1 goal is enough

Crown were dominant for much of their 1-0 win over the Army. Back Row LtoR: Sovannrithy, Tiny, Ota, Obadin, Sopanha, Bunchhay. Front Row: Sokumpheak, Njoku, Narith, Chaya, Sothearith

Phnom Penh Crown moved a step closer to retaining their Metfone C-League Championship with a 1-0 win over the Army this afternoon. Kouch Sokumpheak scored the all-important goal on 27 minutes with a free-kick move that came straight off the training ground. It took Crown to 41 points with nearest rivals Naga on 34 points after their 5-0 win over Chhlam Samuth. The Army had their goalkeeper Sou Yaty to thank for keeping the scoreline down with five excellent saves, particularly during the first half when Crown were in total control. More later.

Kouch Sokumpheak

Another of the new posters we are putting together for Phnom Penh Crown. We are still drafting the final versions but here's one of nearly everyone's favourite player, not just for Crown but for the Cambodian national team as well, Kouch Sokumpheak. Some of the posters have already been paraded at the new sports bar at Crown Casino at Bavet, on the Cambodia-Vietnam international border crossing.

Academy learning

The Academy boys pose in front of their Beltei campus earlier today

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you will have seen the Phnom Penh Crown Academy boys in match action since the Academy opened its doors to 22 of the most talented young footballers from around Cambodia aged 13 and under. Besides the professional football coaching they receive every morning (fulfilling every schoolboy's dream), they receive a private education every afternoon at the Beltei International Institute campus near Russian Boulevard. The boys are spread over half a dozen classes depending on their ability, having come from the far corners of the country to join the Academy, and therefore having received varying standards of education up until now. The school itself has over 2,000 students and 100 staff and is one of 11 such Beltei campuses in Phnom Penh. This is obviously a big step-up for some of the boys, though out of the whole group, the star pupils are Men Piphop, In Sodavid and Orn Chanpolin. The boys also benefit from extra English-language tuition three evenings per week at their Tuol Kork dormitory, based at the club's training headquarters.

Some of the boys getting ready for their afternoon classes. School uniform is a must.

A forgettable Sunday

Prek Pra's 1-0 win gave them some hope of escaping relegation, and pleased their boisterous fans

Relegated Rithysen found it hard going and lost the match 1-0

Sunday's Metfone C-League football was instantly forgettable. Prek Pra's 1-0 win over Rithysen was about as exciting as watching paint dry. Both teams were inept all over the pitch and showed why they are at the wrong end of the table. A tenth minute goal by Prek Pra's Ron Roya was the best bit of action, when he aimed for the corner of the net from outside the box and found the target, something his teammates failed miserably with another eight other chances, while Rithysen, especially Seth Kamel was clueless when through on goal on two occasions. It was painful to watch to be honest. The less said about the game the better, though it does give Prek Pra a glint of hope of escaping relegation. The 2nd match of the afternoon went predictably in Naga's favour early on with their top scorer Julius Oiboh finding the net after just 7 minutes with the easiest tap-in he will have all season long. Chhlam Samuth were finding it hard to cope with the all-elbows lanky striker but they perked up when Naga skipper Om Thavrak picked up two yellow cards, unluckily in my view, and was off for an early bath after just 26 minutes. That signaled the rain which got steadily heavier, covering parts of the pitch in surface water and making the last fifteen minutes of the first-half a mockery. Chhlam Samuth were upset when Sunday Ayodele had a shot blocked on the goal-line by Sun Sovanratha but Naga can feel very aggrieved when a finish by Chin Chom was ruled out by an incorrect linesman's flag. Someone needs to tell the official (Yien Kivatanak, who is normally a referee) that you can't be offside from a miskick by a defender. It was embarrassing. The 2nd half never got started as the rain came down in stair rods and despite two pitch inspections, there was no chance of continuing, unless they adopted water polo rules. Match abandoned and has been re-scheduled for Wednesday at 2pm. I got soaking wet going home too. Not a day to remember.

The state of play during one of the referee's pitch inspections

Naga, before they were reduced to 10 men with Om Thavrak's (6) dismissal

Chhlam Samuth won't have a better chance of beating Naga, until the rain came down

The teams take to the field with a smiling Om Thavrak (6) unaware of his impending fate

Narong's punishment

The Football Federation have slapped an 8-match ban on Phnom Penh Crown midfielder Phoung Narong (pictured) after his moment of madness interrupted the C-League match between his club and National Police last week. A national team player, Narong responded to a verbal altercation with Police defender Touch Pancharong by leaving the substitute's bench and racing onto the pitch, though he was quickly shooed off the field by his teammate Sun Sopanha. The match referee Thong Chankethya brandished a red card at Narong, as well as Pancharong, which inflamed the Police coaching staff, who ordered their team off the field and then refused to play on, forfeiting the match. The match was awarded to Crown 5-0, who were leading 2-0 at the time of the incident, 24 minutes into the game. Narong was suspended by his club the next day, indefinitely, as a result of his actions. The FFC ban of eight games will mean he will sit out the rest of the current season and the first four games of next season as well. It seems a mite harsh in my opinion, though I presume the FFC are sending out a message that they won't tolerate such behaviour. However, they have failed miserably to act strongly following other incidents this season, so it's pretty one-sided. The National Police for example, were fined a paltry $500 (2 million riels) for their failure to finish the match and warned as to their future conduct. I would've thought a much higher fine against the club, censure of the club officials who took their team off the field and a docking of points in addition to the match forfeit would've been more appropriate in the circumstances. Effectively, the Police didn't like the referee's decision, so took their ball and went home like spoilt brats. If the Cambodian League is ever going to be taken seriously as a professionally-run competition, then this behaviour cannot be tolerated and only effective action - $500 is not effective action in my view - will give that message to each of the clubs in the league.

Police disinterested

The Army team who ran out easy 5-1 winners

Quite frankly, the National Police team never looked interested in this Metfone C-League match. With a $500 fine for walking off the pitch last week and forfeiting the game against Phnom Penh Crown, the Police team looked like they'd had the stuffing knocked out of them and provided only token resistance against an Army team that ran out comfortable 5-1 winners at the death. Army's Pov Phearith rattled the crossbar before Chin Chhoeurn took advantage of some nervous indecision by debutant teenage keeper Prak Mony Phirum to turn in Oum Kumpheak's cross at the far post for the opening goal on 18 minutes. A minute later the young keeper left his near post unattended and Phlong Chanthou or was it defender Say Piseth, got the final touch to Pheak Rady's center to squeeze the ball in for a 2nd Army goal. Two minutes before the half-hour and the Army were three goals in front, Phuong Soksana with all the time in the world to take the ball around Phirum and roll it into the net from Kumpheak's defence-splitting pass. The Police's only bright moment came a minute before the break when Man Ritavann turned in a loose ball that the Army failed to clear from a corner. Army keeper Sou Yaty made a strong one-handed save just after half-time before his teammate, Chanthou planted his header past Phirum for goal number four six minutes into the second half. With the match already decided, Chhoeurn nipped in ahead of the Police defence to add the finishing touch to Meak Chhordaravuth's cross on 71 minutes. Game well and truly over with the Army claiming the bragging rights against their Police opponents.

The National Police look as though they can't wait for the season to end

Winning at half-pace

Sun Sovannrithy opened the scoring with a powerful header

Phnom Penh Crown coasted to a 2-0 victory over Kirivong at Olympic Stadium this afternoon, playing most of the game at half-pace after cementing a two-goal cushion on 19 minutes and keeping possession of the ball for most of the match after that. The win takes them 7 points clear at the top of the Metfone C-League with just three games left to play. It wasn't a vintage performance, far from it, with Crown taking an early lead and controlling the game throughout, without ever really clicking into top gear and killing off their opponents. Kirivong looked set to get a foothold in the game just after half-time but fluffed the opportunity from the penalty spot, whilst at the other end, Crown will be kicking themselves for squandering a series of great chances, with Kingsley Njoku the main culprit. A reshuffle in defence was necessary with Odion Obadin suspended for the game but it made little difference as Crown took a fifth minute lead through Sun Sovannrithy. The attacking full-back, who was prominent going forwards all game, was unopposed in the six-yard box to head powerfully home once a short corner between Chan Chaya and Sun Sopanha had been floated in by the latter. Not giving Kirivong a breather, Crown scored a second on 19 minutes when Sopanha picked out Kingsley Njoku's run through the middle, the Nigerian controlled neatly and rolled his shot expertly into the corner from the edge of the box. As cool as you like. Kirivong were finding Njoku a handful, with two defenders receiving cautions for bringing him down and keeper Koum Makara standing strong when faced by the rampaging striker. After Sopanha's 30-yard free-kick was pushed aside by Makara, the keeper was on hand to deny Njoku's powerful header. Two minutes before the interval, Njoku looked odds-on to net his second as he played a smart one-two with Kouch Sokumpheak and shaped to score from 15 yards out but his measured sidefoot shot went the wrong side of the upright and Kirivong breathed again.

The second half was more of the same, as Crown dominated possession, passing the ball around at will and keeping Kirivong in their own half. That is except for two occasions after the break. Nine minutes in, In Vichheka saw Peng Bunchhay's desperate lunge and made sure his leg was touched leaving referee Tuy Vichhika with no choice but to point to the penalty spot. Nelson Oladiji blasted his spot-kick against the crossbar and then tucked in the rebound, but without another player touching the ball, the referee was right to cancel out the goal and the celebrations. The only other shot on target from Kirivong came five minutes from time, with Bunchhay scrambling across his goal to push out a drive from Ouk Thon. Those two incidents aside, it was all Crown. A minute after Oladiji's effort was chalked off, Sovannrithy was denied a second headed goal by Song Dara's goal-line clearance, Sokumpheak toe-poked one wide, headed another off target and then substitute Sok Pheng made a real hash of a great chance at the far post from Sopanha's cross. With ten minutes to go, Njoku looked likely to find the net, sidestepping two defenders and the keeper, only for Sok Va to get back to deny him with a last-ditch block. Three minutes later, the Nigerian looked destined to finish with a tap-in at the far post from Sok Pheng's deflected cross, only to completely miss the ball with his head inches from the goal-line and upright. The game ended with Crown in control, giving coach David Booth his sixth win in as many matches and needing just two more victories from their remaining three games to win their 2nd successive C-League championship.
Crown line-up: Bunchhay, Dara, Sovannrithy, Tiny (Sovan 82), Sothearith, Narith, Ota, Sopanha, Chhaya (S. Pheng 67), Njoku (Ratana 90), Sokumpheak. Subs not used: Visokra, Vanthan, Sophat, Nwafor, Sophanal, Sochivorn, Ratahanak, H Pheng. Bookings: None.

Crown line-up. Back Row LtoR: Sovannrithy, Dara, Ota, Tiny, Sopanha, Bunchhay. Front Row: Sokumpheak, Njoku, Narith, Chaya, Sothearith

It's time for that team huddle thingy that all the teams do

It's a tight squeeze on the Crown bench with 11 subs and the coaching and medical staff

Kirivong went down 2-0 and never looked in the game

Crown coach David Booth with his midfield playmaker Sun Sopanha after today's game

Title aspirations

The climax of the Metfone Cambodian League season is heading towards us like a runaway train. The top two teams are Phnom Penh Crown on 35 points, who are 4 points better off than 2nd-placed Naga Corp on 31 points. Those two teams are realistically the best bet for the championship. And this season, it's a straight race for the title as the play-offs have been scrapped. Both teams have 4 matches remaining with everything looking set for the big showdown between the clubs on Sunday 4 September, though if results go Crown's way in their preceding three matches, it will be all over bar the shouting. This weekend Crown meet Kirivong on Saturday at 4pm (without the suspended Odion Obadin) and Naga have an easier task against Chhlam Samuth the next day. Crown then have to face the Army and Preah Khan before their final match. Naga meanwhile, will meet the National Police and the Army before that final day clash with Crown. It's bubbling up nicely. Naga have won their last three matches with the league's top marksman Julius Oiboh banging in the goals - he's on 24 at the moment - though Crown are on a 6-game winning streak of their own, five of them under new coach David Booth. If there's one element that Crown are missing this season, it's that they don't possess a marksman of the calibre of Oiboh and instead share the goals around the team. If anyone thinks that the destination of this season's championship is already decided then think again. The next four matches will make or break the season for the two front-runners.

The late late show

Preah Khan Reach beat BBU with a late goal from Khuon Laboravy (11)

Third-placed Preah Khan Reach are getting into the habit of scoring late late goals to win Metfone C-League games. They did it against Prek Pra last week and then again this afternoon against BBU. It wasn't a great game to be frank though PKR just shaded it after a bright opening from BBU where they pressed but without really breaking through. There was only 1 goal in it at the death, scored by who else, Khuon Laboravy. I was getting ready to talk about both teams firing blanks when with a minute to go, the lanky PKR hitman latched onto a Prak Mony Udom pass, wrong-footed Rim Bunhieng in the box and clipped his shot over the shoulder of Hem Simay. It was his first real attempt on goal in the whole game, and his 13th goal of the league campaign. Up until that point he had been content to supply the ammunition for Udom and Phany Y Ratha to miss the target. Tum Saray was also guilty of spurning a good opportunity as PKR held the upper hand in goalmouth activity in the second period. BBU's best chance of the game fell to Seng Kosen at the end of the first-half but he could only touch a cross against the foot of the upright. Preah Khan cemented their third place in the table.

BBU will feel a little aggrieved at losing this afternoon

Another match, another win

Back on home turf after their successful Sunday expedition to Kompong Tralach, the Phnom Penh Crown Academy boys pitched themselves into an early morning friendly match today against the National Defense U-15s team at Tuol Kork. The Academy team, who are all 13 years old or younger, will enter the U-15s championship in September, so a series of games against older boys is giving them valuable experience before the tournament begins. Carrying on their recent run of success, the Academy recorded a 4-2 victory over the Army youngsters with goals scored by Nop David, Kim Chhaya (pictured), Seut Baraing and an own goal. I'm gutted that I had to work and missed the match.

New look Crown

A 1st draft of a new poster for Phnom Penh Crown

We are working on some posters for Phnom Penh Crown and this is a first draft of one of them. Yes, there seems to be a light shining out of Kouch Sokumpheak's (number 10) rear end. I know he's good, but is he that good? The posters will feature a range of players and poses. Apparently it's fashionable to do such posters. I must be getting old.

Success on the road

The Academy players and coaches on the steps of Oudong just before the heavens opened

The Phnom Penh Crown Academy team enjoyed a day trip to Kompong Chhnang province today, to pit themselves in two matches against their provincial opponents and then headed off to Oudong Mountain for a first-time visit. After winning both games, the travelling party of 23 players, 2 coaches and 9 supporters enjoyed lunch at the foot of Oudong before climbing the stairs to visit a few of the Kings' stupas despite two bouts of torrential rain. The group then headed to the parent's home of their head coach, Bouy Dary, for more food and relaxation before arriving back at their Tuol Kork headquarters in the dark. The Academy boys play their home games on a great playing surface but trips into the provinces are a completely different matter. The pitch in Kompong Tralach for their two matches was part grass, part beach and very uneven. Many of the local Muslim community had turned out to watch the boys from the big city as the teams were announced over the loudspeaker system, imported for the day's proceedings. The big question was how the Academy team would cope with the conditions. The first match was against the Kon Rithysen U-15's, with the first Academy team having to cope with the tough conditions as well as opponents two years older and physically bigger. Two halves of thirty minutes each way saw Rithysen take an early lead and bring out two fine saves from the Academy keeper Chhuot Senteang, before Vat Samnang headed just over the top with Crown's best chance. After the break it was a different story. The Academy boys found their feet, got the measure of their bigger opponents and scored two second-half goals to win the match 2-1. Yeu Muslim's shot was well-saved only for Ken Chansopheak to follow up and net the equalizer. Five minutes later, Yeu Muslim's looping header found the target and the game was won. Their second game was a rematch against the recently crowned National Festival U-13 champions, Cambodia Foundation Organization, who were soundly beaten 13-1 on the Tuol Kork pitch a few weeks ago. This time around, and in their own Kompong Tralach backyard, they were out to prove a point. Despite an even first-half, it was clear the CFO team were determined to salvage some pride and the Crown boys did well to stem the tide. Their superior fitness and second-half pressure won out in the end with Suon Noeut racing clear to lob the first goal and then Orn Chanpolin completing the 2-0 victory with a diving header. Two hard won victories and a satisfying learning experience for the 23 Academy players, who were a real credit to the Crown club and who were warmly welcomed by their provincial hosts.

The starting line-up for the first match v Kon Rithysen U-15s. The Academy won 2-1.

The Academy team that began the 2nd match v CFO U-13s. A 2-0 win was the outcome.

Ken Chansopheak takes on a defender in the opening match

The physically bigger Kon Rithysen U-15s

The Academy and CFO line-up before the 2nd match

The reigning Festival U-13 champions, CFO from Kompong Tralach

Coach Bouy Dary issues last minute instructions to his players

The open-air changing rooms at Kompong Tralach, with interested observers

Pre-match warm-up for In Sodavid and the Academy boys

Julius runs riot

The Metfone C-League continued uninterrupted this afternoon after Saturday's fiasco and Kirivong inflicted a 2-1 defeat over BBU in the first match. Chea Sophany gave BBU the lead only for Nelson Oladiji to level from the penalty spot before half-time. Ouk Thon scored the Kirivong winner on the hour mark. In the 2nd match, Julius Oiboh acted as a one-man demolition team with 7, yes seven goals for Naga Corp as they hammered the league's bottom team, Rithysen, 11-1. The Nigerian hitman opened the scoring on 13 minutes and closed it on 90, hitting a hat-trick before the half-time break. Also on target for Naga were Teab Vatahnak, Om Thavrak, Kop Isa and Omogba Esoh, with Ly Toman offering up Rithsen's consolation effort. Naga remain in 2nd spot, four points behind leaders Phnom Penh Crown.

Tough luck

Unlucky Prek Pra fell to a last kick of the game goal against Preah Khan

You have got to feel sorry for Prek Pra tonight, even if they did arouse very different reactions when they booed off the match officials, threw water bottles onto the pitch and caused mayhem in the grandstand a few weeks ago. This time around they played their hearts out and were fully deserving of a point against one of the better teams in the Metfone C-League, Preah Khan Reach, until a blunder in the third minute of time added on gifted the matchwinner to the Military Police-backed team with the very last kick of the game. PKR had looked likely throughout to score through their top hitman Khuon Laboravy though he was firing blanks on the day and found Prek Pra keeper Yok Ary in great form. On half a dozen occasions, Laboravy failed to find the back of the net including a free-kick from out wide that crashed against the crossbar only for Ary to dive on the loose ball on the goal-line. Ary then denied Phany Y Ratha when it looked like the striker would score with certainty. PKR's task was made tougher when Sok Chanrasmey was dismissed on the hour for two yellow cards, which was a bit harsh, and that gave Prek Pra the incentive they needed. Sos Souhana was denied by PKR keeper Sar Sophea with a brave stop, and twice new signing You Safri was inches away from giving Prek Pra the lead. Honours even seemed the way it would end until a Prak Mony Udom free-kick was palmed out by Ary instead of being punched clear, and PKR defender Yon Mesa gleefully volleyed the ball into the net to give Preah Khan an unlikely three points.

Preah Khan Reach kept in touch with the league leaders with a very fortunate three points

Police walk off

Crown coach David Booth and his players look nonplussed by events at Olympic Stadium today

No-one can say that Cambodian football is boring with nothing to write home about. It's exactly the opposite. Today it was for all the wrong reasons, again. This time it involved my own club, Phnom Penh Crown. 24 minutes into today's Metfone C-League game against the National Police, their skipper Sophal Udom was cautioned for a dangerous tackle on Tieng Tiny. Whilst Tiny was getting treatment, one of the Crown substitutes, Phoung Narong, raced onto the pitch but was quickly grabbed by Sun Sopanha and shooed back off again. Referee Thong Chankethya immediately flashed the red card at Narong. The 4th official then brought the referee's attention to Police defender Touch Pancharong, supposedly the target of Narong's failed dash, and the referee brandished his red card again. Narong got his for entering the field of play without permission, Pancharong got his for foul and abusive language. As Pancharong walked off, the Police coaching staff waved their players off the field, leaving the referee and the Crown players on the pitch. Thong Chankethya waited another three minutes after the Police team left the field and then blew his whistle on 30 minutes to finish the game, awarding the match to Crown. The public address announced that Crown had been given the match with a 3-0 scoreline. Fifteen minutes later, another announcement confirmed that National Police had forfeited the match and that Crown had been awarded a 5-0 victory by the match commissioner. A totally unsatisfactory end result to a match that had began so brightly for both teams.

With the game being televised live on TVK, a downpour greeted the teams as they entered the field. It was only just over a month ago that Crown beat Police 2-0 at the Old Stadium with two Police players getting red cards. The C-League newcomers started well and were on top when Sophal Udom scuffed his shot across the face of the Crown goal on seven minutes. Three minutes later and Crown turned that around with a stunning opening goal. Sun Sopanha fed Kingsley Njoku who back-heeled the ball into the path of Sun Sovannrithy and his 22 yard thunderous drive crashed into the net off the underside of the crossbar. Kouch Sokumpheak headed a Njoku cross wide of the mark before Crown added to their lead through their Japanese import on 22 minutes. Thul Sothearith lost and then regained the ball and fed Takahito Ota inside the penalty area and after a touch to settle himself, he blasted the ball past the Police keeper. Two minutes later, Sophal Udom left his foot in on Tiny and as we waited for the restart, all hell broke loose. Both Narong and Pancharong began their verbal tug-of-war in jokey fashion before it turned ugly and they exchanged swear words according to a couple of the players. I fully expect Crown to take internal disciplinary action against Narong, pending action from the Federation who will no doubt look into the circumstances which put another black mark against the C-League.
Crown line-up: Bunchhay, Sovannrithy, Sothearith, Tiny, Obadin, Narith, Ota, Sopanha, Chaya, Njoku, Sokumpheak. Subs not used: Visokra, Dara, Sovan, Vanthan, Sophat, Sochivorn, Narong, Rathanak, Ratana, S Pheng, H Pheng. Bookings: Narong (red card).
Postscript: Phoung Narong has been suspended indefinitely by Crown for his actions during the match against National Police.

Crown line-up v Police: Back Row LtoR: Ota, Narith, Tiny, Obadin, Sovannrithy, Bunchhay. Front Row: Sopanha, Njoku, Sokumpheak, Sothearith, Chaya

The National Police team just 30 minutes before they all walked off

Referee Thong Chankethya with the captains and his coin, in the pouring rain

Thul Sothearith heads the Crown line as the heavens open up

Sabay.com captures myself alongside Bouy Dary and David Booth, trying to work out why the Police would simply walk off and refuse to continue

Weekend activity

A quick look at this weekend's Metfone C-League fixtures: leaders Phnom Penh Crown have the 2pm start time this afternoon against the National Police, who they beat 2-0 at the Old Stadium just over a month ago in a fiery encounter. The game will be shown live on TVK television. I expect Crown - who will be without injured speedy wingman Suong Virak - to extend their winning run to six matches, though the Police won't be a pushover by any means. In the 2nd game of the day, Preah Khan will want to recapture the third spot from the Army by beating Prek Pra, which they should do comfortably. Prek Pra had a brief upsurge a few games ago and need another one soon if they are to overtake Chhlam Samuth and escape relegation with just five games remaining. Sunday's matches will see an interesting tussle between BBU and Kirivong that could go either way, and then there's likely to be an avalanche of goals in the 2nd game, as bottom club Rithysen can bank on a spanking from Naga Corp and their hard-to-stop 17-goal hitman Julius Oiboh. I will miss the Sunday matches this weekend as I'm off to Kompong Tralach in Kompong Chhnang district to watch the Crown Academy boys take on two teams, at U13 and U15 level.

The stench of match-fixing

One of the UK's biggest-selling and most influential newspapers carried a story of football match-fixing allegations in Cambodia in their edition today, though it hasn't been deemed interesting enough for the Cambodian press, aside from a one-liner in the Phnom Penh Post a few days after the 2nd leg match was played. Here's what The Telegraph had to say about the recent World Cup matches between Cambodia and Laos.

World Cup 2014: Shadow of alleged match-fixing allegations already haunting competition - by Paul Kelso, The Telegraph

The preliminary draw for Brazil's World Cup took place on Saturday but already the shadow of alleged match-fixing has touched the 2014 qualifying tournament. The threat of fixing was highlighted by Fifa president Sepp Blatter prior to the draw in Rio and Telegraph Sport can disclose that one of the early rounds of Asian qualifying has been internally investigated following allegations of manipulation.

Fifa investigators have been alerted to unusual betting patterns in connection with the two-legged tie between Cambodia and Laos in the first round of the Asian Football Confederation qualifying zone. Both countries were eliminated before the preliminary draw in Rio, but the case highlights the rash of match-fixing allegations that have touched teams in more than 50 countries.

The first game in Phnom Penh on June 29 was won 4-2 by Cambodia, with the return in Vientiane on July 3 won by Laos 6-2 after extra time, enough for them to progress to the second round. The second leg was followed by accusations in Cambodia that the game was manipulated, and Telegraph Sport understands that data from betting monitoring software, including the Early Warning System used by Fifa, has highlighted unusual patterns, particularly in the first game.

The last goal in that game, scored by Cambodia in the 88th minute, attracted highly unusual betting patterns. With 86 minutes gone Cambodia were five-to-one on to score again on Asian handicap markets, an extreme price. According to footage of the game on YouTube, Cambodia had two goals disallowed in the last six minutes, after 84 and 86 minutes, and Laos had a penalty appeal turned down in the 88th minute shortly before Cambodia’s Samel Nasa scored.

The second leg finished 4-2 to Laos after 90 minutes, with two further goals in extra time sealing their progress to the second round, where they lost to China 13-3 on aggregate. Fifa would not comment on whether the case was part of its ongoing investigation into match fixing. In a statement Fifa said: “We cannot confirm or deny any specific investigation taking place on these matches”.

The Football Federation of Cambodia carried out an internal investigation after receiving allegations that the games might have been manipulated, but has found no evidence of match-fixing. In an emailed response to questions May Tola, the deputy general-secretary of the FFC, said that it had heard “unconfirmed rumours” about the tie, and that supporters had made accusations after the disappointment of the second-leg defeat. Some had accused players of result manipulation,” Tola wrote. "Immediately after the team returned home, our FFC leadership has instructed the federation to form an investigation commission to find out if there is any irregularities as rumoured accusation [sic]. After thorough examination and discussion, the Commission has found no substantial evidence or suspicion that the match had been manipulated by players or whosoevers [sic] within the team.”

The acting president of the Asian Football Confederation told Telegraph Sport that while he was not aware of any direct evidence that the Cambodia v Laos games were “not genuinely contested”, the allegations underlined “the destructive nature of match-fixing”. Zhang Jilong, of China, who became acting president when Mohamed bin Hammam was suspended by Fifa, described match-fixing as a “pandemic” in world football, and is hoping to open a dedicated Fifa security office in Asia next year.

Jilong said: “There is no doubt that match-fixing is a real danger to football’s ethical values and needs to be completely eliminated to preserve the sanctity of the sport. AFC will not rest until this plague is completely stamped out in Asia.”

Asia is considered the hub of match-fixing and Jilong is in talks with Fifa’s security department to open a dedicated security office in Asia by the start of 2012. The latest concerns come as Fifa prepares to take disciplinary action against six match officials involved in two notorious internationals staged in Antalya, Turkey, in February, in which all seven goals were penalties. The referees, from Hungary and Bosnia, have been summoned to appear at a disciplinary hearing in Zurich next week, though none is expected to attend having already been banned for life by their home federations.

Postscript: The local Phnom Penh Post newspaper carried the fact that the Federation in Cambodia were forming a Commission soon after the team returned from the heavy 2nd leg defeat but then it went as quiet as a pin-drop, until May Tola's statement to The Telegraph. To be honest any match-fixing allegations might've been raised after the 2nd leg rather than the 1st leg that was played in Phnom Penh, so the focus on the betting patterns in the first match are an interesting development. There were indeed two 'goals' ruled out very near the end of the match and a claim for a penalty turned down, but for that to be part of a match-fixing allegation, then the involvement of both teams and the match officials surely would've been required. Too often, the stench of match-fixing lingers on, without anyone actually providing evidence. It's so easy to allege match-fixing but unless there's clear evidence, I say shut the fcuk up.

Army down the Sharks

The midweek, and very wet, Metfone C-League encounter between the Army and Chhlam Samuth this afternoon was very one-sided. And it wasn't Chhlam Samuth who came out on top. The Army led through Phuong Soksana at half-time and then rattled in another four goals after the break, all in the last 20 minutes, through Chin Chhoeurn (2), Meak Chhordaravuth and Khek Khemarin. Sunday Ayodele had actually given the relegation-threatened Sea Sharks the lead early on as they flattered to deceive, before losing 4-1. It looks like a fight to the death between the Sharks and Prek Pra Keila for that second relegation spot over the last few weeks of the season - two points currently separate the two teams with Chhlam Samuth's nose in front. The Army meanwhile move briefly into third place in the table.

Owen in the spotlight

San Narith scored his first-ever hat-trick on Saturday against BBU and he was as pleased as punch. "That's my first time to score 3 goals in 1 match. I have scored some goals before but never three," admitted the 27-year-old modest midfield ace, after his cool head from the penalty spot, twice, and his hat-trick goal deep into injury time helped his side to a comprehensive 4-1 success. "I feel confident with penalty kicks. I took a few while I was with Khemara but Kouch Sokumpheak took most of them. Bojan suggested I take them this season and I was happy with that. On Saturday I stepped up to take them as I knew I could score." Confidence in his own ability is something that has taken Owen, as he's known by all, to the top of the game in Cambodia. Phnom Penh-born, he spent six years with the National Defense Ministry (aka Army), another 4 years with a rampant Khemara team and a season with Preah Khan Reach before joining Phnom Penh Crown prior to the current campaign. He gained a call-up to the Cambodian national team for the first time in 2006 and was a regular fixture in midfield or at full-back until controversially dropped by Korean coach Lee Tae-Hoon for the trip to Maldives in March. "I've enjoyed this season at Crown under Bojan and now David but I had a problem with the national team coach. He told me I made too many mistakes and didn't select me again. I don't understand it." Of his nickname, Narith recalls: "my coach at the Army, Neang Saban called me Owen and the name stuck with my teammates," presumably in reverence to the goalscoring English forward Michael Owen around that time. Though it's hard to see the resemblance. Nevertheless, his hat-trick against BBU could change all that. Narith is no stranger to success having won a services title with the Army, the Cambodian League championship twice with Khemara in 2005 and 2006 and the Hun Sen Cup the following year. He's also tasted AFC President's Cup action with Khemara in 2007 as well as with Crown this season. A model of consistency, his favoured position is in the center of midfield but he's happy to play wherever the coach decides, and that includes striker after last weekend's goalscoring haul.

Metfone round-up

Naga Corp, 2-0 winners

With Phnom Penh Crown maintaining their 4-point Metfone C-League lead with their 4-1 defeat of BBU yesterday, it was left to the other three games to make up the weekend's remaining fixtures.
In Saturday's opening game, it was that man Julius Oiboh who proved to be the difference between his 2nd-placed Naga and Preah Khan Reach. The latter's defence was all at sea when Oiboh opened the scoring on 32 minutes, taking a pass from Chin Chom in his stride, shrugging off a defender and putting his foot through a low drive into the corner. As easy as shelling peas. Seven minutes later the same player rattled the crossbar with one of his trademark pile-drivers. That was about the sum of the opening half though it ended with PKR's former coach Rith Dikar, racing down the grandstand steps to remonstrate with match referee Neang Sorithya, and twice grabbing the referee's arm as he left the arena. Khuon Laboravy, as close to the Khmer version of Julius as you can get, went close four times after the break for PKR but it was his shocking miss three minutes from time that summed up his afternoon, heading over from Prak Mony Udom's pinpoint cross with the goal at his mercy. Naga's highlight of the 2nd half was Oiboh's second goal and what a highlight it was. Holding off challenges from two defenders, the Nigerian hitman gave himself space and a better angle before toe-poking his drive into the far corner with 79 minutes on the clock. Game over and Oiboh celebrated his 17th goal of the season, with Naga keeping the league leaders in their sights.

Preah Khan Reach had no answer to Naga's Julius Oiboh

In the opening match on Sunday, the National Police Commissary found Chhlam Samuth tricky opponents and it was the Sea Sharks who had the ball in the net first, only for a flag to rule it offside. Five minutes before the break, Police's Long Nasy curled in a sweetly-struck 25-yard free-kick, between post and goalkeeper, for the opening goal. Sunday Ayodele took advantage of a loose ball to fire Chhlam Samuth level six minutes after the interval but they held on for just 5 more minutes before Police skipper Sophal Udom set up Mat Ritavann and he made no mistake with a neat finish. Ayodele should've done better with a couple of chances but it was Police who closed out the game with two goals in the latter stages. With three minutes remaining, Nasy ran onto a Ngoun Chansothea ball over the top and calmly finished, and then three minutes into time added on, the same player registered his hat-trick with an audacious chip over keeper Pich Rovinyothin to make it 4-1. Next week Police face the considerably more threatening league leaders, Phnom Penh Crown, whilst Jimmy Campbell's Chhlam Samuth are struggling to avoid the relegation dog-fight.

National Police, for whom Long Nasy netted a hat-trick

Chhlam Samuth, still involved in the relegation dog-fight

The final game of the weekend was a yawn. The National Defense Ministry started like a train against bottom-club Rithysen but after taking an early two-goal lead they took their foot of the gas and eventually ran out 3-1 winners. On six and nine minutes, the Army whipped in two goals with Oum Kumpheak sidefooting in the first and Pov Phearith whacking in the second from close range. Half-time substitute Phuong Soksana belted in a third, four minutes after the break and they should've scored more but they didn't and Rithysen got a late consolation, two minutes from time. Ly Sokhour handled in the area and the impossible to pronounce Okwuchukwu Obiawuchi steered home from the penalty spot.

The Army coasted to a 3-1 victory

Rithysen are down and out

Police given a lesson

This is the Academy starting XI v National Police U-15s

The Academy boys of Phnom Penh Crown put in another sterling performance this morning, on a surface resembling a swimming pool rather than a footy pitch. Hours of rain had threatened the game for the U-13 boys against the bigger and older opponents from National Police's U-15 team, but it went ahead despite the conditions and in hindsight, I'm sure the Police team wish it hadn't. When a team is given a footballing lesson by boys two years their junior and considerably smaller in stature, it must be hard to stomach. That probably accounted for some of the rougher passages of the match, which was played in three halves. Phoeun Sopheak began the 6-1 rout from the penalty spot and Yeu Muslim netted a second. The Police netted a consolation effort in the second half before four more goals for Crown emphasized their superior passing and teamwork. Sopheak scored two more to complete a hat-trick with his third coming direct from an inswinging corner kick. Sraing Titchhy and the smallest player on the pitch, Theang Chhaya rounded off the victory. Watching the Academy boys is pure joy. Not only do they play football the right way but they are smashing kids as well.

The starting team for the 2nd of three halves

Chhuot Senteang was as brave as a lion in goal

Goalmouth action as Theang Chhaya tries to get the last touch against much bigger opponents

The Academy coaches giving their interval team-talk

This time Theang Chhaya sends a header the wrong side of the post

The Academy squad stretch and warm-down after this morning's game