Kirivong dispatched Khemara 3-1: Making a late Challenge for top 4

Kirivong Sok Sen chey won 3-1 on saturday to put on a late challenge for the Super 4 Playoffs ( pics: Tep Phanny)

Just as the battle for the top 4 is hotting up, the race for the top goal scorer in the Metfone premier league is becoming interesting as the boys are gradually being separate from the Men.
Nigerian Born Julius Chukwuma scored 2 goals as Kirivong saw off hard fighting Khemara 3-1 in saturday's league fixture to take his tally to 19 for the season. Khemara will be ruing their missed chances as their strikers were all misfiring even when Kirivong was not at their very best. Kirivong took the lead in the 7th minute when Un Vicheka scored from an acute angle after displacing Khemra defense who failed to clear their line. Despite the early goal, it was Khemara who got the better of possession and several clear chances went begging as Ek Vannak and Chhun Kirivathano fluffed several chances. Kirivong went into the break with the one goal cushion but it was Khemara that got off the block the better side after the interval only for the missed chances to continue.
They were made to pay for it inside 50th minute after Kirivong's Vietnam import Chan Kong Yang mesmerized his way into Khemara box before laying a teasing pass for Julius Chukwuma to slot home. Khemara pulled one back when Khouch Sokumpheak nodded home a cross in the 77th minute. Khemara's hope for a comeback was shattered when Julius once again proved why he is the leading scorer powered home from just outside the 18 yard after Substitute Un Sopheak cut in from the left flank to open Khemara's defense in the 79th minute. Khemara were made to see the rest of the game out with 10 men after Referee Khoun Ly flashed a straight red at Khemara's San Nideth for a mis-timed tackle.

The win has placed Kirivong 1 point off the top four position behind Preah Khan Reach who have a game in hand on sunday against Wat Phnom.

Khemara side that lost to Kirivong despite putting up a spirited fight ( Pics Tep. Phanny)

Kirivong's Vietnam import Chan Kong Yangin one of his numerous mesmerizing move into Khemara's danger area being chased down by two defenders. ( Pics Tep Phanny)

KIRIVONG 4-2 Chmao Khmao

Kirivong Sok Senchey defeated Chmao Khmao 4-2 in this weekend's fixture.
Here is a report by Phnom Penh Post Andy Brouwer.

Julius seizes all four against Black Cats, Khemara hold Crown again

Tuesday, 06 July 2010 15:00 Andy Brouwer

Kirivong 4 Chhma Khmao 2

Photo by: Sreng Meng Srun

Kirivong Sok Sen Chey’s Julius Ononiwu (right) vies for possession with Chhma Khmao’s Khom Pisith during their match Sunday.

Relegation certainties Chhma Khmao were in no mood to allow Kirivong Sok Sen Chey from Takeo to punish them as they did earlier in the Metfone C-League season in this battle of the provincial teams. With memories of April’s 8-0 drubbing, the Svay Rieng-based Black Cats made the early running but lacked a cutting edge when it mattered most.

Kirivong rebuffed their efforts and with only their second attack of the match, took the lead on nine minutes. Top scorer Julius Ononiwu (formerly known as Julius Chukwumeka) pounced to rob defender Khom Piseth, made a beeline for the penalty box and lashed his shot inside the near post for a fine individual effort.

Three minutes later and the Nigerian marksman was on target again. Strike partner Tran Cong Danh dinked his way past two defenders and spotted his teammate in space six yards from goal. His pass was inch perfect and Ononiwu made no mistake, sidefooting home with ease.

The rest of the first half almost sent the spectators to sleep. Kirivong sat on their lead and were sloppy in their passing, while the Black Cats found it impossible to break down their opponents.

The half time interval triggered a rainstorm that came and went as soon as the teams reappeared. With nine minutes of the second half played, Chhma Khmao reduced the deficit from the penalty spot. Kirivong’s Touch Sokhieng rashly challenged Meak Chhordaravuth and referee Khuon Virak pointed to the spot, allowing Men Piseth to slot home the penalty kick with precision.

However, Chhma Khmao’s thoughts of a fight-back were dealt a killer blow just three minutes later. An interchange of passes between Felix Ndukwe and Julius Ononiwu left the Black Cat defenders at sea, and Ononiwu cashed in with a low drive into the corner for his hat trick.

Four minutes later and Ononiwu rolled in his fourth of the game and his 17th of the season. Felix Ndukwe spotted his run and supplied a sublime chip, which Ononiwu controlled, rounded the goalkeeper and scored with ease. His one-man demolition of Chhma Khmao was complete. He had scored five goals when the two teams met previously.

With four minutes remaining, the Black Cats salvaged a bit of pride when Phan Dara scored on the rebound with an unstoppable volley after Ndukwe had blocked his first effort, but it was too little too late. Kirivong remain in fifth place and will hope Julius Ononiwu can continue his goalscoring exploits if they are to mount a serious challenge for a Super 4 playoff place come the end of the regular season.

PP Crown 1 Khemara Keila 1
Phnom Penh Crown are the pundits’ favourites to capture the 2010 Metfone C-League championship but they’ll be glad to see the back of Khemara Keila, who have taken on the mantle of their bogey team this season. The teams drew 2-2 back in April, and Sunday’s encounter also ended all square, though Crown will rue the opportunity to return to the top of the table if they’d claimed all three points.

It was all Crown in the first half, with the game taking twenty minutes to warm up as both sets of players struggled to keep their feet on the slippery surface. Uche Prince Justine was prominent in Crown’s best efforts with Khemara goalkeeper Hong Visokra kicking and punching the ball away to deny the striker. Justine also tried his luck with an acrobatic overhead kick, but his shot sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.

Sun Sopanha, Crown’s skipper for the day, was prominent in midfield and his thirty yard drive through a forest of legs nearly caught Hong Visokra unawares, but the keeper managed to kick to safety at the last moment.

BBU, PREAH KHAN REACH CONSOLIDATES AS KIRIVONG FALLS AGAIN

BBU BOUNCES BACK AGAINST WAT PHNOM


Build Bright United bounced back from their mid week loss to Naga corps to beat Wat Phnom FC 3-0 in the early kickoff on sunday afternoon.

BBU playing without any of their foreign players on the team list for the first time this season as Augustine Ogbemi was inexplicably absent still went on to give a classic display as they ran over Wat Phnom.

The game was evenly match until the 25th minute when BBU began to exert their strong hold in the midfield with Nuth Sinoun being the tormentor in chief.

In the 42nd minute,Picking up the ball down the left channel, winger Chea Sophany jinxed his way down the far side, taking two defenders along with him before squaring a cut-back into the gaping hole they had left behind for Phin Pheara to slot home a fine finish to a great move.


BBU went into the break with their one goal lead and started off the second half as they ended the first on the front foot. Twice in the 55th and 60th minute, Nut Sinoun saw his long range shot parried by Sin Pisal in goal for Wat Phnom.

In the 71st minute, the forward finally got the goal his overall display deserved and 10 minutes later, Nigerian born Henry Uche was sent off for a second booking and the resultant free kick taken by Chhun Sothearith saw defender Sun Sovaratha deflecting the ball into his own net to make it 3-0 for BBU.

Referee Yean KyVathanak Shows Henry Uche the marching order. Yean KyVathanak is fast becoming a no nonsense referee in the league, he has sent off 3 players in the 3 week old league thus far. Pic: http://www.nicksellsphotography.com/

Former Wat Phnom Goal King, Justine Prince Uche could only smile as he saw his old club go down against BBU. Sitting with him is new team mate Friday Nwakuna. Both Nigerians are now with Phnom penh crown.

PREAH KHAN REACH DOWNS KIRIVONG
The first 2 rounds of the Metfone C-league witnessed goal feasts with a total of 63 goals scored from 10 matches. However the third rounds of matches played this weekend saw several missed chances and as such the goals seems to have dried out. Leading the pack for glorious misses was Kirivong Sok sen chey. Playing their third game of the season with two losses in the past fixtures, Kiirvong were looking to record their first win against Preah Khan reach who are yet to find their feet in the league this term following the departure of their technical Adviser Prak Sovannara to Naga.

Preah Khan Reach rose to 4th place with their 1-0 win over Kirivong Sok Sen Chey Pic: Tep Phanny

Nigerian born Julius Chukwuemeka missed several chances for kirivong just as compatriot Ande Apollo was missing at the other end for Preah Khan reach. The first half ended goalless but surely Kirivong would be ruing their missed chances.Not even My half time team talk could help Kirivong avoid defeat. I Certainly may have to find my way to the bench by next match

Preah Khan reach got of the block in the second half and within the first 5 minutes of the restart forced two corner kicks. Kirivong defense were thus caught napping as Chea Samnang was left in the world is own to power home from close range. Kirivong Goalkeeper Keum Makara playing his first goal of the season had pulled off some great saves before conceeding the goal. He punched the corner kick which was headed back into the danger area by David Njoku, the ball fell into the part of Chea Samnang who was giving the time and space to control the ball before taking his shot which hit the roof top of the net.

Kirivong's Seng Soknean has not impressed so far this season
Pic: Tep Phanny

From then on, it was Kirivong all the way but poor marksmanship on the part of Julius Chukwuemeka and substitute Un Vichhika which saw several of their shots and header hit the upright and cross bar.

Ande Apollo alsp missed the chance to double the lead for Preah Khan Reach when his shot from the 6 yards went off target. At the end, Preah Khan reach held on to their lead and got the three points at stake to go 4th as the league enters a recess for the Khmer new year.

Preak Khan Reach's Tum Saray and team mate close down on Sok Va
Pic: Tep Phanny
Midfielder David Njoku was a makeshift Centre Half for PKR on sunday yet he held the line like a veteran defender as PKR ran away with a lone goal Victory

metfone CAMBODIAN LEAGUE 2010

PHNOM PENH-CAMBODIA

27 March – 22 August, 2010

N0	TEAMS	MP	PTS	GD
1	NAGA CORP FC	3	7	6
2	NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTRY FC	3	7	5
3	PHNOM PENH CROWN FC	2	6	16
4	PREAH KHAN REACH FC	3	6	6
5	BUILD BRIGHT UNITED FC	3	6	3
6	KHEMARA KEILA FC	3	6	1
7	WAT PHNOM FC	3	3	-7
8	KIRIVONG SOK SEN CHEY FC	3	0	-6
9	PREK PRA KEILA FC	2	0	-8
10	CHHMA KHMAO FC	3	0	-16

The League goes on break for the Khmer new year and will resume on 21st April with Phnom penh Crown trading tackles with Prek Pra Keila.

KIRIVONG IN MAKE OR MAR FIXTURE WITH PKR

After an eventful two weeks of the 2010 Metfone C- League, this weekend's fixtures once again has to share the limelight as the boys are gradually being separated from the men. Going into the season, Kirivong Sok sen chey's newly appointed Director Mr. Somay Sokea had set his eyes on a top 4 finish. However, with the loses in as many matches, the team once again is heading for crisis if they fail to win their match on sunday against Preah Khan Reach.

Kirivong Director Somay Sokea growing grey hair as his club are yet to win in the league.

Two weeks ago, Kirivong fell to BBU 2-1 and only last weekend they were taken to the cleaners and came away with their tail between their legs from a 4-0 drubbing by Ministry of Defense ( AMRY). "I have never tasted such a defeat in my live, this is really too much" Nigerian Born Midfielder, Felix Ndukwe bemoaned after the defeat. The players will now be looking to kick start their season with a win against Preah Khan reach who might have felt hard done by a last minute goal from a seemingly controversial penalty as they lost to Khemara last weekend.

According to reports I gathered from the Kirivong Camp, some of the local players have not been giving their best in a bid to show their loyalty to the former management. This development has led to new Director Somay Sokea to grow grey hairs and have been in the camp at Takeo all week trying to stable the ship.
"All the players, foreign and local players have given me their support, and promised to win on sunday" Sokea stated in a telephone interview. "I had a meeting with them during the week and have been at the training so we are confident of winning our next match to start the season" he enthused.

PKR currently occupying the fourth place with 3 points will be looking to consolidate their top 4 position and as such will go all out for the match. With Nigerian born Anthony Nzekwesi yet to strug off his hamstring Injury, it is expected that the Nigerian Duo of Ande Appolo and David Njoku will anchor the PKR midfield.

With One goal from two matches, Kirivong Club top scorer Julius Chukwuemeka will be looking to increase his goal tally. This match promises to be intriguing and I will be closely monitoring events from my press stand as I am yet to get my Official Pass to be on the Kirivong Bench.

Kirivong Sok Sen Chey take onto the field this sunday hoping to secure their first win of the season

Other matches for the weekend includes Chhma Khmao taking on Khemara Keila in the 2:00 pm game on Saturday. On paper, this should be a walk over for Khemara and Coach Solomon Demagudu should be sure of recording his second victory of the season. However Football is not predictable, though Chhmao Khmao lost 9-0 to Phnom Penh Last weekend, they could be all out to redeem themselves thus giving Khemera a run for their money.

The 4:30pm match pitched Naga Corps against Ministry of Defense. This to me is the star match of the day. While NAGA is the league's defending Champion, Ministry of defense is the Hun Sen Cup reigning Champion. This is certainly going to be interesting. Both teams have had a flying start to the season, and would look to consolidate their position on the top of the league table. With Phnom Penh Crown not playing until 21st of April due to the Khmer new year coming up next week, the winner of this match could occupy the top position at the end of the day. Ministry of Defense currently occupies the second position while Naga are third on the table.


The early kick off on sunday will see Wat Phnom take on Build Bright United. Both teams have won one and lost one match each and are presently at the mid table. Wat phnom won their last match against prek pra 6-3 while BBU lost to naga 1-0. I see this match ending as a draw.

The Men in Black will once again be on the spotlight

KIRIVONG WOES CONTINUES AS ARMY CRUISE TO 4-0 VICTORY

Kirivong Sok Sen Chey continued their dismal start to the 2010 Metfone C-League with their second loss in as many matches after going down 4-0 to the Ministry of Defense FC in a match played at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday Despite having the best of possession.
The match was the live broadcast on the CTN kicked off at 2:12pm with Kirivong looking to put behind them their 2-1 loss to BBU on Wednesday. Kirivong was the better side in the first 20 minutes but had little to show for their possession.
With 15 minutes gone, Army lost their talisman striker and captain Khim Borey to an ankle injury and was substituted.

Kirivong in quick succession threatened to break the deadlock as Sem Khansem tried his luck on goal. The first missed target by a whisker while the second was blocked by Ieng Pisith in the 23rd and 25th minutes respectively.


Against the run of play, Ouk Kumpheak got the curtain raiser capitalizing on loss of concentration in the kirivong defense when he powered home his shot just outside the 18 yard box with Goalkeeper roundly beaten as the ball hit the upright before sailing into the net.

Army who went into the break with the lone goal lead came back in the second half looking to sit back and hit kirivong on the break and it paid off as twice they caught Kirivong defense napping with their fast counter attacking football. First it was Ouk Kumpheak who got advantage of the
ball after kirivong lost possession from a corner kick, with his pace, he found himself one on one with the goalkeeper, he powered home his shot to the roof top to give the Army team a two goal cushion. Moments later in the same way, Kirivong lost possession on the other end after a corner kick and Army hit them on the break finding Phoung Soksana who had only Sok Va to beat and he took the shot which looked like a cross which was deflected into the net.

With three unreplied goals, the Scoreline did not give a true reflection of the game which saw army side conceding 16 corner kicks to kirivong's two but they got the goals that mattered.

Kirivong fought back for a consolation goal but it was Army who got their fourth goal instead once again from a slick counter attack which Sin Dalin converted to give the Hun Sen Cup Champions their second win of the season to go top.












Midfielder Sin Dalin came from the bench and scored the winning goal in the 4-0 triumph over Kirivong Sok Sen Chey.

BOXED OUT OF THE BENCH
Had I been allowed to remain on the bench, I probably could have helped the situation as it was obvious that Kirivong lost the match from the bench. While the coach effected some changes in the starting line up based on my instruction, his substitutions during the course of the game didn't help matters. I was bounced out of the Kirivong Bench by the security officials. I was appointed to be the Technical Assistant to the Kirivong team and my name was on the team list however i do not have the Pass to be on the bench.

As a Freelance writer for Phnom Penh Post I had a pass to go into the field before and after games. As I was about to perform my duties as a reporter moments before the Kick off, the security who had earlier spotted me on the Kirivong bench stopped me from going into the technical area. I had to seek the intervention of the Secretary general of the Federation before i was allowed to go in to cover my stories. I couldnt sit on the Kirivong bench and instead went to the Director's Box where i sat with Director of the Club SoMay Sokea to cover the match. From where i was, i couldnt get access to the technical crew partly due to language barrier as I will have to require an interpreter to talk to the vienamese coach. I could only watch Army tear Kirivong Apart.
Hopefully before the next match, My Pass would be available so i could have access to the players before and during the match. The next game against Preah Khan Reach would certainly decide Kirivong's season as they look forward to fight for the top 4 position.



WAT PHNOM GET FIRST WIN IN A 9 GOALS THRILLER


If the fans who thronged the Olympic Stadium were thrilled with the 4 goals scored by Army in the first game, then the secong match of the day witnessed a 9 goals thriller with Nigerian Born Anosibe Henry Uche getting a hattrick as Wat Phnom brushed aside newly promoted Prek Pra FC.
Five minutes into the game Andy Brouwer my co- reporter for Phnom penh Post predicted 5-5 looking at the denfense set up of both teams, he almost got it right but then it was 9 goals and Wat Phnom got the better share of the scores.

It was indeed Wat Phnom who got the first through Phlong Vhan Thou as he took the ball past the on rushing goalkeeper before slotting home inside 10 minutes of the first half.
Twice in the 5th and 7th minute, strike partner Sren vandet had similar opportunity but couldnt find the target.

Prek Pra responded immediately as Former Preah Khan reach and Phounchoung Neak striker Wilson Mene narrowly missed the chance to level scores. However Compatriot Ali Philip got pre prak back on level terms when he connected the corner at the near post with his head in the 23rd minute.

Nigerian Born Anosibe Henry, the only foreign player on the starting line up for Wat Phnom got his first of his hattrick when he capitalized on the defensive blunder of Pre pra to give his side the lead once again in the 29th minute. Anosibe Henry made it 3-1 moments later and Wat Phnom deservedly went into the break in the driving seat.

The Second half started as the first ended with Wat Phnom Pushing on and 6 minutes after the restart, Phlong Vhan Thou got his second goal of the match and henry got his hatrick when he converted a penalty to give Wat Phnom 5-1 lead.

At this stage the fans were having fun and expectedly routing for Wat Phnom with Former Strker Justine Uche in the stands leading the chorus.

With 10 minutes to go, ALI Philip got his second for Pre pra to reduce the tally and Wilson Mene Saw his shot hit the pole with 5 minutes left on the clock.

There was still more drama to come as Wat Phnom got their 6th goal when Phouen saroum was at the receiving end of a beautiful sqaure pass from Chhun Mesa. There was still time for Pre Pra to get one back inside injury time as Feut Silkphily shot beat Samrith Seiha in goal for Amry


Nigerian Born Anosibe Henry Uche ( Left) Scored his hat-trick as Wat Phnom saw off Pre Pra 6-3.

Wilson Mene ( Right) missed a hat-trick of chances as Prek Pra Lost their second match in the top flight.

BBU SHOCK KIRIVONG

Two first half goals was all BBU needed to see off a resilient Kirivong Sok Sen Chey in the mid week fixture of the 2010 Metfone C-League.
BBU Started the game the better side and could have taken an early lead when Nigerian Born Austin Ogbemi caught Kirivong Defense napping and was one on one only to hit his shot straight into the waiting hands of goalkeeper Kong Tuor for Kirivong. Moments later, it was the turn of BBU captain Prorn Puth Sethy to be let free to take a rising shot which was held firmly once again by goalkeeper Kong Tuor.

Kirivong having the full compliments of their foreign players, Julius Chukwuemeka, Felix Ndukwe and Edem Bryan as against BBU's lone foreign import Austin Ogbemi were unable to find their feet as BBU kept attacking ferociously and got the goal they deserved when Chhun Sotheak tenaciously dispossessed Hang Chantrea to lay a square ball for Nut Sinouen to tap in with just 17 minutes into the game.

BBU kept on their strides after weathering the storm from Kirivong which saw Julius Chukwuemeka and striker partner Un Sopheak both heading wide. The second goal came as BBU once again capitalize on the defensive lapses of Kirivong's wing back Thoun Phearom which left Reun Bun Heang acres of space to pick his spot. Kirivong missed the chance to reduce the tally in the 44th minute when Julius shot wide with only the goal keeper to beat.

The second half was a one way traffic as Kirivong confined BBU to their half missing many goal scoring opportunities several hitting either the upright or the cross bar. With 8 minutes left of the clock, Kirivong got what ended up to be a consolation as Julius Chukwuemeka converted a cross from Hun Salam.
Kirivong will now look forward to saturday's fixtures against Ministry of Defense.

Build Bright University Pose for the press with only a Nigerian ( Austin Ogbemi) in the Starting Line Up.

Kirivong Sok Sen Chey Pose for the press with three Nigerians in their Starting Line Up.

Kirivong Wins Youth Cup

TAKEO-based club Kirivong Sok Sen Chey’s boys team stormed to an emphatic championship victory in the 2009 AFG Youth Academy Cup U16s category Sunday in Singapore, after seeing off Fusion FC of Singapore 4-0 in the finals.

A total of 49 teams from six countries including hosts Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Phillipines, Hong Kong and Cambodia, took part in five different categories (U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16) over the weekend at the SAFRA Tampines sports complex.

In the buildup to the finals, Kirivong won eight of their nine group stage fixtures to enter the semifinals knockout phase in first place.

With games playing 10 minutes each way, the Cambodian outfit, captained by 16-year-old Soch Makara, saw off home sides Dunearn FC and Boyan Murni 1-0 and 3-0 respectively Saturday, before meeting sterner opposition from Fusion FC.

Having conceded two and scored two, Kirivong required a last-gasp winner to win it 3-2. The team then went on to beat Anusorn FC of Thailand and Lysians FC of Indonesia.

In repeat fixtures Sunday, Kirivong repeated their earlier 3-0 victory of Dunearn, but had the tables turned on them by hard-fighting Boryan Murni to go down 1-0. The loss was a wakeup call for the young lads, who breezed through their two remaining games to top the group and book a place in the semifinals against fourth placed Dunearn.

The matchup looked comfortable for the Cambodians, having already beaten the Singaporeans twice by three goals. However, the Takeo team had to come back from a goal down, with a brace from Chen Yang putting them in the driving seat. Then, with just two minutes to go, a defensive error saw Dunearn equalise, but with the game heading for extra time, Chen Sang notched the winner from his corner kick, which went into the net unaided to put the final score at 3-2.

The second semifinal was settled by spotkicks, after Boryan Muni and Fusion ended in a 1-1 stalemate. The boys from Fusion soccer school prevailed, winning 3-2.

Visiting side gathers support
Sunday afternoon’s final was watched by a large crowd of anxious Singaporean parents, while the other participants decided to cheer for Kirivong, who had won over many of the fans with their good display. And the visitors didn’t disappoint, heading into the break with a two-goal cushion and controlling the second half confidently to end 4-0 victors, with goals coming from Chen Yang, an own-goal by a Fusion defender, and a strike by Kirivong defender Nhem Pannet.

The team were awarded a trophy, medals, a certificate of participation and a goodie bag from tournament organisers Asia Football Group, although no cash prizes were given.

Skipper Soch Makara was also voted the most valuable player of the U16 category.

The team fly back to Phnom Penh today, with head of delegation Somay Sokea elated with their success. “I am happy for this victory,” he beamed. “The boys are joyous and proud to have brought success to the Kingdom. I am also pleased that the efforts by [team sponsor] Sok An to make this trip possible were not in vain.