Dilan Madushanka goal midway through the second half was enough as Colombo FC defeated Blue Star 1-0 to win their maiden FA Cup.
Madushanka who will be sitting for his Advanced Level examinations in another month, silenced the partisan Blue Star crowd who had flocked in their thousands to the Sugathadasa Stadium from Kalutara with a composed finish in the 71st minute.
It was a repeat of last year’s semifinal fixture when Blue Star met Navy with Blue Star defeating Navy 6-5 on penalties after it ended 1-1 in normal time. Blue Star came 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. In the quarter finals they were taken the distance by a resilient Matara City but ultimately won 3-0 on penalties.
Video Replay – Blue Star v Navy – FA Cup Semi Final
In the other semifinal Colombo FC managed to avenge last season’s defeat with another penalty win. They won 4-2 on penalties after it also ended in 1-1. Colombo FC survived a brutal assault by Keteriyans while leading 1-0 in the ‘last 32’ round and won on penalties against Java Lane 4-3 after it ended 1-1 in regular time in the pre-quarters. In the quarter final they swept away 20
times champions Saunders SC 4-2 with late goals.
Video Replay – Army v Colombo FC – FA Cup Semi Final
“Going to be tough today, sticking with the 4-4-2 formation and will change according to the match situation. They have a very good attacking line-up but all our players are very experienced ones with some former Sri Lankan players.” Mohamed Hamsa added in pre-match talk with ThePapare.com.
“Apart from Rawmy all others are young and have no big final experience. However no need to worry because they have played good matches throughout this competition and I think they are matured enough to take this one. Blue Star will come in their numbers and that pressure is also there but I have told my men to motivate each other during match.” A confident Mohamed Roomy, Colombo FC coach added.
Colombo FC almost scored within two minutes from the start but A.C.Frank’s header was brilliantly tipped over by Manjula Fernando. It was the only major chance either side created in the first half as Blue Star started to make their mark later on.
A.C.Frank was playing in the midfield like he did against Army but was ineffective this time around with Blue Star’s D.C.Abraham, Mohamed Najeem and Mohamed Farzeen controlling the midfield and threatening the Colombo FC close to half time.
In the second half Captain and five time FA Cup winner Rawmy Mohideen was put back to his favoured midfield position and Frank as striker and it started to pay dividends with Rawmy resting back the control to Colombo FC.
Rawmy was instrumental in his play and just after the hour mark his through pass let in Dilan Madushanka but the youngster was unable to control the ball going one on one with the goalkeeper. However Madushanka got the opportunity to redeem himself in the 71st minute and he duly obliged striking home what would be the winner from Frank’s assist.
The game livened up with the goal, and Blue Star almost equalized immediately but it was blocked by the defenders and another had the ball in the back of the net sending the fans into frenzy only to realize the player was offside.
Dimitri received his second yellow and was sent off for time wasting near the end but it didn’t change anything with the final whistle sounding after a poor Blue Star free-kick was cleared away to the euphoria of the Colombo Fc fans and players.
“In the second half I rectified my mistake from the first half. It was in midfield. I put Frank forward and Rawmy in midfield because Frank did not deliver what I expected. Rawmy played brilliantly in the second half. When they got the ball we became compact and opened up when we had the ball. From the start to the finish Madushanka played superbly and looks good for the future,” an ecstatic Roomy told exclusively with ThePapare.com
ThePapare.com Man of the Match: Rawmy Mohideen
