Not since Boeung Ket caused a stir in their first Metfone C-League season in 2012, becoming champions on their top tier bow, has a debutant side garnered as much attention as Visakha, who travel to the RSN Stadium on Sunday evening to face six-time champions Phnom Penh Crown
Lying third in the table behind heavyweights Boeung Ket and NagaWorld, Visakha have ruffled feathers in what is developing into a three-way fight for league honours.
Visakha carry greater momentum into the clash after Crown were devastated last week in a second half capitulation that saw a goal-down Ministry of National Defense smash five past them in the second half.
While much of the focus will be on this key encounter, NagaWorld will be in Siem Reap to face Angkor Tiger, a side that has earned respect in their three-year existence for their never-say-die attitude.
While the Naga attack is formidable, with George Bisan in good scoring form, it may prove a demanding task for the casino-backed side to break down the hardy Tigers.
Sunday’s third fixture features a matchup between Electricite du Cambodge at home to Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng, who seem to be gradually recovering lost ground after a poor start.
Leaders Boeung Ket are relishing the going like no other side at the moment, with their attack wreaking havoc.
Brazilian Maycon Calijuri, Julius Oiboh and Paul Omogba were all among goals last week and will trouble the best defences. And the fans will be eager to see the darling of Cambodian football Chan Vathanaka score his first goal when his side take on National Police after being reunited with the club at the start of the league’s second phase.
After blowing Crown away in the second half last week, Army should have it their way against AEU. They have a gap to close on the top three, but like they did last season, they are more than capable of making up ground.
Western Phnom Penh travel to Siem Reap to take on Soltilo Angkor desperate for a win after a 13-game losing streak in which they have shipped an astonishing 57 goals.
