The 2nd week of the Dialog Champions League 2016 Super 8 saw the effects of the four month break, where most clubs looked like in are-building phase.
Super 8 Week 2 Review – Champions League 2016
ThePapare.com has chosen the XI who was worthy enough to be named in the ‘Team of the Week’ for the Super 8 Week 02 which comes in a 4-3-3 formation.
Two weeks and two appearances in the Super 8 stage for the youngster. The Sri Lanka goalkeeper though he conceded a penalty, made amends to save it while making a string of saves to deny Renown. Apart from the two defensive errors which cost the goals, his leadership, awareness and reading of play shone once again. Player of the Match against Renown SC.
A stellar defensive performance for the short-handed airmen by the left-back. Gave leadership to the new look back five while keeping shut the Blue Star attack. He never shied away from roaming forward to help Kavindu Ishan in attack.
Against the much smaller and pacier Air Force attack the big man used his length and experience to keep a lid on the attackers. Ever the organizer, he kept the side together and asserted his authority on the pitch on his way to a clean sheet.
With double the work load after missing his partner in crime Dilshan Fernando, at centre back Lankesara handled his side’s defense and the opposition attacks well. A flawless performance in the goal less draw against Blue Star.
Mr.Utility of the reigning champions Colombo FC, Rizni played like a pro at left-back where he was playing for the first time. Inherently a midfielder, his know-how going forward in attack was a key feature as he tormented Solid SC throughout the 90 minutes while bagging a clean sheet. Having also played at right-back in the past, we added him to right-back on the Team of the Week.
Another in your face kind of performance from the African which you wouldn’t have thought possible from a man suffering from the flu. Broke up play of Solid in midfield and never gave them a chance of getting into the penalty box.
Drafted into the starting XI after skipper Rawme Mohideen, who usually plays centrally, was shifted to centre-back, Shazny was like a duck to water controlling the game exhibiting the bench strength of the reigning champions. Scored a well-earned goal in the 2nd half.
The engine of the FA Cup champions, Sanka once again showed how valuable he is to the soldiers by doing the simple yet important stuff right in midfield. His play and influence in the game meant that Navy never threatened to score from general play.
Sajith Kumara looks to be finding form in the business stages of the championship with a goal and has formed a lethal partnership with his dynamic skipper Madushan De Silva on the left flank.
An ageless performance from Sri Lanka’s premier striker. Issadeen scored twice and was a constant threat in the attacking third.
The second best player, apart from Supun Kaveesh, throughout the 90 minutes on the field against Renown, Priyankara was the livewire for the Wennapuwa lads scoring a goal in the first half.