Shocks, Upsets, Goals Galore and Drama in Round 4 of Cambodian Premier League Action

When the Cambodian Premier League was formed we were promised more matches, more entertainment and more goals. And that’s exactly what this week delivered to us. 

To read about the Cambodian Premier League click here.

Round 4 of the Cambodian Premier League 1

Remember us tipping Preah Khan Reach Svay Ring FC to do great things this season? Well after a 3-1 away win at Tiffy Army, courtesy of a brace from ex-EPL star Markus Haber (who we also said to watch out for), they remain firmly top of the table as the only club in the top-tier to remain unbeaten. Conor Nestor for national coach? You heard it here first.

To read an interview with Conor click here. 

Holding second place is Nagaworld FC who were largely disappointing last year. They managed to pip sorry Kirivong Sok Sen Chey 2-1, who you’d have to fancy for relegation this year. 

The other match of substance saw Beoung Ket easily sweep past Alistair Heath’s Angkor Tigers 2-0. While too early to be ringing any alarm bells, with one only win in four weeks of play, the Tigers look like they might struggle to reach the hallowed top four this season. 

You can read our interview with Alistair Heath here.

And then there is poor old Phnom Penh Crown. Last years’ champions were lucky to eek out a 0-0 draw away with last years cup winner Visakha FC. They might only be four games in, but second to bottom on 2 points is not exactly where the champions want to be. 

Round 4 of the Cambodian Premier League 2

One of the highlights of CPL 1 has been the competitiveness of the division. CPL 2 has proved somewhat less so, although this has at least meant a few goal feasts. 

The biggest scorers of the day were Prey Veng FC. They continued their fabulous start with an 8-1 home victory against Tboung Khum FC. Next on the scoring list were National Academy. That side managed an amazing 7-0 away victory against BMC FC and are seemingly starting to find their feet after their shock opening day loss to Next Step FC.

Koh Kong FC and EDC FC both won by solid margins against National Police FC and ISI Dangkor Senchey FC, 4-1 and 3-1 respectively. It was the matches in Siem Reap that provided the most drama however.

Saltilo Angkor FC lost 2-1 at home to Asia Euro United in a match they really needed to win if they are to have any realistic chance of getting back into the top-flight. For Asia Euro United this marked a continuation of their fine form so far this season, something even more impressive when you factor in they were almost not granted a license to compete in the league at all. 

And last but nor least, we had the Siem Reap “people’s derby”. Siem Reap FC were technically hosting Next Step FC, although with them both sharing a stadium it was slightly more like a cup final. Alas and once again though it was not to be Next Step’s day. Siem Reap won with a solitary goal in the second minute. Despite the defeat being somewhat unlucky, this puts Next Step FC at just one win for the season, a slightly disappointing start after their shock opening day defeat of National Academy.

Speaking about the defeat, Next Step FC coach Charlie Pomroy told Khmer Nights “After the game I told the boys it was time to feel how painful today’s loss was. We’ve got four tough games against top teams ahead, so it is time for us to grow up and start taking responsibility. We can only hope those outside the club making mistakes can do the same.”

You can check out the Next Step FC website here. 

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