Amartey Emma scored a first half double as the Up Country Lions SC shocked favourites Army SC 2-1 in the 2017 Dialog Champions League encounter at the Kelaniya Football Complex.
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Mohamed Issadeen was absent for Army due to a knee injury while the Lions suffered consecutive 1-4 defeats in the opening two weeks at the hands of Matara City & Renown SC.
Armed men started the game comfortably by keeping possession. All were expecting the same story of a goal rout from Army, until the Lions’ striker Amartey Emma struck in the 8th minute of the game.
After the early strike, the Lions started to make an impact on the game using a counter attacking system. Army played using their own style, keeping possession and using through balls to penetrate the Lions’ defense.
The visitors plan of defending and counter attacking worked again in the 23rd minute when Amartey Emma stroke a solo goal passing two defenders and gave them an unexpected 2-0 lead.
Half time – Army SC 0 – 2 Up Country Lions
Army needed to react quickly and they brought in Mohamed Fazil to start the 2nd half. Army threw all what they had into the attacks but, Lions were solid at the back with the help of Mohamed Gepoase who was leading the backline.
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The breakthrough came on for Army in the 52nd minute when the experienced referee, Dilan Perera awarded a penalty after a defender handled the ball in the penalty box. Madushan De Silva converted the penalty to make it 2-1.
Both teams missed some clear-cut opportunities. Lions were too deep to defend the attacks from Army and a Sajith Kumara goal was disallowed by the linesman in the 75th minute.
The referee had to extend the game for an additional 8 minutes due to the time spent on the injured Lions’ goalkeeper but Army were unable to get the equalizer.
Full time – Army SC 1 – 2 Up Country Lions
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Amartey Emma (Up Country Lions)
Goal Scorers
Army SC – Madushan De Silva 52′
Up Country Lions SC – Amartey Emma 8′ & 23’
