Renown SC booked place in the final of the City Football League President’s Trophy by edging out Saunders SC 5-4 in an enthralling encounter at Kew Points Road.
Spectators packed the Stadium to watch the high stakes affair, as both teams entered the match looking to secure the remaining spot in the final. Renown SC, high on morale after coming back from 1-0 deficit to beat Java Lane SC, needed only a draw to get into the final while Saunders needed nothing less than a win to get in.
Saunders SC dominated the early proceedings having a hold on the ball from the word go. Renown stood ground unfazed by the lack of possession. Saunders were able to get the early goal which they wanted as Mohamed Rizhkan’s late challenge brought Traore Mohammad down inside the penalty box.
Renown SC goalkeeper Uzman Hameed could only get the finger tips to the ball as Sajith Dharmapala found the bottom right corner with precision in the 08th minute.
Colombo FC and Java Lane in an exciting draw
Renown SC looked for a quick reply attacking from the left flank but Chanuka Eranga made a stunning interception, clearing the ball amidst two Renown attackers. Fazul Rahuman’s wonderful through-ball was let down by an ordinary first touch from Job Michael as the angle was too narrow to get past the goalkeeper and the near post.
Renown SC got the chance to get back into the game after being awarded a penalty. Mohamed Fazal stepped up and made no mistake in slotting past the diving goalie to even the scores.
Saunders SC made an early change as the goal scorer Dharmapala was subbed off. After an action less passage of play, Renown SC, trailing early on, came back to lead in the first half. Mohamed Rifnaz’s lovely short pass found Prasad Yogaraja, whose shot took a wicked deflection and lobbed over the helpless goal keeper.
Half Time- Renown FC 2-1 Saunders FC
Saunders came out all guns blazing in the second half. A lovely through-ball broke Traore free but he shot straight at Uzman missing a great opportunity to get back into the game.
Renown made them pay by scoring a goal soon after. Job Michael put away Rifnaz’s cross into the net, giving Renown a comfortable 3-1 lead in the 53rd minute.
Renown SC vs Saunders SC – City FL President’s Trophy
The goals didn’t stop Saunders SC from attacking as they kept on pushing forward. Shaheel Azar’s turn-and-hit shot missed the top left corner by inches. Renown SC pounced again on a Saunders mistake as Job Michael converted another easy one on one opportunity in the 58th minute.
Saunders SC started to lose its patience as they tried long range efforts out of desperation. Despite having gifted with three back to back free kicks from identical position, they couldn’t manage to hit the target.
But their valiant efforts were rewarded in the 71st minute when Traore found the back of the net to reignite the hopes in Saunders’ camp.
Renown players suddenly looked edgy and on back foot. Substitute Deneth Sankalpa made things more interesting by expertly placing the ball into the right bottom corner, setting up a crazy last ten minutes.
But Renown players capitalized on Saunders SC’s over involvement of attacking by a countering and was able to provide the sucker punch as Job Michael completed his hat trick ensuring the final berth for Renown SC. He also got booked for taking off the shirt while celebrating which he accepted gleefully.
With time running out, Saunders FC scored their fourth goal of the match in the last minute of the injury time through Chrysantha but it was too little too late for the men in yellow as referee Dilan Perera blew the final whistle.
Full Time- Renown SC 5-4 Saunders SC
ThePapare.com Man of the Match- Job Michael
Renown SC’s Coach Mohammad Amanulla speaking to ThePapare.com stated that his players played well despite relaxing a bit after the 4-1 lead and responded well to see off the game.
‘The Finals will be a tough game for us but our team will be ready in time’, he added.
Renown FC will face Colombo FC in the Finals of the City Football League on the 30th of April. Saunders SC finished the campaign in the bottom of the table. The match also is the highest scoring match of the tournament equalling the number of goals scored in the other five matches of the group stages combined.
