The first of the two mid-week clashes was week 4 of the DCL16 and saw some interesting match-ups which tested the fitness levels of the players.
From the 7 matches ThePapare.com has chosen the XI who was worthy enough to be named in the ‘Team of the Week’ which comes in a 4-4-2 formation.
Position : Goalkeeper
Name: Mohamed Luthfi
Club: Up Country Lions
Luthfi’s 2nd Team of the Week appearance comes in a game where the Lions had to dig deep away from home against a desperate Matara City side. He kept them in the game until Charles Orlu fired home a penalty late in the match to give the win for the visitors. Clean sheet and a solid performance.
Position: Left-back
Name: Teo Daniel
Club: Super Sun SC
With their backs against the walls Super Sun travelled to Ekala to face Air Force and pulled of a stunner. A clean sheet largely due to the brilliant work from Teo Daniel, who was shifted there due to the number of injuries, and were constantly under pressure as they played with only 10 men for almost half an hour.
Position: Centre-back
Name: A.W.P.Jayaratne
Club: Up Country Lions
Jayarathne was a pillar of strength for the Lions at the back with his physicality and defensive work which earned them a clean sheet, while keeping out numerous Matara City attacks.
Position: Centre-back
Name: Nasiru Opayemi
Club: Blue Star SC
Not much of an attacking threat came from Civil Security Force SC but when it did Opayemi came in between them, racking up a clean sheet while he was also a threat in set-pieces.
Position: Right-back
Name: Yapi Yapo
Club: Java Lane SC
Yapi Yapo makes his 2nd appearance in TOTW in as many weeks with another tireless effort. Java Lane reverted to a 5-3-2 formation and Yapo playing at right wingback was a menace in defense and attack. His marauding runs in the 2nd half was simply unstoppable and created chances but his teammates were not able to finish.
Position: Left-midfield
Name: Nagur Meera
Club: Colombo FC
The veteran was a bundle of energy throughout a grueling match, making runs beyond defenders. Effective in positions he was shifted to and scored the equalizer late in the game.
Position: Central-midfield
Name: Idowu Hameed
Club: Blue Star SC
A goal and a clean sheet for the midfielder, who has been the most impressive, out of the Blue Star players, this season. Simply ran the show against CSF.
Position: Central-midfield
Name: Fazul Rahuman
Club: Renown SC
The veteran former Sri Lanka midfielder had a good game with his wide array of passing, even though Renown had a below par game in mid-week.
Position: Right-midfield
Name: Anjana Wickramasinghe
Club: Crystal Palace FC
Last year’s Sri Lanka U19 and Kingswood player scored twice with brilliant finishes, on either side of half time, to stun Colombo FC. Linked up well with Christopher Erastus, Isaac Aba and midfield, though was unfortunate not to be on the winning side.
Position: Forward
Name: Hasitha Priyankara
Club: New Youngs SC
Once again amongst the goals scoring twice after New Youngs went down 1-0 early in the match.
Position: Forward
Name: Job Michael
Club: Renown SC
Another good show from the African, where he scored a penalty which ultimately proved to be the winner.
