A year on Blue Star SC will once again get the opportunity to win the coveted FA Cup while Colombo FC playing in their first ever final will be looking to make history.
There were 628 clubs from all over Sri Lanka fought for the prestigious cup with over 15,000 registered players playing in the tournament attracted massive number of fans who were thrilled with knockout format of the game. There were over 56,430 minutes of exciting football completed and the grand finale will draw a sellout crowd with the two inform teams itching to get their hands on the iconic FA Cup.
Road to the Final
It was a repeat of last year’s semifinal fixture when Blue Star met Navy with Blue Star defeating Navy 6-5 on penalties after it ended 1-1 in normal time. Blue Star came into form with a 4-0 demolishing of Police in the pre-quarters after only a last minute goal by Rifkhan saved them from Pelicans SC in the last 32 round. In the quarter finals they were taken the distance by a resilient Matara City but ultimately won 3-0 on penalties.
In the other semifinal Colombo FC managed to avenge last season’s defeat with another penalty win. They won 4-2 on penalties after it also ended in 1-1. Colombo FC survived a brutal assault by Keteriyans while leading 1-0 in the ‘last 32’ round and won on penalties against Java Lane 4-3 after it ended 1-1 in regular time in the pre-quarters. In the quarter final they swept away 20 times champions Saunders SC 4-2 with late goals.
Key Battles
Frank v Ramees
One of the most enigmatic attacks meet a resolute defense – Colombo FC attack v Blue Star defense and the players leading that battle will be Colombo FC vice-captain A.C. Frank and Blue Star captain Mohamed Ramees.
Frank is coming back from a yearlong injury layoff and though he has not been able to score in the past few matches his quality is undeniable and on his day he could tear apart any defense. Ramees, the long standing captain of Blue Star will be in the heart of the defense to deny Frank and his strike partners and will use his height, size and experience to thwart the danger.
Imran v Manjula
It will be youth v experience with former Sri Lanka goalkeeper Manjula Fernando going against current goalkeeper Mohamed Imran. Manjula a veteran of the game was the hero on two occasions in this year’s FA Cup – in the quarter final and semifinal penalty shootouts and also making key saves while Imran also surviving a penalty shootout in the semifinal against Army saved numerous shots on goal from Issadeen and company.
Roomy v Hamsa
The two coaches – Mohamed Roomy for Colombo FC and Mohamed Hamsa for Blue Star. Roomy has emerged as the Jose Mourinho of Sri Lankan football with his key tactical changes resulting in their wins in the pre-quarter final, quarter final and semifinal against Java Lane, Saunders and Army respectively. His decision to substitute captain Raumi Mohideen for Ahamed Shazny proved pivotal in a tense Saunders battle at which time it was all squared 1-1 to win 4-2. Against Army he introduced a different formation and a different line-up to unsettle Army and earn a well-deserved victory.
Hamsa will rely on his strong defense and will look for Richards support to get the scoring done for the Kalutara club and will be ready for another penalty shootout which they have won all two occasions in this year’s FA Cup.
