Nagaworld FC started off their 2023/24 Cambodian Premier League campaign with all three points as they edged out newly-promoted Prey Veng FC 5-4 at the Prey Veng Stadium in Prey Veng Province. Indonesian striker Rafli Mursalim received some valuable minutes under his belt as he came on to make his Nagaworld debut as a second half substitute, however the true star of the show was Brazilian striker Marcio Marques, who bagged himself a hat-trick.
With former Persija Jakarta and Gresik United striker Rafli being named on the bench, Nagaworld head coach Khim Borey opted for Brazilian duo Marcio and Cristian Roque as his starting attackers.
Taking on an opponent who were promoted to the top-flight despite finishing 5th in last season’s second tier, 3-time Cambodian champions Nagaworld raced into a 4-1 lead by half-time. Cristian opened the scoring in the 3rd minute before Marcio bagged himself a brace with goals in the 5th and 18th minute.
Myanmar international Thiha Zaw pulled one back for Prey Veng in the 26th minute, however two minutes afterwards Marcio completed his hat-trick to give Nagaworld a commanding lead coming into the break.
Dav Nim pretty much sealed all three points for Nagaworld in the 50th minute, allowing Khim to throw Rafli into the fray in the 55th minute.
Prey Veng reduced their deficit in the 66th minute through Dy Phanrann, before Rafli almost bagged himself an assist four minutes later as he managed to send an excellent ball to his teammate, only for goalkeeper Kim Chanveasna to intervene in the last second.
The home side kept on pushing and took the fight right to the last minute, as they added two more goals late in the game – Kriya Tha snatching Prey Veng’s third goal in the 87th minute before club captain So Omae scoring an injury-time penalty to ensure that the hosts would finish the match with a respectable scoreline.
Despite only making a second half cameo, Rafli’s promising performance down the right flank could inspire Khim to feature the Indonesian attacker in more games to come in the future.