Air Force SC fought back to draw Colombo FC 2-2, scoring a penalty with the final kick of the game in a week 9 encounter of the Dialog Champions League 2018, played at the Air Force Grounds, Ekala.
Ajhmir gives Blue Star a win home away from home
Mohamed Ajhmir goal gave Blue Star SC a 1-0 win …
Blue Star SC moved to the top of the points table during the weekend after they defeated Air Force, while dropping Colombo FC into 2nd place.
Straight from kick-off Nipuna Bandara had his sight on goal but instead of going for the shot he opted to cross but it was Colombo who created the best chance in the opening 15 minutes.
Mohamed Aakib’s lob over the defense attracted goalkeeper Hansana Dissanayake. However, it was Zarwan Johar who got to it first but, with the goalkeeper off his line, he took too much time allowing Jeewantha Fernando to track back and block the effort.
Kavindu Ishan gave the hosts the lead after getting on the end of a Jeewantha low cross for an easy tap in on the volley.
Not too long after Chaminka Dilsara committed a clumsy foul just outside the penalty box. The cross from Bodric Dimitri created a scramble after which Charitha Rathnayake forced the ball into the net for the equalizer.
With Colombo FC on the ascendancy Momas Yapo had a shot from an angle which was blocked by Dissanayake while a low cross by Dimitri beat everyone including Dilan Kaushalya who was running in at the far post.
The visitors took the lead seconds later after a defensive lapse allowed Dimitri through on goal and he calmly put the ball past the onrushing Dissanayake. Yapo, who got on the end of a cross by Niran Kanishka, again had a close-range effort blocked for a corner by Dissanayake.
Half time – Air Force SC 1 – 2 Colombo FC
Air Force started off the 2nd half brightly with Dilsara volleying on target off a rebound from a free-kick. Dilsara headed over from a Shanaka Udesh corner while a couple of free-kicks were headed over by Air Force.
Read More: Toothless Ratnam submit to Sea Hawks
Shafran Sathar, who came on as a substitute for Colombo, had an effort from 25 yards spilled by Dissanayake but he was able to recover before Momas Yapo got to it.
It was all Air Force thereafter as Kavindu Ishan forced Mohamed Imran into a brilliant near post save off a volley from an angle and Imran came in between a Jeewantha Fernando cross following a wonderful buildup play.
Kavindu Ishan was then fouled near the byline but his free-kick was headed inches over by Dilshan Fernando much to the frustration of the Air Force fans.
Photos: Air Force SC v Colombo FC | Week 9 | Dialog Champions League 2018
However, deep into injury time Charitha Rathnayake fouled Kavindu Ishan inside the box for which referee Lakmal Weerakkody had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. Subash Fernando was able to beat Imran who dove correctly as the referee blew for full time.
Full time – Air Force SC 2 – 2 Colombo FC
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Jeewantha Fernando (Air Force SC)
Goal Scorers
Air Force SC – Kavindu Ishan 17’, Subash Fernando 90+4’(P)
Colombo FC – Charitha Rathnayaka, 22’, Bodric Dimitri 43’
Bookings
Yellow Cards
Air Force SC – P.C.M. Fernando 24’, Harsha Fernando 90+1’
Colombo FC – Chalana Chameera 59’, Ahamed Shazny 90+3’
>>For more Dialog Champions League News Click Here<<
