Relegation Battle between Kirivong and Western University

PHNOM PENH (23 June 2014) – With basement side Albirex Niigata Phnom Penh FC almost certain to be relegated, the battle is now between Kirivong Sok Sen Chey FC and Western University to see who will join the former in the lower division in 2015.

And this week, Albirex Niigata could not have gotten a harder opponent than current league leaders Phnom Penh Crown FC when they were thumped 4-2 at the National Olympic Stadium.

Phnom Penh were all business when they stretched to a 3-1 lead off goals from Kim Jeongho in the 31^st minute, Adriano Pelligrino (39^th) and captain Khim Borey (41^st minute) as Albirex pulled a late goal in the Yusuke Ueda just two minutes before the break.

The four times Cambodian champions then nailed their fourth goal of the game just a minute after the restart through Bisan George before Albirex scored the final goal of the game off Kheng Sophanha in the 62^nd minute.

The win allowed Phnom Penh to stay top with 42 points from 17 matches played as Albirex Niigata remained stuck on 12^th at the bottom of the heap with just six points from the same number of matches played.

On the other hand, Kirivong Sok Sen Chey FC moved out of the relegation zone following their 3-0 win over National Defense FC.

Savor Ratanakvisa grabbed a brace with goals in the 53^rd and 90^th minute as Nhim Sovanara nailed the other goal in the 25^th minute.

As Kirivong picked up only their third win of the season for 13 points and improved to 10th, Western University FC slipped down to 11^th at the table when they fell to a 3-2 loss to Boueng Ket Rubber Field FC.

Despite taking the lead off Ly Saroth early in the sixth minute, Boueng Ket replied with three goals off international Khoun Laboravy in the 19^th minute, Keo Sokpheng (42^nd minute) and Chan Vathanaka (56^th minute).

And while substitute Chan Vannak did pull a second goal for Western University in the 74^th minute, it was just too late for a revival.

The bottom two teams at the end of the season will be relegated to the Cambodian First Division.

 

METFONE CAMBODIA LEAGUE 2014 Current Standings 

No	Team	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	Phnom Penh Crown	17	13	3	1	47	14	33	42
2	Boengket Rubber Field	17	12	1	4	37	18	19	37
3	Naga Corp	17	9	5	3	31	13	18	32
4	Tri Asia Phnom Penh	17	7	4	6	27	19	8	25
5	Svay Rieng	16	7	4	5	33	19	14	25
6	National Police	16	7	4	5	27	17	10	25
7	Build Bright United	16	6	4	6	17	24	-7	22
8	National Defense Ministry	17	4	6	7	23	31	-8	18
9	Asia Europe University	16	4	6	6	23	37	-14	18
10	Kirivong Soksenchey	17	3	4	10	10	36	-26	13
11	Western University	17	2	6	9	17	32	-15	12
12	Albirex Niigata Phnom Penh	17	1	3	13	17	55	-38	6