The superior fitness levels of Police SC proved the deciding factor as they defeated Moragasmulla SC 4-0 with three second half goals.
Moragasmulla SC earned a place in the final 32 after winning all the six rounds in group A. They also have qualified for the Premier League Division I quarter finals as well while Police had the luxury of being one of the Champions League teams who got an automatic place.
The FA Cup last 32 clash was worked off at the Police Park with the vociferous Moragasmulla fans in high voice unintimidated by the surroundings and it was the visitors – with a much younger squad who put the pressure on Police with their high intensity game.
Moragasmulla forced a couple of saves by the Police goalkeeper and enjoyed possession and territory for the opening 20 minutes. However as the minutes ticked by, Police found their rhythm, and slowly but surely started asserting their game plan.
In the 35th minute Police took the lead from a counter attack. Police broke away on the left flank from deep in their own half and the striker’s shot from inside the box was initially saved by M.R.Rukshan but the rebound fell kindly to him and he made no mistake on the second attempt.
Moragsamulla created a chance of their own when Roshan Priyawansa found himself unmarked at the far post from a free-kick but he was unable to keep his header down. Thereafter Sampath Dias nutmegged the Police left back and drove to the byline and cutback in for P.Sakulada but he skied his first time effort. Both sides traded a few threatening blows but at halftime it stayed 1-0 in favour of Police.
Police kicked off the second half brightly almost scoring the second just minutes in and earned a free-kick after Sampath Dias was brought down while on a marauding run. Rajitha Jayavilal’s delivery was off target and the defense cleared it away. Though Police were dominating Moragasmulla were still in with a chance and a wonderful flowing move nearly made the scores even but K.I.Priyankara was slow to the ball to tap it in from close range.
Moragasmulla’s determined comeback got a rude shock when goalkeeper Rukshan gave away a needless penalty with not threat of danger. Jayavilal made no mistake to send the keeper the wrong way to make it 2-0.
Feeling the pressure, Moragsamulla pushed men forward to score goals which opened up a few gaps in the defense and in the latter stages Police scored their 3rd and 4th goals within minutes with two fast breaks.
Don Bosco who had a miserable Champions League had something to cheer about after annihilating Nandimithra SC Polonnaruwa 7-0 to book their place in the pre-quarter finals.
In two other matches in the FA Cup last 32, Army SC and Java Lane were given walkovers by Crystal Palace and New Youngs. The walkover gives the winning side a mandatory 3-0 win. Surprisingly Crystal Palace and New Youngs were the home team and also Champions League teams which bores no good signs for the future of Sri Lanka football.
