Phouchung Neak shock leaders

Photo by: NICK SELLS
Build Bright United’s newest purchase Augustine Ogemi (front) brushes past his Post Tel Club defender Sunday at Olympic Stadium.

The Phnom Penh Post
Monday, 13 July 2009
ANDY BROUWER

CAMBODIAN Premier League leaders Preah Khan Reach (PKR) had the wind knocked out of their sails by Navy side Phouchung Neak in their top-versus-bottom clash at the Olympic stadium Sunday that ended a 2-2 draw. It was all one-way traffic as PKR struck the woodwork twice in a frantic opening, but they were left reeling from a double sucker punch in as many minutes.

Tith Dina leapt around in jubilation after his screamer from twenty-five yards sailed into the top corner after PKR failed to clear the danger from a corner kick on 19 minutes.

Just as fans were getting their breath back, Phouchung, with just one point from their previous nine games, doubled their lead when debutant Wilson Mene sent his teammates into more raptures with a well-executed volley at the back stick from Heng Sokly's sweet cross. The navy side didn't deserve their scoreline, but they weren't complaining.

In response, PKR stepped on the gas and reduced the deficit on the half-hour. Olisa Onyemerea rose above everyone to powerfully head home Tum Saray's corner. Phouchung held out for fifteen minutes of the second period, until was Onyemerea on hand again to turn in a low cross from Khounla Boravy, though the expected onslaught from PKR never really materialised. Honours were shared, although it was a massive moral victory for the Navy side over their illustrious opponents.

Post Tel Club 0 Build Bright 2
In a much quieter affair, Build Bright United (BBU)took the points in the second game of the afternoon, with a straightforward 2-0 success over Post Tel. The result was never in doubt as BBU always held the upper hand. Indeed, in new signing Augustine Ogemi, they had the game's best player by a country mile.

After arriving from PKR during the mid-season break, the Nigerian took just nine minutes to register his first goal for his new club. Rising above despairing Post Tel goalkeeper Thong Chanraksmey, he planted his header into the net from a gorgeous inswinging cross by Ek Vannak.

BBU settled the game fifteen minutes into the second half when Oriola Adeseye applied a deft touch to lift his shot over Thong Chanraksmey when a corner fell to him in the box.