive pass, Ouk Sothy sent a long distance attempt into the arms of the keeper and George Bisan's touch was a little too heavy as he broke through. Pellegrino's set pieces are a danger to any team and from two of his corners, Kim headed wide under pressure, and then Hong Pheng will wonder how he managed to skim his free header wide of the upright. It was all Crown as Khim Borey tried an ambitious 30-yarder, another Kim header from a Pellegrino corner caused panic but was scrambled clear, and Borey, popping up on the right flank, saw his drive edged inches wide. Next, Borey's near post header went tantalisingly wide, and Leng Makara's pass to Pellegrino saw the Australian send a snap-shot into the far corner of the net only to turn around and see the flag raised. The breakthrough finally arrived on 31 minutes. A foul on Bisan allowed Pellegrino to whip a free-kick from the right flank into the crowded box and smack onto the forehead of Kim, who nodded home for his second goal in as many games.

Albirex, with their second strike on goal, were inches away from levelling the scoreline. Former Crown defender Sen Sarak launched a 40-yard free-kick goalwards and it dipped viciously onto the crossbar before being cleared. Less than a minute later, Crown too had struck the woodwork, as Borey cut inside from the left and his 25-yard effort rebounded off the upright. A Pheng thrust into the box was cut out just in time and Suhana headed a corner over the top before Pellegrino made his mark on the game. Thirty yards from goal, his free-kick skill was again much in evidence as he curled the dead-ball into the top corner to make it two-nil with six minutes of the half remaining. Within a minute Crown registered their third. Makara threaded a pass through for Borey to run onto, he avoided the keeper and from a very acute angle, rolled in his perfect touch via the far post. It was no more than Crown deserved. A minute before the break and Albirex showed they were no slouches. Ueda, a recent addition from Singaporean football, gave Srin the slip and fired a shot from the edge of the box past Yok Ary to reduce the deficit.

Albirex changed their goalkeeper at the break but it didn't change their fortunes. Just 49 seconds into the second half and Crown were handed another opportunity on a plate. Makara's chip into the box was controlled by Bisan and as he went around the new keeper, Chhim Busan tapped his ankle and referee Tuy Vichheka pointed to the spot. Bisan stepped up to confidently to dispatch his 17th goal of the season in the second minute of the half.  A few minutes later and the Nigerian hitman was again in the thick of it as he bypassed one defender but sent his powerful drive a foot over the crossbar. Makara challenged keeper Mat Muslim for a Pellegrino chip which referee Vichheka wrongly viewed as high feet, Kim tried his luck from 35 yards out but to no avail and at the other end, Tatsuta Kazuki's attempt was deflected into Ary's hands. Makara was guilty of a bad miss ten minutes in, when Pheng's center found him and Pellegrino in acres of space, but the striker skimmed his header wide of the mark, and soon after, the same player's drive was held by the keeper above his head. Seventeen minutes into the second half and Albirex took advantage of some sloppy marking by the league leaders. Chea Virath's free-kick found the head of Kheng Sopanha and his touch took a deflection and nestled in the corner of the Crown net to make it 4-2. Hearts in mouths time a few minutes later as Ueda crossed for Kazuki but his prod at the far post was blocked by Ary, who gladly grabbed the ball at the second attempt. As a contest the match got bogged down in midfield mediocrity, with few bright moments, though a one-two between Suhana and Bisan saw the Crown hotshot lob the ball over the bar from just outside the area. The final action was Touch Sokheng's cross that gave Muslim a few flutters as it landed on the roof of the net. The whistle blew and Crown celebrated another three points, maintaining their five point lead over their nearest challengers, Boeung Ket, who'd beaten Western Uni 3-2 in the game before. 


At the final whistle, Crown head coach Sam Schweingruber gave this assessment. "With 5 games to go it's about winning games. For me we were much better in both halves but we made some mistakes. Very frustrating as we have these moments where we lose focus. A sign of a team that is still a work in progress. I hate conceding goals and being 4-1 up but not playing how I want us to play. That said, we had a lot of players working hard and giving their best until the end, a couple of really good goals that we scored - 3 from set pieces - showing how important that is for us, and how we need to create more chances and opportunities from open play."
PPCFC v Albirex: Ary, Pheng, Da, Srin, Kim, Sothy, Suhana (Sokheng 83), Makara, Borey (Sosela 90+1), Pellegrino (Pisa 90+4), Bisan. Subs not used: Soksela, Dara, Morslim. Booking: Sothy. MOTM: Pellegrino - continues to thrive and drive. Goals: Kim (31), Pellegrino (39), Borey (40), Bisan (47 pen).

MCL look back

The MCL table courtesy of Sabay.com.kh

The action at the weekend in the Metfone C-League saw Phnom Penh Crown extend their lead to five points over 2nd-placed Boeung Ket, who went down to the reigning champions Svay Rieng. Crown did it the hard way, beating Western Uni 2-0 despite losing Bin Thierry to a red card for an errant elbow on the stroke of half-time. Goals by Leng Makara and two minutes after the restart, Jeongho Kim with a sublime volley, earned the league leaders the points at the Army Stadium. In the game before, bottom-club Albirex Niigata deserved the three points against a poor BBU side but were caught out in stoppage time by Prum Putsethy's header, which made it 2-2. Albirex started like a train and were two goals up, both from new face Yusuki Ueda until Adeyanju Omokafe reduced the arrears and Putsethy sent the Japanese team to their knees at the final whistle. For Boeung Ket, they will look at the numerous chances missed by wunderkind Chan Vathanaka, as they went down 2-1 to Svay Rieng. A penalty and other golden opportunities were fluffed before the striker let fly from almost 30 yards to level the game after Bata Dzarma fired Svay into the lead. Prak Mony Udom popped up six minutes from the end to tap home to leave Boeung Ket regretting those missed chances. Two goals from Japanese import Reijin Tani helped National Police to a 3-2 success over Army at Olympic Stadium. Touch Roma and Chhin Chhoeun netted for Army but Ol Ravy clinched the points for the Police midway through the second-half. Police are now in 4th spot, and a place behind them are TriAsia who rolled over Kirivong without much difficulty. Friday Nwakuna netted twice, with Sok Chanrasmey and Suong Virak also getting in on the act, while In Vichheka scored for Kirivong, who are now in the relegation places with Albirex. NagaCorp relied on their old guard to get a 3-1 win over AEU, with Teab Vathanak, with 2 goals, and Sun Sovannrithy on the scoresheet on Sunday.

Winning the hard way

PPCFC v Western, back row, LtoR: Pellegrino, Thierry, Kim, Srin, Ary. Front Row: Bisan, Pheng, Makara, Da, Borey, Sokumpheak - click to enlarge

Result: Phnom Penh Crown 2 Western Uni 0 (Mefone C-League).
Crown were without four first-choice regulars for this Metfone C-League game against Western Uni at the Army Stadium, when Kok Boris was withdrawn minutes before the kick-off. Injury ruled out Odion Obadin and Sou Yaty, while Ouk Sothy (suspended) were also missing.  With Adriano Pellegrino prominent, Crown were on the front foot from the start and it was the Australian who fired the games' first opportunity over the crossbar with five minutes played. A Pellegrino pass saw George Bisan try his luck from the edge of the box, but the league's top scorer was also off target. However on 14 minutes it was Bisan's burst to the bye-line that gave Crown their first goal when his center was headed goalwards by Khim Borey and Leng Makara got his head to it to claim the goal. A minute later Pellegrino got on the end of Borey's cross but steered his shot wide. Ly Saroth broke through the Crown high backline on 25 minutes and referee Khuon Virak awarded a penalty for an ankle tap by Ngoy Srin. Saroth took the spot-kick but fired it against an upright only for the linesman to flag for encroachment by Crown keeper Yok Ary. Saroth retook his kick and this time Ary dived to his left to keep it out. Just after the half hour mark, Bisan turned on a sixpence and unleashed a fierce thunderbolt from 25 yards, that was only equalled by a superb fingertip over the bar by Western keeper Ngoy Boranoch. A Hong Pheng drive from a cleared corner was deflected before Bin Thierry fed Pellegrino and his run and vicious drilled shot went agonisingly wide. With five minutes of the half to go, Pellegrino's 30-yard free kick missed everyone in the box and clopped the crossbar on the bounce. Boranoch dived low to save a Bisan drive from wide out but it was Ary, who came to Crown's rescue with a one-handed stop to deny Saroth's break and whipped shot. In the second minute of stoppage time, referee Virak brandished a red card to Thierry, only after he saw Western skipper Krouch Mol with a cut on his forehead, judging the Crown midfielder to have used his elbow illegally.  

Crown, down to ten men, grabbed the initiative at the start of the second-half with their second goal. Just ninety seconds in, a Pellegrino corner to the far post found Jeongho Kim on his own and his expertly executed left-foot volley crashed into the net. A stunning strike. Reo Nakamura skied a good chance as Western offered some resistance but it was Pellegrino who went closest, taking a pass from Kouch Sokumpheak and exchanging a one-two with Bisan, but his first-time drive nicked the crossbar as it went over. Kim's free kick from distance was blocked twice, while Western's Isa Kolawole blasted high and wide at the opposite end. Bisan was found lurking at the far post by Pellegrino but his volley only found the side netting, and Touch Sokheng's drive was held by Boranoch. In stoppage time, Western's Sor Piseth broke through but shot weakly at Ary and Saroth headed over as the whistle blew and Crown cemented their lead at the top of the MCL leaderboard. Head coach Sam Schweingruber gave this after-match reaction. "It's always a gamble on this field, it doesn't encourage the game we want to play. But it is what it is. We are very happy with the 3 points. Very disciplined, good performance in the 2nd half. We kept things nice and tight, applied ourselves really well, did what we wanted to as a team and really happy with the result. Jeongho is unstoppable with some of the things he does. He's the best player we have in the air, he's extremely good with his free-kicks - I think he did really well today. And what a cracking goal. We needed 3 points from this game, and without Tony, Boris and Messi (Sothy), but that's no reason why we should go down to an average team like Western, just because of a few players missing."
PPCFC v Western: Ary, Da, Pheng, Srin, Kim, Sokumpheak, Thierry, Borey (Sokheng 86), Makara (Sosela 89), Pellegrino, Bisan (Suhana 93). Subs not used: Yaty, Soksela, Dara, Boris, Pisa, Morslim. Bookings: Thierry (+red card), Sokumpheak. MOTM: Pellegrino - involved in everything. Goals: Makara (14), Kim (47).

Crown back on top

PPCFC v BBU, Line-up, back row, LtoR: Bisan, Boris, Srin, Obadin, Makara, Yaty. Front Row: Pellegrino, Sothy, Da, Pheng, Sokumpheak (capt) - click to enlarge.

Result: Phnom Penh Crown 3 BBU 1 (Metfone C-League).
Crown were without the injured Khim Borey and Sos Suhana and the suspended Neou Sosela as they faced 5th-placed Build Bright United at Olympic Stadium, live on TV. BBU knocked Crown out of the Hun Sen Cup earlier this season but were well beaten 5-0 in the 1st round encounter between the two teams. Clearly under instructions to subdue their opponents from the kick-off, Crown pressed and created four good chances in the opening ten minutes. Odion Obadin headed Adriano Pellegrino's free-kick straight at Sos Proshim in the BBU goal, Hong Pheng twice arrived in the opposition box only to fire wide on both occasions and then Obadin headed a glorious opportunity past the far post from a Pellegrino corner. On 15 minutes, referee Tuy Vichheka blew his whistle for offside, only for Adeyanju Omokafe to clobber Crown keeper Sou Yaty, who received five minutes of treatment for a rib injury, but no caution for the striker's very late challenge. Pheng, playing wide left instead of his usual full-back role, looked certain to latch onto Pellegrino's pass until Rim Bunheang took it off his toe, and at the other end, Omokafe held off Thourng Da's challenge but fired straight at Yaty. The stalemate was broken on 22 minutes as Crown took the lead their dominance deserved. Kouch Sokumpheak's quick reactions won the ball and he fed leading goalscorer George Bisan, who moved swiftly into the box and in a repeat of his goal from the previous week, steered the ball inside the far post. The striker was soon receiving treatment for a knee injury but was fit to carry on. Pellegrino tried his luck from distance but the shot took a deflection into Proshim's waiting grasp, while Thai Phalla's hopeful strike was more dangerous to the ball-boy than Crown's goal. With five minutes left of the first-half, Sokumpheak's hook over his shoulder from the edge of his own box found Pellegrino lurking on the half-way line and in a flash he'd spotted Bisan's charge from his own half. The Australian's pass was inch-perfect, Bisan's touch was just as good and as Proshim came out, the deadly marksman guided the ball inside the post for his second of the afternoon. 

Crown continued the second-half where they'd left off the first, as Ouk Sothy blasted well over from 25 yards out and Ngoy Srin latched onto a Pellegrino pass but his touch deserted him as Proshim came out, though the keeper failed to gather and was fortunate to get a free-kick. Leng Makara fired well wide from Sothy's pass, before Kok Boris reacted to BBU's refusal to return the ball in a fair-play incident, by clattering Omokafe from behind. It was a feud that had been simmering all match. Boris was quickly substituted for Bin Thierry's second appearance after a long lay-off, with Sokumpheak moving into defence. BBU finally managed to get into the match as Phlong Chanthou headed wide from a free-kick and Prom Putsethy drove the ball well off-target after Obadin had headed clear a dangerous cross. With eleven minutes of the game remaining, that BBU pressure paid off as Obadin was caught out by Phalla's surge into the box and tumble, with referee Vichheka pointing to the spot. Rim Bunheang found the corner with his penalty kick. Crown stormed back up the other end immediately and a Pellegrino free-kick was punched clear by Proshim. On 82 minutes, a training ground one-two between Bisan and Pellegrino, sent the Nigerian striker clear and he pulled the trigger with a low drive for his hat-trick and Crown's third. It took his season's tally to 16 goals and a clear lead in the race for the MCL's Golden Boot award. A minute later and another one-two, this time with headers, looked to have set up Bisan for his fourth but his lob missed the far post as Proshim came out with a high foot. Crown keeper Yaty eventually succumbed to that first-half take-out by Omokafe and had to be replaced by Yok Ary with three minutes of normal time left. Peter Anayo sent a fizzing drive wide of the upright from distance as BBU's final effort, as Crown saw out five minutes of stoppage time for their 11th win in fifteen starts and a return to the top of the league table, clear by two points from Boeung Ket.

Crown coach Sam Schweingruber's views at the final whistle. "Quite happy with the 1st half performance. Then a good response after the penalty against us. We should've closed the game out earlier and scored more goals. A bit of a lack of urgency in and around the box. Overall very pleased with quite a few players and their contribution to the game. A very strong performance by George. Against teams like BBU and how they play, he's very dangerous. That last goal was an amazing ball from Adriano and such a cool finish. I'm very proud of George's contribution. I took Boris off as he was very frustrated at half-time and in some pain. His foul could've been a red card, so I took him off to avoid another booking. It was just after Tony kicked the ball out in sportsmanship and BBU didn't give it back, which really shows their lack of character. And how their number 10 who absolutely crunched Yaty, and how is that not a card, I don't know."
PPCFC v BBU: Yaty (Ary 87), Da, Srin (Morslim 61), Boris (Thierry 69), Obadin, Sokumpheak, Sothy, Makara, Pheng, Pellegrino, Bisan. Subs not used; Soksela, Dara, Sokheng, Pisa. Booked: Srin, Boris, Sothy. MOTM: Bisan - unstoppable when in this mood. Goals: Bisan 3 (22, 40, 82).

MCL Round-up

The reduced Metfone C-League program at the weekend saw Phnom Penh Crown extend their lead at the top to five points, playing Kirivong off the park, a very wet park I should add, winning 3-0 and totally dominating the game. It was as one-sided a match as you will see. Torrential rain threatened the game though referee Thong Chankethya decided that the water lying on the surface wouldn't stop the teams playing sloshball so they kicked off just 25 minutes late, under the Olympic Stadium floodlights. From the start, Crown kept the ball and two goals by George Bisan gave them a clear winning advantage by the break. Ly Morslim then netted his 1st goal for the club as they ran out very easy winners. Kirivong were never at the races and more performances like that, and they will be heading out of the league. Crown surge into a 5 point lead at the top of the ladder with NagaCorp not playing after their Singapore debacle. Boeung Ket were hoping to close the gap on Saturday but came partially unstuck against National Police, only drawing 0-0. Both sides hit the woodwork but goalless just about summed up the game. In the all-Japanese clash on Saturday, Chan Rithy rolled back the years to send a 40-yard strike sailing over the keeper's head to give TriAsia the lead. Just two minutes later, Albirex Niigata's new striker, Yasuke Ueda levelled and that's how it stayed, 1-1.  Continuing the theme of drawn games, on Sunday Western Uni's Men Seyha hit a swinger from 30 yards which sailed in, but a minute before the break, Phourng Soksana equalised for Army, and 1-1 was how it finished. Midweek games involving NagaCorp and Boeung Ket will throw a bit more light on the race for the championship, though Crown coach Sam Schweingruber feels; "Its still too early to think too far ahead of ourselves, and with so many games to go, there is still a lot of hard work ahead of us." Crown have eight games left to play.

Update: Boeung Ket came from a goal down early on, and an own goal at that, to beat Svay Rieng 2-1 on Wednesday. Chan Vathanaka, used sparingly this season by the Rubbermen, got the match winner but there was controversy with criticism of the match referee and his assistants. In the second match, rain caused a half-hour delay before Kirivong took a shock lead against NagaCorp, who finally woke up after the break. A 3-1 win for Naga was marred by two red cards for Kirivong, including their keeper Kem Makara for an x-rated tackle on Naga's winger Barry Lelouma, while coaches from both teams were dismissed to the stands. Military Police had to jump in when both teams squared up to each other. Both results ate into Phnom Penh Crown's lead at the top of the table.