Defending Metfone C-League champions Boeung Ket Rubber Field crashed to a shocking 7-5 defeat yesterday against Kirivong Sok Sen Chey, who turned the game at Olympic Stadium on its head, firing four goals in succession in the final 15 minutes.

Boeung Ket were coasting along, striker Bisan George having completed a hat-trick on 74 minutes after Sok Pheng and Suong Vireak added a goal each to give the side a healthy looking 5-3 advantage.

All of a sudden the world around Boeung Ket seemed to collapse as the visitors from Takeo began to mount a serious comeback offensive.

Striker Nwakuna Friday, who had kept Kirivong in the hunt, rounded off his splendid effort with a hat-trick of his own, the final goal of which came deep into injury time.

Akeem Bolaji had raised visions of an upset when he scored the side’s fourth goal in the 76th minute.

Nhem Sovannara then got his name on the scoresheet to level up at 5-5 before Savorn Ratanakvisal, who had struck his side’s third goal barely a minute before Bisan George completed his treble,  got the go ahead goal to drive Kirivong to the front.

Boeung Ket’s second defeat in the past three games following their 1-0 loss to Build Bright United last weekend means their lead at the top of the standings has been cut down to just four points, ahead of Svay Rieng in second spot.

The unexpected victory boosts Kirivong’s chances of making the four-team cut for the post-season playoffs, known as the Super 4. They currently reside in fifth, level on points with fourth placed Naga Corp, but with a 14-goal deficit to make up.

Phnom Penh Crown, who face Boeung Ket this weekend, are a point ahead in third.