Oiboh hauls in third hat-trick

Monday, 30 May 2011 15:00

H S Manjunath

Naga Corp’s Julius Oiboh (right) elbows off Ek Sovannara of Chhlam Samuth during their Metfone C-League game at Olympic Stadium on Saturday.

A shower of goals was a welcome change for spectators at Olympic Stadium on Saturday with the day’s two Metfone C-League fixtures producing a total of 17. 2009 league champions Naga Corp fired eight past a hapless Chhlam Samuth who managed three of their own in response, while rock bottom Rithy Sen mustered enough courage to hold National Police Commissary to a 3-3 draw to pick up their first point this season.

It is no secret that the Naga strike force has been transformed beyond recognition by the recruitment of Julius Oiboh, whose refreshingly bold and innovative approach has boosted the side’s offensive prowess.

The lanky Nigerian was again the spearhead as he claimed his third hat-trick in four starts for Naga on Saturday. Teab Vatanak also came into his own with a double, while Kop Isa, Om Thavarak and Omogba Esoh fired a goal each for Naga.

For the Sea Sharks, midfielder Paul Olabode and striker Sanny Dauda got a goal each before Pov Samnang, a former national team player, chipped in with the side’s third.

Rithy Sen grab first point
For the first time this season, Rithy Sen’s reputation as cannon fodder was challenged. The Kampong Chhnang team made a flying start against National Police Commissary with a blazing double by Keo Dara in the first quarter of an hour, and the underdogs consolidated their lead when Tam Yusos conjured the club’s third in the 69th minute.

For the Police, who were forced to back pedal for most of the first half and early part of the second, Moeung Phanith came to the rescue with a double and Tith Dina found the net to the team’s collective sigh of relief in injury time to deprive Rithy Sen of their top flight victory.

Ten minutes into the second half, Rithy Sen had lost the services of Raymond Esis to a second yellow card and the loss of manpower played its own cruel part when the Police set out for that late desperate fightback.

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