KHEMARA STILL TOP; PHNOM PENH EMPIRE ON SECOND

And table toppers Khemara Keyla FC were not about to lose their grip of the top spot when they thumped Red Eagle FC 4-1 in the match which was played at the National Olympic Stadium.

Ung Korn Yanith opened account for Khemara in the 27th minute before Tek Dem equalised for the homesters three minutes later.

But there was no denying Khemara from winning all three points when Seng Narath and Ung Korn Yanith scored a goal each in the 34th and 38th minute respectively for Khemara to take a 3-1 lead at the break.

Red Eagle shores up their defence after the breather but failed to stop Khemara from scoring their last goal of the game through Kuoch Sokomphiak deep in injury time.

While Khemara was determined, Phnom Penh Empire was fervent in their desire to overhaul the leaders when they completely overwhelmed basement side Baksey Chamkrong 13-0.

Chan Chhaya’s early goal in the 3rd minute was added by Ajayi Gbenga Samuel, who nailed five goals in the 5th, 6th, 30th, 61st and 89th minute for Phnom Penh to remain on second.

Phnom Penh’s other goals were scored by Hok Sotithya (10th minute), Hok Sochivorn (15th), Chan Rithy (27th), Akpeeze Kenneth (65th, 73rd, 77th), Chan Chhaya (68th) and Ek Gofa (85th).

In the meantime, Lion Squad FC picked up their first three points in the league when they beat Build Bright University 3-2 on the road.

Despite taking a 2-0 lead at the break off a brace from Prom Puth Sithi in the 21st and 32nd minute, Build Bright just could not sustain the pressure when they concede three goals in the second half for the loss.

Lion Squad took their first three points of the season with goals off Seth Camel in the 65th minute, Nwakuna Friday in the 81st minute and then Olawale Izman Bill six minutes to the end to ensure victory.

“I am more than just the coach or the manager of the team as for the most part, the boys look to me to guide them as their father would,” said Hul Sakada, the team manager of Lion Squad.

“But we are trying to provide these players with more than just football alone but a way out of drugs and unemployment.”

CAMBODIA PREMIER LEAGUE STANDING

1. KHEMARA KEYLA (+24) 12pts

2. PHNOM PENH EMPIRE (+23) 11pts

3. NAGA CORP (+12) 11pts

4. BUILD BRIGHT UNIVERSITY (-2) 6pts

5. ROYAL CAMBODIAN ARMED FORCE (+7) 5pts

6. RED EAGLE (-2) 4pts

7. LION SQUAD (-14) 4pts

8. BAKSEY CHAMKRONG (-48) 3pts

CAMBODIA SECOND LEAGUE STANDING

1. ROYAL SWORD FC (+29) 19pts

2. MOHA GARUDA FC (+11) 14

3. SPARK FC (+1) 12

4. NAVY FC (-1) 11pts

5. KOH KONG FC (-4) 7pts

6. PHNOM PROS FC (-11) 6pts

7. KANDAL FC (-8) 5pts

8. EASTERN EAGLE FC (-17) 3pts

PIC: Build Bright University vs Lions Squad FC