Khemara treat Spark to 5-2 rout

Khemara Keila's Kuoch Sokumpheak charges through Sunday. NICK SELLS

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/

Written by DENE MULLEN
Monday, 15 June 2009

Khemara Keila’s attacking duo do the damage in the first half against a startled Spark side Sunday

BUILD Bright United (BBU) and National Defence Ministry (MND) could not be faulted for effort, but a game woefully short on quality failed to capture the imagination at Olympic Sunday, with the teams yawning to a 0-0 draw.

A dire first half almost provided a false dawn when Phoeung Soksana went through on goal, only to see BBU keeper Hem Simay deflect his shot onto the post in the first minute.

That was as close as either side came to scoring a goal, and only a 35-yarder from Khek Khemrin, which sailed just over the bar, broke up the monotony.

The second half did not offer any greater entertainment, with the only incidents of note being a superb header off the line by In Vireak and, in the final minute, the dismissal of Pheak Rady for lashing out wildly at Kang Sophea.

Khemara flash 5 past Spark
In stark contrast, Khemara Keila and Spark FC served up a veritable feast of football and goals in Sunday's second game, with Khemara emerging 5-2 victors.

Spark hotshot Justine Prince opened the scoring, volleying home superbly inside three minutes to give his side the lead. From then on, though, Khemara took control, and their front two were in particularly dominant form. A mistake at the back from Spark defender Olawaseun Olatide let Khemara back in the game, with Anthony Alichigozie finishing emphatically after being found by an intelligent square pass from Kuoch Sokumpheak.

Then, with just 18 minutes gone it was 2-1, after Kuoch Sokumpheak headed in Alichigozie's superb cross from the right. Kuoch Sokumpheak subsequently turned his attention back to creative duties, first setting up a goal for Ty Bunvichet with an excellent slide rule pass, and then flicking on a long ball for strike partner Alichigozie, who skipped round the keeper and rolled the ball home.

There was still time for Nelson Oladiji to get on the scoresheet just before the break when he leathered a left-footer past Spark keeper Pouv Raksa for goal number five.

The second half was a rather more sedate affair, with Khemara taking their foot off the gas and Spark struggling to break down the defence. Phoeun Saorum was twice denied from free-kicks by Khemara goalie Mak Theara, and Spark's Olatide did manage to bundle home a late consolation to make up for his earlier blunder.

A late sending off for Chan Dara after a professional foul marred Khemara's day somewhat, but their often unplayable front two had already done the damage in the first half.