Seven goal thriller in AFC Cup Play-Off

AFC Cup Play-Off: Phnom Penh Crown 3 – Home United FC 4

Phnom Penh Crown left themselves a difficult, but not completely impossible, task to qualify for the AFC Cup Group Stages following an entertaining match at the RSN. A defeat by the odd goal in 7 to Home United as the five-times Cambodian champions were left ruing a comical own-goal from the hapless Japanese defender Chiharu Kosuge. The 4-3 defeat that means a two goal victory in Singapore will be needed to progress.

Crown were not overawed by the S League side and looked, at times, both sharper and more effective than the side from the island republic. But the defense let the home team down and, again, a series of excellent saves by Keo Soksella, possibly the best goalkeeper in Cambodia currently, were required.

In the opening stages both teams number 10s were influential operating down the flank in front of the main stand. Keo Sokpeng, his hair almost channeling Valderama, looking dangerous for Crown whilst the Singapore international Fairs Ramli (two international goals versus Cambodia) the best player for Home United. And it was former wunder-kid Faris who created the momentum for Home with two goals in the space of two minutes around the half hour mark. A penalty converted followed by a lovely finish after a good through ball from midfield. But Crown always looked like scoring and the less hapless of the Japanese pair striker Futa Nakamura, who looked busy throughout and had struck the post with the match goalless, scored on the brink of half-time.

The game could then have gone either way before Keystone Kops Kalamity struck Kosuge. An own goal he probably could not repeat in training. And an error magnified by the two excellent Crown goals which kept them in the game. Both heavily involved Shane Booysen who is Back. A mazy run and a nice pass to Keo Sokngoun and a fantastic finish from the edge of the area. Booysen then scored Crown’s third with a wonderful direct free kick.

So positives for Crown ahead of the new season and an outside chance of qualification if Booysen can light up Singapore.