Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Avatar upset Africans in rush for semis

Avatar upset Africans in rush for semis

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Avatar’s Mouen Phalin beats Peter Ani of African All Stars. Photo supplied

Avatar upset Africans in rush for semis

A dramatic upset by unfancied Avatar FC over the all powerful African All Stars 2-0, coupled with KMH All Stars’ 6-1 spanking of Khmer United on Friday, opened up the exciting prospect of five of the eight teams remaining in contention for a semi-final place when the ISI Palm KMH Super Cup completes its group stage after the Khmer Water Festival break on November 27.

At the end of the second round of games at the well attended KHM Stadium in Chaom Chao, only KMH All Stars and Bei Jeng Family FC are presumably safe but the battle for the crucial second semi-final spots will be fierce. In Group A it will be a toss-up between the Japanese and Khmer United while in the second group the Africans will have to bring out their best against Bei Jeng Family. The Europeans and World Stars have been knocked out.

With some of the leading league performers turning out for the Africans, the fan base for this popular side has steadily grown but no one could have envisaged the team’s subdued performance against Avatar, who to their credit showed greater competitive courage and second half discipline than they had against Bei Jeng in a 3-2 defeat the previous week.

While the Japanese 6-3 win over the Europeans keeps them in the hunt in Group A, the East Asian group will have to jump over Khmer United to advance to the knockout phase.

In Group B, the Africans’ defeat leaves them fighting for survival against the unbeaten Bei Jeng while Avatar seemingly have an easier path tackling the World Stars, who have shown little quality so far.

New Zealand rattled

On Friday, African All stars were forced into submission by goals for Privat Mbarga and Souen Kosal for Avatar FC.

The Africans’ usually reliable front liners Julius Oiboh and Momoh Degule were unable to strike an effective partnership. The introduction of Paul Omogba, another good league performer for Boeung Ket last season, also offered little.

Taking advantage of a defensive slip, Privat Mbarga who led AEU with such zeal last season struck in the 88th minute, still leaving enough time for Souen Kosal to double the lead.

Khmer United drew first blood in the eighth minute, but two goals in quick succession from Abiodun Micheal and Taku Yanagidate calmed the nerves of hosts KMH All stars as they took full control of the game.

Abiodun Micheal doubled his tally in the 31st minute before Blessing Fisayo added a fourth three minutes before the interval. Nduka Uche’s 68th minute strike extended the lead before Endo Mikito rounded off the tally.

MOST VIEWED

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • Waterway job still pending for Kampot tourism port’s opening

    The search is still on for a contractor to expand and deepen the Kampot International Tourism Port’s waterway and deliver additional enhancements allowing safe access for larger vessels, nearly a year after the main construction work on the 4.25ha site was completed on June 30, 2022.