Battambang

Goal fests continued in the group stage of the 2011 National Women’s Football Championship on Monday with Battambang’s SALT Academy team crushing Kratie 16-0 to advance to the semifinals as top seeds of Group A.

Having watched group A rival Banteay Meanchey win 5-0 in the earlier kickoff at the University of Battambang field, the SALT Academy girls knew they had to win to be assured of finishing top of the

group and avoiding a dangerous-looking Siem Reap team, who’d won all their group B games, in the next round.

In spite of this, Battambang coach Sam Schweingruber opted to give many of his younger fringe players a chance to impress in the final group game and they did not disappoint.

The home side dominated throughout the first half, with a hat-trick by Sorn Sreyteav, braces from Hout Kimhong and Leang Sreypouv, and a goal by Seang Samy.

In the second session, and with the outcome effectively already decided, both coaches made numerous changes. An own goal by Kratie opened the floodgates once again, and further strikes by Rom Kimleang, Sim Sophors, Leang Sreypeu Mao Pheakdey, Sorn Sreyteav, and captain Chhoeun Nipha completed the rout.

Meanwhile on Monday, Kandal inflicted an 18-0 thrashing on Women’s Football Development Club, the second time the side had lost by such a margin during the competition.  

Today’s semifinals sees Battambang face Kandal, while Siem Reap take on Banteay Meanchey. Finals are on Friday.