With Cambodia’s Asia Zone World Cup qualifying campaign winding down last week, the spotlight returns to the domestic Metfone C-League which resumes today after a three-week breather.

Saturday’s twilight encounter at the Olympic Stadium between top of the table Boeung Ket Angkor and National Defence Ministry features prominently in the five-game schedule offered for the long weekend, which opens with a high-profile clash between familiar foes Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng and NagaWorld at the provincial capital’s main stadium.

The midweek wins in the overlapping Hun Sen Cup group matches offered Boeung Ket and the Army outfit, who remain unbeaten in the league season with three wins on the trot so far, a perfect read through their fitness and preparatory levels for this crucial contest.

While the Army came out blazing against a decidedly weaker opposition in Prey Veng, Boeung Ket were made to work hard for their narrow win over Asia Europe United, prompting coach Prak Sovanara to passionately appeal to his players to sharpen up for what he regards as a tough battle against a robust opposition in MND.

More than anyone, the veteran Boeung Ket coach, who recently led the Cambodian All Stars to a creditable win over visiting Laos All Stars in a charity friendly, is well aware of MND’s firepower, in particular the assertive role North Korean import Choe Myong-ho has had in previous matches.

Having floored Naga in one of their earlier matches and advertised their strengths in the way best possible, Army have proven themselves to be fearless fighters and that factor alone should keep Boeung Ket on the hop.

After two big margin wins at home, Svay Rieng were forced to share the spoils in their third outing. They will open their doors today to visiting NagaWorld, who are still struggling to find form.

Western Phnom Penh host six-time champions Phnom Penh Crown in Sunday’s first match, while National Police are to fight it out with Asia Europe United at Olympic Stadium.