Takashi Odawara
Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng advanced to the semi-finals of the AFC Challenge League after defeating Phnom Penh Crown 2-1.
Svay Rieng were simply too strong over the two legs in this all-Cambodian affair, cruising into the last four stage with a 6-2 aggregate win and will next take on either Indonesia’s Dewa United or Manila Digger FC of the Philippines.
Despite holding a 4-1 lead from the first leg, Svay Rieng looked the likelier to find the opening goal with Cristian glancing a header onto the post in the fifth minute before Kwame Peprah nearly found Alves in the box with a clever dink.
Phnom Penh had the opportunity to breathe life into their hopes in the 17th minute when Nieto Rondon was sent clear on the left but his indecision allowed Cristian to recover and block his attempt.
Phnom Penh piled on the pressure with Maksym Priadun at the forefront of their attacks, the Ukrainian forward smashing a rebound high before sending a swerving free-kick just over the bar.
They eventually got the goal they deserved in the third minute of first half added time when Priadun’s long range strike was palmed by Vireak Dara into the path of Moses Dyer, who rifled home from close range.
Svay Rieng’s three-goal cushion was restored six minutes into the second half, Connor Shields’ sent his corner kick into a crowd of players and up popped Takashi Odawara to nod in the equaliser.
Phnom Penh’s struggles in dealing with set-pieces saw them suffer another setback on the hour mark when Peprah met Ryo Fujii’s floated free-kick with Odawara at the right place to power home his second of the game.
To their credit, Phnom Penh never gave up the fight but Dara stood tall to prevent further goals and ensure that Svay Rieng earned the bragging rights for a second straight week.
Meanwhile, Bangkok United squeezed into the semi-finals a 2-2 draw with Tampines Rovers at Jalan Besar Stadium earned the Thai League 1 outfit a 4-3 aggregate quarter-final win.
