Phnom Penh Crown are closing the gap on Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng in the Cambodian Premier League (CPL) title race, after securing three points away against Kirivong Sok Sen Chey on Sunday. Meanwhile, ISI Dangkor Senchey are almost out of chances to find their first victory after suffering six consecutive losses.
Crown defeated hosts Kirivong Sok Sen Chey 4-1, keeping them in second place with 14 points, just one point behind league leaders — and reigning champions — Svay Rieng, with both having played six matches.
In contrast, ISI Dangkor Senchey remain winless, following a 1-0 loss to fellow bottom of the table dwellers Life FC from Preah Sihanouk province on Saturday night. The only goal came from South Korean striker Kim Hyeon-su in the 52nd minute. Several Life FC players were seen in tears, overwhelmed with emotion after securing their first win of the season.
“This victory wasn’t achieved because of me alone. It was because our whole team fought hard today. I’m confident this win was created by all of us together, and I’m really happy,” Hyeon-su, who was awarded Man of the Match, told the media after the match.
Kang Sen, ISI president, expressed deep disappointment with the team’s current state — six straight defeats and sitting at the bottom of the table. He admitted he is almost out of ideas to lead the team to victory.
“I’m almost out of options now. Only one trick left — to play myself! But more importantly, next match we face Phnom Penh Crown again!” he said, via social media.
ISI announced on Sunday that following the loss, the club’s management and coaching staff woke up at 5am to run 8 kilometres as a symbolic act of mental redemption for Domrey Chey (the club’s mascot) and their supporters.
“Resetting ourselves — rebuilding confidence and reflecting on ways to move the team forward for a stronger comeback. We learn, we grow and we rise together!” they said, via the club’s social media channels.
Meanwhile, Angkor Tiger celebrated with singing and dancing in the locker room after a big 3-0 home win against Boeung Ket on Sunday night. The thrilling three points lifted Angkor Tiger temporarily to third place with 12 points, having won four and lost two matches.
NagaWorld drew 2-2 with Visakha. Dropping Naga to fourth place with 11 points, equal with Boeung Ket in fifth. Visakha fell to sixth with 9 points, while Royal Cambodian Army FC sit at sixth with 10 points after a 0-0 draw with MOI Kampong Dewa.
