Visakha fought hard to beat Preah Sihanouk’s Life FC and restore their pride in the weekend’s Cambodian Premier League (CPL) action, while reigning champions Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng secured a second consecutive victory return to their customary spot at the top of the table.
Potential title contenders Phnom Penh Crown were unable overcome hosts Boeung Ket, as two high profile football fans, the British and Indonesian ambassadors to Cambodia, looked on.
On Sunday, Visakha battled back from being two goals down to defeat Life FC 3–2 at Prince Stadium.
The visitors struck first through striker Kanta Asami in the 26th minute and Kim Hyeon Su in the 56th. Things failed to go their way however, with the hosts responding with three goals: Park Jungbin of South Korea pulled one back in the 63rd, In Sodavid equalised in the 68th and defender Jagodinskis Vitalijs completed the turnaround in the 75th minute.
The comeback win was especially important for Visakha, as they dropped their opening CPL match 2–1 to a fired-up Army side on August 9.
In contrast, Crown — fresh from an emphatic 6–0 away win over Brunei’s Kasuka FC on August 12 in the AFC Challenge League qualifiers — were unable to carry that form into their CPL opener against Boeung Ket.
At Olympic National Stadium on Sunday night, Crown appeared the better side, in terms of possession and chances created, but they could not find the net. In the closing stages, they even risked defeat as Boeung Ket pressed sharply. The match ended 0–0, with Crown striker Long Phirath sent off deep into stoppage time (90+7) after receiving a second yellow card.
Boeung Ket goalkeeper Koy Salim, who won Man of the Match for a string of crucial saves, said afterwards: “We wanted three points, but I’m not disappointed with one. I think it’s good — our team worked hard to get this 0–0 result.”
Crown head coach Oleg Starynskyi shared his frustration at the draw.
“Even though 0–0 is not a great result, I think both teams had chances. It was an exciting match for the fans,” he conceded.
“I feel a bit unhappy that we couldn’t win, but both sides showed good quality. Our defending was excellent, and we also created many good opportunities,” he added.
The match was watched live by UK ambassador Dominic Williams and Indonesian ambassador Santo Darmosumarto.
Williams took to social media after the match to share his thoughts about the power of football.
“I went to watch Boeung Ket vs Phnom Penh Crown tonight with my friend, the Indonesian Ambassador. I was delighted to meet Charlie Scott, an English player with Boeung Ket. Two weeks ago, I went to the Super Cup with the German Ambassador, his wife, and Oknha Vattanak. Football brings people together!” he said.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Royal Cambodian Armed forces FC drew 1–1 away at NagaWorld, with both Naga defender Mateus Martins and Army midfielder Ekejiuba Valentine Chiemerie receiving red cards in the 35th minute.
On Saturday, Svay Rieng brushed hosts Angkor Tiger aside 3–0 to go top of the CPL, with six points from two games. They are followed by Boeung Ket and Army (each on four). Visakha, MOI Kampong Deva, and Kirivong Sok Sen Chey all sit on three points, with a win and a draw.
