New Star and Red Stars secured important wins on the opening match day of the Island League Football Tournament at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
New Star v Blue Star
New Star defeated the much fancied Blue Star 2-0 to earn an important three points. It was the youth of New Star which dominated the game against Blue Star, which had veteran players.
The likes of Mohamed Sahi, Mohamed Thilham and Nadeeka Pushpakumara controlled the game for New Star while Sahi was a menace to Blue Star down the left wing. They had the lead in the 9th minute when Mohamed Aflal converted a cross from Sahi.
After the break, Sahi made it 2-0 for New Star in the 64th minute. Blue Star, even with Shenal Sandesh in attack, lacked venom in the attacking third and new head coach Mohamed Murshid will need to find an answer before their 2nd game.
Full Time: New Star 2 – 0 Blue Star
Match Summary
Goal Scorers
- New Star – Mohamed Aflal 9’ & Mohamed Sahi 64’
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Renown v Red Stars
Red Stars beat a star studded Renown side 2-1 in the 2nd match of the day. Renown had current and former national players while Red Stars were built around their star man Mohamed Rahman.
Renown dominated possession and territory while Red Stars were reduced to counter-attacks. In one of those counter-attacks a cross into the box was punched away by the goalkeeper but only onto the path of Rahman who drilled in a low side-footed effort to the bottom corner for the opening goal.
For all the dominance Renown were unable to create any chances and Red Stars made them pay with the 2nd goal in the 68th minute. Mohamed Rifak was the scorer from a Rahman cross.
Renown got a penalty with minutes left which was converted by Aakib Faizer but Red Stars held firm to come away with the win.
Full Time: Red Stars 2 – 1 Renown
Match Summary
Goal Scorers
- Red Stars – Mohamed Rahman 28’ & Mohamed Rifak 68’
- Renown – Aakib Faizer 85’(P)
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