Photo by: Sreng Meng Srun

Kirivong Sok Sen Chey’s Julius Ononiwu takes a shot past Wat Phnom’s Sun Sovanratha during their Metfone C-League clash yesterday at Olmypic Stadium. Ononiwu took his season’s tally to 23 goals.

Golden Boot favourite Julius Ononiwu and nippy striker Tran Cong Danh pilfered a brace each as Kirivong Sok Sen Chey kept their Super Four hopes alive with a 4-2 win over no-hopers Wat Phnom in their Metfone C-League match at Olympic Stadium yesterday.

The season’s leading goal scorer was at his attacking best as he joined forces with the Vietnamese winger to produce two goals in both halves. This tormenting pair took turns to be predators and providers in a rare display of perfect chemistry across the Wat Phnom goalmouth.

The Wat Phnom strikes came from random hits during the second half. Ry Phearoeun helped himself to a goal off a rebound with the Kirivong defence distracted. Within minutes, Ry Phearoeun appeared to grab an equaliser, but the linesman flagged for offside.

However, Wat Phnom’s second came as the Kirivong backs failed to deal with a corner kick that curled into Henry Asonibe’s path. Kirivong’s grip on the game never slackened and Wat Phnom found themselves a respectful distance away unable to contain the freewheeling forwardline.

A small window of opportunity into the Super 4 is still open for the Takeo-based team, although they’ll need a spectacular collapse from one of the three teams above them in the league standings. Kirivong play lowly Prek Pra Keila in their all or nothing final fixture.

Ononiwu’s first goal was a peach of an effort in the 14th minute, controlling a bouncing cross from Tran Cong Danh superbly to open the scoring. Six minutes later, the predatorial Nigerian turned a neat provider for his Vietnamese counterpart, who netted with a swift body turn and flick right in front of goal.

The second half Kirivong goals were similar in conception, with Ononiwu and Tran setting each other up. The Kirivong defence was well served by deep defender Bryan Edem, who cut off most of Wat Phnom’s central advances.

Wat Phnom are still unclear of their fate in the top tier, with their only remaining game against league leaders Naga Corp. They are currently on the same points as Prek Pra, but the latter is well ahead on goal difference.