FC snatched a 2-1 win over National Police Commissary FC on Saturday evening to pip second-placed Ministry of National Defense FC at the post and claim only their second Metfone C-League championship title.

On Friday, Ministry of National Defense had kept the pressure on Boeung Ket by defeating AEU 4-1, but ultimately it proved not enough as Boeung Ket grabbed a vital win – and with it a much-anticipated second championship win.

After a goalless first period, and with Police defending deep, the match sprung to life in the second-half, a one-two from Dzarma Bata and Sok Sovan putting the Rubermen two goals ahead on a damp evening at the National Olympic Stadium. However, with a little over ten minutes to go, Shane Peterson ensured a nervy finish for Boeung Ket’s drenched but flagwaving fans with an 86th minute strike – but Boeung Ket were able to hold on to claim a much awaited league victory much to the pleasure of coach Prak Sovannara.

“This time I am able to achieve my ultimate aim, very happy!” said keeper Sou Yaty after the match – he had previously won the league in 2014 with Phnom Penh Crown.

“And thanks to all my team-mates for their efforts today,” chimed in injured defender Hong Pheng who returned from surgery in Vietnam to be part of his sides historic night.

Touch Pancharong, Boeung Ket’s ever present defensive stalwart took to social media to express his pride at winning Cambodian football’s premier competition. “Thanks to my team-mates. Our unity and solidarity with each other has made us a success. And special thanks to the fans who are always behind us.”

Solidarity was a theme echoed by the clubs General Manager Be Makara; “After passing through many obstacles this season, we’ve achieved our goal and repaid the faith of our fans. But our mission is not yet complete with the international award still to play for, said Mr. Makara.

The league win means Golden Boot winner and Player of the Season Vathanaka and his teammates will make their second successive appearance at the regional Toyota Mekong Club Championship.

Boeung Ket were the surprise package of last year’s competition, shocking Lao Toyota, the champions of Lao League, Myanmar’s Yangon United and 2015 TMCC defending champs Becamex Binh Duong of Vietnam in the knockout stages. They then came close to defeating Thai superclub Buriram United in a narrow 1-0 loss in the December grand final.

About The Author

ismail

Ismail is an English Sports Editor/Reporter at a national newspaper in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He has a particular interest in Southeast Asian football, specifically that of Cambodia, Laos, Singapore and Myanmar. He has written in the past about the English Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.


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