A late disallowed goal and brilliant saves from Ruwan Arunasiri frustrated Renown, who were pegged back in their hunt for the Dialog Champions League with a 0-0 draw against Air Force.
The match was postponed on Sunday after just three minutes into the second half due to incessant rain, where Ruwan Arunasiri held fort for the Air-Men in the first half making six saves to deny Rizni, Rifnaz and Ojinkeya of Renown.
With the first half finishing goalless left the game wide open for both teams. Second half was exhilarating, both teams sharing equal possession right through out.
First quarter of the second half was dominated by the airmen as Kavidu Ishan turned the game on its head using his pace in the wings. But he couldn’t find that all important final finish to make the difference.
On the other side of the pitch Emmanuel Ojinkeya created some breakthroughs for Renown. Ojinkeya together with Mohamed Fazal pushed forward for Renown but they were nicely dealt with by the back line of Airforce SC.
It was still goalless till the end of 90 minutes, but there was twist in the tale. In the two added minutes of injury time Renown managed to break the shackles through Mohamed Rizni who headed the ball in from cross by Prasad Yogaraja. But that goal was disallowed by the referee Lakmal Weerakkody leaving the players and crowd unhappy.
Related Coverage;
Poor refereeing; Federation doesn’t take action says Raheem and Amanullah
Interesting to note that this was the same referee who had a horrendous game when these two sides met in the group stage a few weeks back, which was highlighted by ThePapare.com but the Football Federation in a dubious call has given the same referee the match-up in the Super 8’s.
ThePapare.com Man of the Match: Ruwan Arunasiri
Renown Head coach Mohamed Amanullah speaking to ThePapare.com;
“It was a tight match but I have to say that I’m frustrated about the match being played in two days. It’s unfair for teams because it’s like playing two 45 minute matches and that’s not football. It’s unfair for the team which has better fitness levels. Federation should consider more about the teams and players rather than worrying about finishing the tournament or the expenses. Otherwise there will no improvement in the game in Sri Lanka.”
Air Force coach Tuwan Raheem;
“I’m disappointed with the decisions which were made out on the field. I mean anyone would understand the referee was doing a pretty bad job. That final goal should have being awarded for them (Renown). If our referees can go abroad for other leagues why can’t we get quality referees from outside the country? Federation’s actions are questionable even regarding these matches being played for two days.”
