Frontrunners Boeung Ket and their hard chasing rivals NagaWorld have drawn bottom of the table sides Western Phnom Penh and Electricite du Cambodge in Saturday’s Metfone C-League action.
But the standout match of the weekend could well be between Phnom Penh Crown and Ministry of National Defense, who will both be bidding to close the gap on a top three that includes exciting prospects Visakha.
Both Boeung Ket and Naga went through the motions last week without much trouble, opening the second phase of the season with 4-0 wins.
Though Julius Oiboh and Maycon Calijuri shared the four Boeung Ket goals, there was lively anticipation of Chan Vathanaka scoring on his return debut when he turned out in his favourite No11 jersey after rejoining the club just before the conclusion of the first phase.
He failed to find the net but the eagerness to open his account was evident.
Against a Western side that has conceded more goals than any at this stage in the competition’s history, averaging almost five per game in a dozen winless attempts, Boeung Ket coming out on top would hardly be a surprise.
Police pay Svay Rieng a visit
The introduction of South Korean K-League product Song Chi-hoon last week paid rich dividends for Naga, after the attacking midfielder bagged a brace. And with the safe hands of Cambodia keeper Sou Yaty in goal, Naga should have little to fear from EdC, though the second from bottom team did hold Boeung Ket to a goalless stalemate.
Having been squarely beaten by Naga in their previous fixture at home, struggling Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng, 14 points off the pace, will have to be at their best to deal with a visiting Commissary of National Police side in good form.
Fierce rivals Phnom Penh Crown and Ministry of National Defense meet at the RSN Stadium in what could well be another classic confrontation between the two arch foes.
This season’s surprise package, high-flying newcomers Visakha will have Siem Reap-based Angkor Tiger in their sights at Old Stadium.
In the early kick-off, fellow Siem Reap side Soltilo Angkor will be up against Asia Europe United, who will be keen to get back to winning ways after suffering a 4-0 loss to Boeung Ket.
