In a match full of drama Colombo FC managed to pull up a late goal through Zarwan Johar to defeat title contenders Army SC by 2-1 in the first match of Week 4 of the DCL Super 8 round worked off at the Kelaniya Football Complex. The match was hailed by many as the best match of the season so far.
League leaders Colombo FC managed to come back from behind against Air Force SC to grab a win by 2-1 last week. Army SC, although put up a rather dominating performance against Renown SC and won the match by 3-0 last week, had the result reversed in favour of Renown the previous evening as Army had fielded an ineligible player.
Army misdemeanor gives Renown the win
Renown SC has been awarded the win in their match against Army SC after the Competitions Committee…
Even with Colombo FC in possession and creating many chances, the game seemed to be well balanced in the first 20 minutes or so as FA Cup winners Army SC seemed up to the challenge, defending and replying well with attacks of their own.
Mohammed Issadeen nearly brought his team the lead but the goal was disallowed by the referee as an offside.
Army was put in hot water when their keeper Kumara Sirisena was sent off for bringing down Nagur Meera. Punsara Thiruna had to be sacrificed to bring in the substitute keeper.
Things became worse for Army SC when Momas Yapo gave the lead to Colombo FC with a beautifully struck free kick.
Photos: Colombo FC v Army SC | Super 8 | DCL16
Colombo FC also received a red card of their own when keeper Mohammed Imaran was sent off for punching Army player Sajith Kumara in the face.
With the number of players equal once again Colombo FC switched to defensive mode in order to keep Issadeen under control. They received a chance to double the lead but had to go into half time with the one goal as David Osagie failed to convert the chance to a goal.
Half Time – Army SC 0 – 1 Colombo FC
The beginning of the second half showed us some beautiful football with Army trying to bridge the gap straight from kick off. End to end football was visible with Army pressing forward tightly and Colombo replying with counter attacks when possible.
Zarwan inspires Colombo FC past Air Force
Colombo FC made a great comeback win in the last match of the DCL Super 8 Week 3…
Army skipper Madushan de Silva received the first yellow card of the day after two consecutive red cards that were given to the two keepers.
Issadeen seemed unstoppable going rampant through the Colombo defence tiring the players out.
The wave of attacks finally gave away when Bandara Warakagoda equalized for Army SC off a corner kick chance.
Neither team seemed to want to give up after that as both were striving to get the lead. Colombo especially pulled their tired selves up and began to forge some attacks with brilliant playmaking.
Zarwan Johar worked his magic just like in the last match and won back the lead with a beautiful low driven kick from outside the box with the ball settling in the right bottom corner of the goal.
Army tried valiantly to make a comeback with Sajith and Madushan both missing out on goal. Even though Issadeen managed to put the ball in he was deemed offside once again much to the disappointment of the soldiers.
Clinical Army outclass sloppy Renown
The match was done and dusted in the first half when Army scored three to beat Renown SC 3-0…
Colombo FC won the match with the final whistle to stay on top of the group for another week.
Full Time – Army SC 1 – 2 Colombo FC
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Niran Kanishka (Colombo FC)
Army SC coach Mr Fawmy said to ThePapare.com;
“We were mentally down by the decision of losing 3 points to Renown. But losing Asikur didn’t affect us as we even made further changes at the back. It was hard to come back against a team like Colombo FC after going 1-0 down and 10 men down. A draw could have been a good result for us but despite all the pressing we gave away a goal. We will come back strong”
Colombo FC coach Mr Roomy;
“We learned Army from last game and came up with 5 midfielder plan and it worked again. We were able to use Zarwan at the right time again and happy with the results. Losing Imran wont be a problem since the second option goalie is also full of experience. We wouldn’t have mind a draw too given that it is Army but we went for the win and won. We won’t be having much break but it will help us having the flow which is going good for us at the moment. The tournament is still open”
Goal scorers
Colombo FC – Momas Yapo 25′, Zarwan Johar 83′
Army SC – Bandara Warakagoda 71′Bookings
Yellow cards
Army SC – Madushan de SIlva 56′Red cards
Colombo FC – Mahamed Imran 34′
Army SC – Kumara Sirisena 22′
