A goal by Niranjeewa with just four minutes left in regular time sealed a historic win for Up-Country Lions against former champions Renown SC at Nawalapitiya.
Coming into the match Renown were heading the Group B points table while the Lions had drawn their first two matches against new clubs – Solid SC and Kalutara Park SC. H.T. Dimitri’s made it 1-0 for the home team in the 36th minute. Renown’s search for an equalizer in the 2nd half made it a competitive match and they did so when Mohamed Fazal scored in the 85th. Almost immediately the hosts responded with a goal from Niranjeewa much to the jubilation of the home fans.
At the Vernon Fernando Stadium Blue Star defeated Saunders 1-0 to claim the top position in the Group A points table. For the winners, Olayemi scored in the 81t minute. Saunders keeper, Asanka Viraj had an excellent game between the posts. However their strong defensive performances are yet to be matched by the strikers as they haven’t scored any goals in the 3 matches.
Colombo FC and Ratnam SC played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at Kew Point road. Both teams played attacking football throughout the match and it was a great game of football for the spectators. Yogaraja scored in the 20th minute for Ratnam to give them the lead heading into half time. Soon after the restart H.B. Dimitri equalized and Shazny made the scores 2-1 in favour of Colombo FC in the 68th minute. A.L. Tharusha leveled the score with 10 minutes left on the clock.
After two forgettable matches Super Sun SC put up a spirited show to draw 1-1 against the much fancied Java Lane. Many thought Java Lane would have it easy but after wonder kid Mohamed Zarwan gave the hosts the lead in the 12th minute; they lost the rhythm and the team from Beruwala started to press more up the pitch. Mohamed Yoosuf’s goal in the 78th minute gave Super Sun their first points in the Dialog Champions League.
Don Bosco left Kurunegala with all 3 points as they beat the Pelicans 2 goals to 1. Don Bosco were up 2-0 within the first 22 minutes with strikes from Priyanka Silva in the 6th minute and Diwou Vicky. The Pelicans were given a chance to get back into the match when Bosco’s Mohamed Rameez was shown his second yellow but the visitor’s defense held firm only letting Pradeep Rodrigo score in the 70th minute.
Solid SC trounced Kalutara Park 4-0 in their first home game in Anuradhapura. Solid took advantage of the poor discipline shown by Kaluatara Park when G.Sumith was sent off after receiving his second yellow. O.Shorla, S.Prabath, Jayawardena and T.G.Wijethunga scored for the hosts.
After getting defeated by Solid SC last week Police needed to win their match against Nandimithra SC but were only able to salvage a 2-2 draw with the help of a late goal by Mohamed Naushad. Police started brightly taking the lead within the opening 10 minutes but faded away thereafter. D.A. Jayashan and R.A.Silva scored for Nandimithra in the first half.
Negombo Youth led until the dying moments of the game before a goal from Navy SC veteran Ratnayaka gave the sailors a 1-1 draw at Negombo. Dular Peiris gave Negombo Youth the lead in the 7th minute. Matara City Club managed to draw their 3rd consecutive match in a scoreless encounter against Air Force. The Air Force goal keeper saved an almost certain goal to prevent defeat for his team. It is heartening to see bigger crowds present for the games outside of Colombo and hope fans would turn up for the matches in Colombo as well.
