Basic Professional FC triumphed over Imperial RC in the finals of the African Unity Cup held on Sunday at the Boueng Trabek Stadium Phnom winning 2-1.
Dzarma Bata put the Basic FC side in front in the 30th minute after a good run from Imperial was intercepted in the midfield by Ageless Momoh Degule who combined beautifully with Dialo and Julian before laying the pass to Dzarma Bata and the Former Sotilo Angkor Striker left hook hit the bottom corner for the curtain raiser.
The goal was certainly against the run of play as Imperial had created the better chances leading up to the 30th minute but poor marksmanship robbed them of goals.
Defender Osondu Silenced the Basic FC fans in the 40th minute when he sent in a screamer from 40 yards out to beat goalkeeper Theary hands down.
Both sides chased the game after the interval but couldn’t really put their foot on the ground until the 82nd minute when Matthew Osas was brought down in the box, the Center referee pointed to the spot while Imperial FC players were protesting a melee between new entrant Julius Oiboh and Arewa saw the Imperial Skipper fall to the ground haven been nudged by Julius Oiboh. The Assistant Referee saw the incidence and drew the attention of the Center referee and the former Boueng Ket FC Striker was given the marching order.
Dzarma Bata Stepped forward and fired home from the spot to make it 2-1 and Basic FC held on to the lead till the final whistle.
It was a grand climax to a tournament that drew together the African-Khmer Community with over 1000 fans at the epic finals.
Basic FC were presented with the Giant Trophy and a cash of Six Million Riels while Imperial received a cash award of Four Million Riels. Dzarma Bata was presented with the Tournament’s Golden Ball as the MVP haven scored 8 goals in 8 matches while Yemi Joseph of Imperial FC was adjudged the second-best player of the tournament. Basic FC Young goalkeeper, Theary won the golden gloves as the best goalkeeper as Imperial FC Striker Ibrahim won the Top Scorer award with 8 goals from 8 matches.
“It was a great finals, we hope to continue this tournament every year” Princewill Okezie, Chairman of the organizing Committee Said moments after the final whistle.
Special Guest of Honor at the tournament, Mr Austin Koledoye, President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) commended the organizers for putting together this tournament and urged the players to take the positives from the tournament to do more. He noted that the contribution of the African Players towards the development of Football in Cambodia is remarkable. “I want to commend the organizers of this tournament for their hard work, I hope the players will build on the success from this tournament to go on to do greater things and continue to prowess in their career and Development of Cambodia football” he enthused.
