Kipson hat trick fashions win for Naga
HARD chasing Nagaworld and Boeung Ket Angkor showed no mercy on rivals from the lower half of the Metfone C League standings on Saturday in their bids to secure playoff spots at the end of the round robin phase on December 3.
Rwandan import Autheire Kipson, who is among the top contenders for the Golden Boot, blasted a hat trick in Naga’ s 4-1 win over Asia Europe United under the blazing Olympic Stadium lights.
Boeung Ket hit the road to Svay Rieng where the defending champs met little resistance in their 3-0 romp over newcomers Electricite du Cambodge.
Comfortable wins for the holders of joint-second in the standings kept leaders Preah Khan Reach on the hop as the Svay Rieng giants were set to face lowly CMAC a day later.
The third game carded for Saturday saw, Phnom Penh Crown, currently placed just outside of the top four bracket, out play Western Phnom Penh 3-0 with goals from Shane Booysen, Keo Sokhpeng and Keo Sokgnon.
A penalty late in the first half helped AEU pull one back after Kipson and Sos Suhana had built up a 2-0 lead for Naga.
But Kipson was back to torment AEU again, turning in a Diego Gama assist for his second goal of the evening.
The Ugandan born six footer duly completed his hat trick in stoppage time with a spot kick he himself had earned after being heavily fouled in the box.
A fascinating duel is now building between Kipson (23) and Boeung Ket striker Maycon Calijuri (22) as the Brazilian got into the score sheet to tighten the race for the leading scorer of the season.