Goals by P.J.Chaminda and Sumeda Fernando sent the high riding Air Force SC into the final of the Dialog Champions League defeating Solid SC 2-1 in a thrilling semi- final at the Police Park.
After dominating the initial exchanges Captain of Air Force P.J.Chaminda scored the opener in the 31st minute but Solid getting into the game in the latter stages equalized through their ace striker A.O.Shola eight minutes later. In the second half Sumeda Fernando scored what proved to be the winner in the 68th minute.
Solid SC who faltered in the latter half of the group stages after dominating the 1st round entered the semi- final beating Ratnam on penalties. Air Force on the other hand finished fourth in Group A behind Colombo FC, Ratnam and Blue Star. They met tournament favourites and Group B leaders Army SC in the quarter finals and much to the surprise of the spectators outclassed Army to enter the semi- final.
From the opening whistle Air Force settled down and started to dictate terms and put pressure on Solid SC. The wingmen wonderfully passed the ball around the ground not letting the opponents get a touch on the ball in the early going which left Solid players frustrated. The first opportunity came to Air Force’s Kavidu Ishan in the 5th minute; his effort was well saved by Solid keeper. Kavidu Ishan had a brilliant game creating few opportunities down the right wing. The pocket rocket with his speed and skill tormented Solid left back Dilantha.
Solid players did not help their cause by committing unnecessary fouls in dangerous areas. One such opportunity came halfway through the first half when the free kick which rebounded off the wall was smacked on the volley which went just past the left upright. Against the run of play Solid had their first chance when Ali’s cross was met with a header by unmarked Kumara; but his effort just skimmed over the cross bar.
The opener for Air Force came when they took a quick free-kick and Kavidu Ishan pin point cross was met by Chaminda who tapped the ball in from close range. After the goal Solid started to get into the game with Shola trying all his skills to get the equalizer and he did so when Air Force defenders were not able to clear a cross by Ali and Shola drilled a wonderful strike on the volley to the excitement of the travelling fans from Anuradhapura. Solid went onto have some consistent plays towards the end of the first half.
Just after the breather Shola had a golden opportunity to take the lead when he was sent one on one with an Air Force defender but the defender did well to clear the danger. Minutes later he tried an outrageous scissor kick which he missed. Solid’s needless fouls in dangerous areas was the highlight of their less sound tactical game play and it played a part in Air Force’s second goal which came from a free kick which was headed in by Sumeda Fernando. D.N. Thilakarathna failed to mark his man; Sumeda.
Enlivened by the goal Air Force produced Barcelona style passing from the mid- field which created an opportunity to Chaminda whose effort went just past the right upright. With minutes passing by three wonderful headers by Shola and Ali were denied by the crossbar. Solid were unlucky not to be leading with a two goal advantage at this point. With time running out there was an appeal for a penalty by Air Force but referee waved play on and the Air Force defense held firm against the relentless pressure from Solid SC to send them to the final.
Semi Final 1 – Renown SC 2- Don Bosco 0
In the other semi-final Mohamed Fazal’s double strike gave Renown the victory over Negombo Don Bosco. Fazal has been in excellent form this season and he will be the one to watch in the final as well. Don Bosco had the majority of the possession but weren’t able to convert their chances into goals.
The final match of the Dialog Champions League will be Renown SC vs Air Force SC which will be played on 22/12/2013 at 3.30.p.m. at the Vernon Fernando Stadium, Kalutara.
