Mohomed Akil scored a scintillating hat trick to help Rathnam SC sink a resource less Maligawaththa SC outfit to win 3-0 in Premier League Division II tie worked off at CR and FC grounds.
The favorites for the tie, Rathnam started off dominating proceedings as they pinned Maligawaththa opponents to their own half.
After coming close on quite a few occasions, Rathnam drew first blood in the 14th minute as Mohomed Akil scored his first of the night after being threaded through on the right.
That paved the way for Rathnam as they kept on pushing for the second despite being unable to breach the Maligawaththa defense.
The half drew to a close with Maligawaththa left with a lot of work to be done both in midfield and in defense as Rathnam seemed to be running away with it.
Fazul Rahuman who is the coach of Maligawaththa had to pull out all his experience to marshal his troops to make a statement of intent.
Half time – Rathnam SC 1 – 0 Maligawaththa SC
The second half saw yet another master-class from Rathnam as they continued their merry way in terms of controlling proceedings.
Katie Tiagou spun a web around the defenders in midfield as he got them all tangled in his magic. His distribution and industry proved to be pivotal for Rathnam as the Maligawaththa defense seemed out of sorts.
With their continuous persistence Rathnam breached the Maligawaththa defense for the second time when Akil scored his second for the day in the 55th minute.
It only took him another 20 minutes to add to his tally and score a much deserved hat trick in the 75th minute as the Maligawaththa defense was left in shambles summing up their night.
To add to their misery they saw a player sent off right on the stroke of the 92nd minute that brought an end to an ill-fated affair between the teams.
Rathnam who are playing with Champions League ambitions for the coming year showed what the once dominant force of Sri Lankan club football are capable of.
Maligawaththa on the other hand were left with a lot to ponder in terms of going forward in this year’s competition.
Full time – Rathnam SC 3 – 0 Maligawaththa SC
ThePapare.com Player of the Match: Mohomed Akil (Rathnam SC)
Goal Scorers
Rathnam SC – Mohomed Akil (14th, 55th, 75th)
Speaking to the ThePapare.com the coach of Rathnam SC;
“We should have scored more goals with the chances we had, we have been promised by the Football Federation of Sri Lankan a place in the Champions League if we have an impressive goal tally come the end of the league so we’re looking to work towards that.”
