Visakha win 2021 Hun Sen Cup in Dramatic final
Visakha FC are the 2021 Hun Sen Cup winners, but winning did not come easily and in the end it took a penalty shootout to retain the trophy they first won in 2020.
First Half Visakha FC 0 Svay Rieng FC 0
Perhaps due to recent low attendances, or perhaps simply because of logistics, but the 2021 Hun Sen Cup Final was held at the RSN Smart Stadium, home of semi-final losers Phnom Penh Crown. Yet despite the official line that there needed to be social distancing, the stadium was filled out to its 5000 capacity, with more fans stranded outside without a ticket.
To say the atmosphere was electric would be doing a great disservice, with the Blue Warriors of Visakha being on exceptionally fine singing form. The first half was exiting enough, with Svay Ring being the slightly better team, although neither side could break the deadlock going into the break.
Second Half Visakha FC 1 Svay Rieng FC 1
Both teams came out pumped for the second half, but it was a slightly more dominant Svay Rieng who were to take the lead in the 52nd minute when Prak Mony Udon put the ball in the net after a fine attack.
The game though was far from over and Visakha, despite missing star forward Markus Haber continued to press. Their efforts were rewarded in the 72nd minute when Wut Tola crashed the ball into the night after a Visakha corner, sending the Blue Warriors into a frenzy. We were heading for extra time.
Extra Time and Penalties – Visakha FC 2 Svay Rieng 2 (5-3 on penalties)
Instead of sitting on their laurels both teams came out looking to settle the match. Svay Rieng were to strike the first blow five minute into extra-time through Chou Samnang, only for Visakha to equalize 5 minutes later with a well taken goal from Ouk Sovann.
Both teams looked to tire after the first 10 minute blitz and the game slowly moved towards the inevitable shootout. Both sides struck home on their first 3 attempts, with the pivotal miss coming from Soun Sovan who managed to put his shot clean over the crossbar. The tie was then settled when Ouk Sovann, already a hero after the equalizer sent the keeper the wrong way to seal the killer blow.
The fans went wild and despite the police presence managed a mini pitch-invasion, with a few lucky fans managing to get their hands on shirts.
Visakha win the 2021 Hun Sen Cup – What does it mean?
Many Visakha fans might be sad at how they faltered in the league towards the end of the season, but a 3rd place finish and two successive Hun Sen Cup’s is not bad going for a team that have only been in the top-flight for a few years.
Svay Rieng find themselves runners-up in both competitions, but can take heart in a season where they not only challenged throughout, but genuinely played some great football.
And for all intents the Cambodian season is now over, bar the C-League 2 to decide promotion to the top-flight. Word on the street is we might se Koh Kong FC in the top-flight next year.
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Author: Leon Havana
A trained chef and sports aficionado with extensive experience across South America and Asia. Leon’s culinary creations celebrate local flavors, while his love for sports like football and boxing connects him with local communities.
