Kelum Perera’s strike with 13 minutes left ensured Air Force put behind their torrid time in the last two games to win 2-1 in a hugely physical battle against Colombo FC.
Air Force took the lead when Kavindu Ishan swept home from close range only to see Colombo FC bounce back early in the second half to equalize. Not wanting to leave Kew Points road without the three points, the Air Force rallied to score the winner with just over ten minutes left.
Both sides came into the match like wounded animals. Colombo FC’s championship hopes were hanging by a thread after their 2-2 draw against Negombo Youth and needed to win their final three matches to have some hope while Air Force fighting for a top eight finish were unable to score any points in the last two games; losing to Matara City and Solid SC 1-0 and 2-1 respectively.
Air Force settled down to pose early pressure on Colombo FC forcing Mohomed Imran into a few saves. Kavindu Ishan was electric as ever on the left wing and one of his crosses found Udesh Shanaka inside the box but his effort was saved by Imran.
In the 17th minute, the roles were reversed as Shanaka volleyed across the face of the goal past the diving Imran to find Kavindu at the far post, who had easiest job of tapping in from 6 yards to give a deserved lead. Minutes later an exact copy of the goal nearly happened but that ball got trapped under Kavindu’s feet and was cleared away.
Colombo FC took field in the second half with added motivation and equalized in the 53rd minute when Ahamed Shazny poked home between a host of Air Force defenders. Bodrie Dimitri raced on the left flank and his cross along the ground was met by Shazny at the far post and he finally managed to score after a few shots were blocked.
An ugly incident started when the referee failed to make a swift decision and the players were at each other’s face which almost escalated into a brawl. Air Force captain Janaka Chaminda got a yellow card for his troubles.
It was the Airmen who came out of that melee more determined and scored what proved to be the winner in the 77th minute. Kavindu Ishan was picked out by a diagonal ball where he gave himself some space and fired a low drive which was palmed away only until Kelum Perera who drilled it pass the helpless Imran.
“Can be happy but we missed a few chances. We made a tactical change today. Nipuna was injured. So we used Kelum Perera which was a success. He scored the winning goal. Today our plan was to penetrate through the midfield. It worked for us and our defense was strong.” Air Force coach Tuwan Raheem said with a smile on his face after a tough couple of weeks.
“Referees are the same every day. Because of referees today some players almost started a fight. There were technical directors present today. They need to address these matters. Referees are taking too long for decisions.” he lamented.
