Preview: FA Cup Quarter Finals 2014/15

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The much awaited FA Cup 2014 has reached its final round with eight clubs qualifying to play the quarter finals on Saturday and Sunday at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

728 teams from all over the island at the start, now only eight remain. The Champions League teams kept their pride alive with all eight coming from the Premier Division.

 

Saturday 20th June at Sugathadasa Stadium

Sri Lanka Army v Up Country Lions (4:00 p.m.)

Up-Country Lions will face a tough task against the reigning FA Cup holders Army SC, who apart from a few injury scares look well set to retain it for another year.

The Lions were stretched to the limit against Nandimithra SC and won on penalties in the last 32 round while they had a much easier time against Don Bosco in the pre-quarters winning 3-1. A lot would depend on Captain Nagoor Meera, midfield lynchpin Chathura Gunarathna and former Sri Lanka captain Rohana Ruwanthilaka in defense. Apart from those three experienced campaigners’ Up-Country lack the quality to support the good work done by them.

Army got a walkover from Crystal Palace in the last 32 round and won 3-1 against six times FA Cup winners, Renown SC. Though the score line suggests an easy win, it was not so in the second half as Army had trouble deciphering a new look Renown defense after early lapses. Army has the most potent attack in the Island led by Mohamed Issadeen who has won the golden boot in the last four years. He is ably supported by Sri Lanka caps Madushan De Silva, Sajith Kumara and Punsara Thiruna. Sankha Dhanushka will direct traffic from midfield while the rock-hard former skipper Bandara Warakagoda man the back four.  

If Up-Country can stop Issadeen then they are in with a chance but it would be hard as a well drilled Army, both in skill wise and fitness levels can fire at will.

Prediction: Army win 3-1

 

Blue Star SC v Matara City Club (7:00 p.m.)

Last year’s runner-up Blue Star will take on Matara City Club who are in the FA Cup quarter finals for the first time.

Blue Star will be favourites coming into form with a 4-0 demolishing of Police in the pre-quarters after only a last minute goal by Rifkhan saved them from Pelicans SC in the last 32 round. Their defense will be the strength with Rifkhan and captain Ramees at center-back and the new African duo will add flare into the attack.

Matara booked a place in the quarters defeating a resilient Singing Fish SC from Jaffna 2-1. It will be all up to the Matara City attack led by dynamic Jhonny Jones to make a mark on the match but the side lacking star names would struggle against the more illustrious opponents.  

Prediction: Blue Star win 2-0

 

Sunday 21st June at Sugathadasa Stadium

Solid SC v Navy SC (4:00 p.m.)

Arguably the pick of the quarter final clashes; Solid current Premier League Champions while Navy let the championship slip away at the end after leading for much of the tournament.

However Solid have been unable to replicate their championship winning form, stumbling towards the quarters. In the last 32 round they had to win on penalties against the little known Mawanella United after it ended goalless in normal time and in the pre-quarters had another tough afternoon against St.Joseph’s Mannar to win 2-1. The quality of Solid SC throughout the field is undeniable but the fact that they have not played a competitive match apart from the previous two matches since winning the premier league in February, will prove to be a significant factor. They do have the likes of A.O.Shola and Afeez Olayemi who can create magic out of nothing and Sri Lanka’s best center-back duo Thilina Bandara and Captain Amith Kumara will have to be at their very best.  

Navy on the other hand faced quality Champions League outfits in their last 32 round and pre quarters. The sailors defeated Super Sun 2-0 and came back from a goal down to equalize in the final minute and win on penalties against Air Force. Navy is a very good at keeping possession and passing the ball around bidding their time to attack. However their lack of finishing was highlighted against Air Force and if it continues against Solid they will have a long afternoon. If the match goes into penalties they will have confidence in penalty specialist Ajith Kumara who saved all three against Air Force.

Prediction: Navy win on penalties 1-1 (3-2)

 

Saunders SC v Java Lane/Colombo FC

Saunders the glamour boys of Sri Lankan Football with 99 years of existence will meet the winners of Java Lane vs Colombo FC. The Java Lane v Colombo FC match is still to be decided on penalties after it ended 1-1 and the shootout was postponed due to bad light.

Saunders after almost getting relegated in the league have bounced back well to come into the quarter finals winning 5-0 against rivals Ratnam SC and 2-0 against division I side Highlanders SC in the last 32 and pre-quarter finals. All eyes will be on Dilan Silva to perform, who scored a brace in the pre quarters. Saunders coached by the legendary P.D.Sirisena will have further support from Sumith Walpola in the coaching bench but it will be up to the youngsters to fly the Saunders flag high.   

If Java Lane makes it to the quarter final it will rekindled some of the heated rivalries these two sides have had over the past. While if Colombo FC makes it to face Saunders it will be a battle of old v new for bragging rights for the two Colombo based clubs.

If Java Lane v Saunders,

Prediction: Saunders win 2-1

If Colombo FC v Saunders,

Prediction: Colombo FC win 2-0