Army SC vs Air Force SC - DCL Super 8 - Racecourse Grounds - 3/9/2016 - Issadeen of Army SC (R) fends off Kolitha Lankesara
Madushan De Silva scored with the last kick of the game as 10-man Army pulled out a remarkable 2-2 draw against Air Force SC in the opening encounter of the Dialog Champions League Super 8 stage at the Race Course Stadium.
Army were favourites coming in the back off a romping win off group A while Air Force just managed to sneak in at 4th place of Group B.
Due to a red card to Dilan Udayanga Army were left to play with ten men mid-way through the second half.
The game started off at a frantic pace and it was clear that both teams wanted to net the early goal in order to set on course for the 3 points.
It was Army who had the advantage from the onset as the 4th minute as the soldiers’ slick passing caved out an early chance for Mohammed Issadeen, who was only able to drag his shot wide.
Both sides seemed to have decided in the flanks as their main avenue of attack as Madushan De Silva and Kavindu Ishan influenced the game heavily for Army and Air Force respectively.
Some smart work by De Silva down the flank gave Sajith Kumara a few chances early on, but the Army No. 9 was unable to convert.
Following wave after wave of Army attacks, and an injury scare for centre back Bandara Warakagoda, the soldiers were finally able to take the lead through Sajith Kumara. After a goal mouth scramble that was a result of a long ball, Madushan De Silva squared for the onrushing Kumara who took a touch before slotting home.
It was more of the same for the last 10 minutes, but it was the Airmen who almost equalized as a Kavindu Ishan pile driving volley was tipped over by Nilanka Kumara.
Half Time – Army SC 1 – 0 Air Force SC
Sampath Perera’s Air Force side started the second half in unconventional fashion as his team booted the ball up field right from kick off.
This unusual manoeuvre nearly worked as some unconvincing goalkeeping nearly allowed D.K. Duminda to the sneak in an equalizer.
Army continued to play as they did, bossing the middle of the park with Sanka Danushka and Nadeeka Pushpakumara key figures in doing so.
However, it was Air Force who managed to nick a goal against the run of play as an interception allowed Kelum Perera to free up his skipper on the counter with Ishan having no trouble in placing it past the keeper.
Army’s game then completely turned on its head when Dilan Udayanga was unnecessarily sent off in the 66th minute for using foul language at the official.
Air Force capitalized on the numerical advantage as they went ahead four minutes later with Kelum Perera sending a looping header home.
It was all Air Force from there on with Army being pushed back against the wall. The soldiers in desperation made a flurry of changes even sending on their livewire, Punsara Thiruna to change the game.
The soldiers finally got their chance in the 94th minute when Issadeen’s successive scuffed efforts from point blank range led to the ball falling at the feet of Madushan De Silva, with the Army skipper firing home to break Air Force hearts.
Full Time – Army SC 2 – 2 Air Force SC
Army Coach Fawmy, speaking to ThePapare.com said;
“I had to make changes with a man less after our players made unnecessary mistakes. Considering this, it is not two points dropped in my opinion. The game however was in our hands and we should have done better.”
The Air Force coach, Sampath Perera, was unavailable for comment.
Goal Scorers
Army SC – Sajith Kumara 35’, Madushan De Silva 90’
Air Force SC – Kelum Perera 55’, Kavindu Ishan 70’
Bookings
Army SC – Dilan Udayanga (Red Card) 66’
Air Force SC – Kolitha Lankesara 36’, Chathurnaga Fernando 45’, D.K. Duminda 73’
