NagaWorld's unbeaten streak in the Cambodian Premier League (CPL) was brought to a screaming halt by reigning champions Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng during their Wednesday night meeting in the fifth round of the league.

On the same night, Visakha FC achieved a phenomenal new season record for the most goals scored in a single match, putting Ministry of Interior FC to the sword in a 9-0 slaughter. 

During the same round of matches, Beung Ket’s Sieng Chanthea emerged as the league's top scorer, netting two, in a 5-1 victory over Sihanoukville-based side, Life FC.

Despite winning their last three matches, NagaWorld fell 2-0 to Svay Rieng at their home ground, the Svay Rieng Provincial Stadium. The goals came from Brazilian striker Pablo Augusto Servo de Carvalho in the 33rd minute and Lao midfielder Bounphanchan Bounkong in the 83rd minute.

This victory allowed Svay Rieng to reclaim the top position in the league standings with four wins and one loss, tied with Phnom Penh Crown, who also have four consecutive victories. NagaWorld remains in third place with nine points from three wins and one loss.

Following the match, Svay Rieng head coach Pep Munoz shared his thoughts.

Boeung Ket striker Sieng Chanthea defends the ball against Life FC players, on his way to setting the season record for individual goals scored. CPL

“It was a tough match, as NagaWorld has shown excellent quality this season, he said, noting that in the first half, his team handed their opponents two significant opportunities in their defensive area while attempting to create chances of their own.

Regarding the second half, Munoz said, “NagaWorld tried to find more opportunities, but in the end, our team performed better”.

He expressed a desire to see more teams with the quality of NagaWorld in the CPL, as it would increase the level of competition and enhance the overall quality of play. 

“I congratulate NagaWorld for their strong performances so far this season. They are a high-level team, and we want to compete against more teams like them, as they challenge us to find different solutions and make the matches more intense,” he said.

NagaWorld veteran Kouch Sokumpheak tries to block Svay Rieng’s Pablo Augusto Servo de Carvalho during Wednesday night's match. Svay Rieng

In contrast, Visakha, who recently defeated Svay Rieng in a valiant 1-0 upset, cantered to an easy victory over Ministry of Interior FC, with an impressive 9-0 scoreline. This victory positioned Visakha third in the standings, with nine points from three wins and two losses.

On the same night, young striker Sieng Chanthea became the league's top scorer – with three goals this season – after netting two, helping Beung Ket defeat provincial rivals Life FC with a score of 5-1 at the Olympic Stadium.