Thursday, 16 July 2009

CPL FOOTBALL: Khemara turn over Kirivong

The Phnom Penh Post
Thursday, 16 July 2009
KEN GADAFFI

Substitute Olatunde Oladiji came off the bench to contribute to Khemara Keila's 2-0 victory over Kirivong Son Sen Chey Wednesday to retain their top-four position in the Cambodian Premier League (CPL). The Nigerian-born striker, who replaced compatriot Anthony Aligochie after 20 minutes, rose above everyone on the field to head home from a Ty Bunvichet cross in the 38th minute. Khemara had taken the game to their opponents right from the whistle, with Mim Sophal almost getting what would have been the fastest goal of the season when his lob was punched away by Kirivong goalkeeper Kem Makara. Khemara never looked back and pushed their opponents harder, obviously with the 2-4 loss to Kirivong in the May 2 reverse fixture at the start of the season still fresh in their minds. If the first half ended with the pressure on Kirivong, the second half was more like one-way traffic as Khemara kept up the pressure with series of missed chances; mesmerizing Kuoch Sokumpheak and gangling Oladiji the worst culprits. Kirivong's numerous counterattacks were thwarted by Joel Omokara, who was a rock in the Khemara defence.

Khemara took the game beyond Kirivong when Nigerian-born David Adeyinka was given space to drive low from 25 yards and catch Kem Makara napping, to give his side a two goal lead inside 71 minutes. Kirivong had the referee to thank for keeping the score at 2-0 by denying Kuoch Sokumpheak a clear penalty shout, and the game ended with Khemara avenging their season opener.

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