Army SC managed to secure their first win in the Dialog Champions League Super 8 stage with a 3 – 2 win over Navy SC in the last match of Week 2 at the Kelaniya Football Complex.
Army SC returned to the Super 8’s with a 2 – 2 draw in hand against Air Force SC while Navy SC suffered a huge 5 – 0 defeat against Solid SC in their last match.
Five star Solid pummels Navy
Referee Mohamed Irshad blew the half time whistle as Solid SC went to the pavilion the happier of the both teams.
Army SC were the first to settle in breaking through the left flank with the aid of Mohammed Isadeen and received a couple of opportunities to score a goal but failed to as both Madushan de Silva and Thilina Punsara’s attempts went in vain.
The sailors seemed content in playing from behind from the start with many passes going back and forth in the defensive area.
This defensive strategy did not hold for long as Isadeen won the first goal for Army SC from a rebound effort as Navy custodian Ajith Kumara could not contain the initial shot.
Over protective Navy were able to make things level just 2 minutes later from a penalty decision after a hand ball was made by an Army player. Christeen Fernando calmly slotted the ball into the goal sending the keeper in the wrong way.
Isadeen regained the lead for the soldiers after rounding off the goalie to slot the ball into the goal. The Navy defence relaxed thinking it was an offside for Sajith Kumara but he cleverly moved away allowing Isadeen an easy chance on goal.
A late Madushan goal earns 10 man Army a point
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.
Under pressure, Navy SC came out from their defensive cave in an attempt to turn things around but had to go into half time trailing behind as Army showed no signs of giving away the lead.
Half time – Army SC 2 – 1 Navy SC
Once again it was Army SC who were the first to settle in and with nearly 15 minutes in to the second half they managed to score another goal. Kumara made quite a blunder letting de Silva’s cross through his legs and the deflection ended up with the ball inside the goal.
Soldier Asikoor Rahuman was the first to receive a yellow card today for his foul on Nirmal Wijethunga near the penalty area.
Super sub Menaka Fernando scored the second for Navy SC after been only 3 minutes inside the pitch. His brilliant header went booming past leaving the keeper clueless.
Inspired by the late goal the sailors started to go on rampage in the last 10 minutes trying to at least grab a point off the game but Army keeper Kumara Sirisena’s brilliant saves made sure the soldiers went home with all 3 points in the bag.
Full time – Army SC 3 – 2 Navy SC
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Mohamed Isadeen
Army Coach Fawmy, speaking to ThePapare.com said;
‘I am content with the way the team played since this is our first match after 3 months. I’m not saying we were better or the Navy team was bad, but both team made a few errors and it is our job to correct them. I am disappointed with referee today, the hand ball decision was uncalled for, we do not expect such behavior from a referee.’
A rather solemn Navy SC coach Dammika Athukorala said;
‘Our team did not play well in the first half but the keepers mistakes were the reasons for the goals we conceded. The team showed a better performance in the second half, we could’ve drawn or won the match but we missed many chances on goal.’
Goal Scorers
Army SC – Mohammed Isadeen 22’, 33’, Sajith Kumara 57’
Navy SC – Christeen Fernando 24’, Menaka Fernando 87’
Bookings
Yellow cards
Army SC – Asikoor Rahuman 60’, Roshan Appuhamy 90+4’
