Kirivong’s Nelson Oladiji (right) celebrates his goal against Preah Khan Reach on April 30 with teammate Ouk Thon. Photo by: Sreng Meng Srun

Kirivong’s Nelson Oladiji (right) celebrates his goal against Preah Khan Reach on April 30 with teammate Ouk Thon. Photo by: Sreng Meng Srun

Chhlam Samuth and Kirivong Sok Sen Chey will both look to take all three points from their Metfone C-League clash at 3pm today at Olympic Stadium. Victory would ensure one of them moves to a share of the league lead with reigning champions Phnom Penh Crown on 10 points, although they would have played an extra game.

Today’s opponents last met in 2009, when Navy affiliated club Chhlam Samuth went by the name Phouchung Neak. Takeo based Kirivong won 2-1 and 2-0 in a season that saw Phouchung condemned to relegation to Division A1.

However, the rebranded Sea Sharks have chomped their way back into the top flight with some sterling recent performances that Kirivong would be ill-advised to ignore. Chhlam Samuth have won twice and drawn once before losing 2-0 to Crown last week.

Nigerian defender Maxwell Woko and his three Cambodian colleagues in the backline will need to recover their form to stand up against the Kirivong attack. Sanny Dauda, who has scored twice so far for the Sea Sharks, is set to start up front but will rely on a good supply line from midfielders Chhun Kirivatharo and Chham Bunchhay.

Kirivong, who are third in the standings over three other sides also on seven points due to a superior goal difference, will look to Nigerian frontmen Nelson Oladiji and Sunday Silva for fireworks. Oladiji currently leads the scoring charts with six goals.

Midfielder Song Dara should also be a key player for the provincial side after a fine performance during their 5-0 thumping of winless Rithy Sen on Saturday.