Ratnam came back from a goal down at half time to beat rivals Saunders SC by 2-1 in a feisty encounter in a week 5 match of the Dialog Champions League 2018 played at Sugathadasa Stadium.
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Ratnam kicked off the first half and looked positive in their movements. In the 4th minute Sasanka Dilhara Jayasekara got the Saunders goalkeeper Salitha Thilakasiri working with an effort on goal from an acute angle.
Immediately after Chamath Rashmitha was open on the right flank and the Ratnam keeper was caught out of position. Rashmitha only managed to lob it over the crossbar.
Both teams went about their business with some hard tackling in the midfield as the game was a stop start affair.
Both goalkeepers were tested up until the 35th minute when a quick ball from a free kick found Chamod Dilshan through on goal and Ratnam keeper Mohamed Waseem brought down Dilshan.
Suntharaj Niresh stepped up and coolly slotted the penalty with Waseem flat footed. Immediately after restart it was Chamod Dilshan once again free on the left flank, sliced it wide with the goal at his mercy.
The game opened up after the goal as Ratnam went searching for an equalizer and Saunders tried to hit on the counter.
Just before the break Dilhara Jayasekara went on a surging run with a quick passing with Bandoguigna Abdel. With only the goalkeeper to beat he slotted to the right of Salitha Thilakasiri who put a hand out to save the attempt.
Half Time – Ratnam SC 0 – 1 Saunders SC
At start of the second half Ratnam forward Bandoguigna Abdel worked the defender brilliantly to be in front of goal, however, as he went for power than precision his shot went wide off the left post much to the dismay of the Ratnam supporters.
Minutes later Abdel once again went through after a defensive mistake which gave away possession close to the penalty area. He once again flashed his shot over the crossbar.
Ratnam finally got a clear opportunity when Aman Faizer was brought down inside the box by Isuru Perera. Referee pointed to the spot correctly. Abdel finally got his goal when he sent the keeper the wrong way.
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On the hour mark Aman and Jayasekara played one touch passing and Aman went through on goal. With a thundering finish from an angle Ratnam went ahead.
The game was feisty from then on as both teams tackled hard as the referee went to his pocket frequently to book players from both teams.
Saunders looked aggressive in their play whereas Ratnam tried to play for time and slow down proceedings. Referee had to intervene several times to ensure the players kept their cool.
Photo Album – Ratnam SC vs Saunders SC | Week 5 | Dialog Champions League 2018
Mohamed Naleem was a constant threat from the right flank and could have equalized in the dying minutes when he hit the wrong side of the net from close range.
Ratnam too got a couple of half chances to seal the game. However none of their forwards capitalized. Sithirakumar then made a goal saving tackle to deny Mohamed Naleem the equalizer as the referee blew full time.
Full Time – Ratnam SC 2 – 1 Saunders SC
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Aman Faizer (Ratnam SC)
Goal Scorers
Ratnam SC – Bandoguigna Abdel 57’(P), Aman Faizer 60’
Saunders SC – Suntharaj Niresh 36’(P)Yellow Cards
Ratnam SC – Haseem Abdullah 35’, Mohamed Musharraf 70’, Mohamed Akil 86’
Saunders SC – Sundaraj Niresh 25’, Isuru Perera 55’, Sajith Darmapala 67’
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