Two goals in late in the game and a controversial decision paved way for Pakistan to beat Sri Lanka 3-0 in the under 23 football tournament at the Faizal Stadium in Palestine.
A controversial decision by the referee just after halftime to allow a goal which was kicked with Sri Lankan captain and goalkeeper Sujan Perera in possession and firmly in control of the ball, much to the dismay of the players and the spectators. Even with that horrendous decision the Sri Lankan U23’s fought valiantly until the end but goals in the 88th and deep into injury time concluded an unfortunate evening for the Lions.
Sri Lanka under 23 team was minus seven of their regular players. Three of them were playing for Air Force in the AFC Challenge trophy including vice captain and star player Kavindu Ishan and four players did not receive entry visa to Palestine.
It was a sedate start by both the teams in the opening 10 minutes but after getting to know the opposition playing style and into rhythm Sri Lanka attacked frequently on the counter attack. They were awarded with three corner kicks in the space of minutes but they were unable to make full use of it. Sri Lanka midfielders did not combine well with the only striker and u19 captain Zarwan Johar, who was off colour in the first half of the game. Dananja de Silva too was playing in the game after nearly one month due to injury. A few free kicks were not fully utilized due to poor finishing as well.
Midway through the first half Pakistan players started to dominate keeping the ball and the Sri Lankans were made to chase shadows. Pakistan strikers combined well with their midfielders and tried their best to penetrate the Sri Lanka defense. The five manned defense consisting of Eranda Prasad, Asikumar Rahuman, Mohamed Sameer, Sajith Kumara & Eranga had an outstanding game in spite of conceding the late goals. The only chance of the first half for Pakistan was when their midfield player drilled a goal bound volley but Sujan perera made a terrific save to deny and send the game 0-0 into halftime.
Soon after the resumption Pakistan received a corner kick in the 46th minute and the kick was well collected by Sri Lanka custodian, fell inches off the goal line, ball under control within in his stretched hands, was kicked by the Pakistani player into the goal. Unfortunately the incident happened with the referee failing to see the foul on Sujan Perera and allowing the goal to stand against the Sri Lankans.
The bad decision of the match referee really demoralised the team to a certain extent. But soon Sri Lanka recovered and started playing their normal game with beautiful one two passes and through passes. Zarwan Johar who was off colour as a striker in the first half brought back to his normal midfield position, where he excelled and penetrated the Pakistani with his lovely through passes and mazy dribbles.
Pakistan was just concentrating on counter attacks rather than creating goal movements which were to the advantage for Sri Lanka. In the 63rd minute of the game, Zarwan went solo down the right flank and crossed the ball to Godwin who missed a sitter. Godwin was replaced by Rifnas Mohamed in the 68th minute. Zarwan combined well with Charitha Bandara and Chathuranga Sanjeeva in the mid field. Sri Lanka made many attacking moves but were unable to pierce the defense. Chathuranga Sanjeeva was brilliant in defence as well as in the midfield throughout the match.
In the 87th minute of the game, Pakistani player, passed the ball to the team mate who was standing off side but did not take part in the move, but collected the ball himself and crossed it to the box for striker Mohamed Mansoor to flick the ball into the goal beating Sri Lanka goalkeeper. Deep defender Erandha was too late to react to rectify the mistake done by the defense line.
In the 94th minute of the play, Pakistani Striker Mohamed Mansoor, received a long ball from the defence, right inside the penalty area, controlled and tried to beat deep defender Erandha, who was strong in defence, cleared the ball out of play, due to the impact of the tackle, the striker fell inside the penalty box, a penalty was awarded for Pakistan. Mohamed Mansoor himself scored the penalty and made it 3-0.
