Defending Cambodian league champions Boeung Ket Angkor crashed to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Global Cebu FC from the Philippines in the first leg of the RHB Singapore Cup quarterfinals at the Jalan Basar Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Enjoying a better head-to-head record, Global outclassed their familiar foes to ensure a healthy cushion ahead of the return clash at the same venue on Friday.

An early goal by midfielder Paolo Salenga was added to just before the break by winger Misagh Bahadoran.

Eight minutes into the second half, Khoun Laboravy raised hopes of a Boeung Ket comeback when he converted a spot-kick that had resulted from a goalmouth skirmish in the Global box.

While Boeung Ket pushed hard for an equaliser, Global managed to skip away midway through the second session when Salenga was back to complete a well-deserved brace, restoring a two-goal lead for the Philippines champions.

On the way to the quarterfinals, Global had a tough time against S League side Geylang International. The Filipinos eked out a 3-2 win on penalties after a 4-4 deadlock after regulation and extra time.

Boeung Ket made the playoffs after outplaying Warriors FC 4-1 on the back of a Laboravy hat-trick.

Meanwhile, two-time Cambodian champions NagaWorld left Phnom Penh yesterday for their quarterfinal clash against Hougang United, which is set for a 6:30pm kick-off Cambodian time on Friday.

The second leg between the two sides is scheduled for Monday at the Jalan Besar Stadium.