Chhlam Samuth v Prek Pra Keila

Saturday August 20 - 2pm

Key players: Paul Olabode & You Safy

Weekend clashes in the Metfone C-League fire off with the crucial relegation battle between Chhlam Samuth and Prek Pra.

In the first leg, Prek Pra edged out the Sea Sharks 3-2. The Muslim community-backed club led by coach Jack Tonye Charles believe they have the mettle to survive yet another season in the top tier.

According to their newly created website (prekpra.blogspot.com), the squad will make enforcements to their midfield. Left winger You Safy is an important supply line to forwards such as Sos Souhana, while African imports Ogunsola Mufutau and Jamiv Adebayo will sure up the defence.

Chhlam Samuth, meanwhile, will be without Scottish coach Jimmy Campbell, who is in Paris with the Cambodian Homeless World Cup team. They will, as ever, heap their hopes on the foreign contingent of Paul Olabode, Sanny Dauda and Ayodele Silva.

National Police Commissary v Naga Corp

Saturday August 20 - 4pm

Key players: Man Ritavan & Chin Chum

The Police side, on their debut in the Metfone C-League, have already allayed their fears of demotion, but still need to recapture their best form after a recent 5-1 loss to their Army team rivals.

Sophal Udom, Long Nasy and Tit Dyna will be charged with salvaging something for their team.

The mission for Naga in their final three matches remains very clear – they must win them all to prevent Phnom Penh Crown successfully defending their league title.

Chin Chum, whose hat-trick inspired his side to a 5-0 rout of Chhlam Samuth last week, should provide another star turn, while top-scoring team-mate Julius Oiboh seems likely to score again.

However, Prak Sovannara’s Naga will need to avoid the kind of negligence in the backline that caused a 2-1 defeat to the Police in their previous encounter.  

Kirivong Sok Sen Chey v Preah Khan Reach

Sunday August 21 - 2pm

Key players: In Vicheka & Khoun Laboravy

Kirivong blow hot and cold, and rely heavily on captain In Vichheka to provide the maturity on the pitch they need to pressure their opponents.

Midfielder Nelson Oladiji, who missed a penalty against Crown last time out, will hope to be luckier this week off feeds from team-mates Uk Thun and Sung Dara.

For PKR’s ace hitman Khoun Laboravy, the dream of doubling up on his Hun Sen Cup Golden Boot will almost certainly elude him, but he will probably top the Cambodian goal-scoring charts.

Central midfielder Chea Samnang, who regards Cesc Fabregas as his role model, has shown impressive form in recent matches for PKR, while Prak Mony Udom and Soun Veasna should prove effective in helping their team to secure third in the standings.

The teams finished tied at 2-2 during their last clash.

Rithy Sen v Build Bright United

Sunday August 21 - 4pm

Key players: Matt Rofazy & Chhan Veasna

Only a mathematical miracle can save newcomers Rithy Sen from the dreaded drop this year, as they attempt to avoid the ignominy of a winless campaign.

Midfielder Matt Rofazy will look to find the net for the second week running, but the real focus for the Kampong Chhnang-based outfit will be on defence.

BBU midfielder Chan “Milo” Veasna has been too quiet for too long, and will have his best chance to rack up some stats on Sunday.

Strikers Pich Sina, Prum Puthsithy and right midfielder Chea Sophany should create chances to strike while defender Tuy Sam must keep things under control or BBU may suffer a notable upset. 

TRANSLATED BY IN SOPHENG