Red Star knockout Barbarians SC

Goals in each half helped Red Star SC defeat Barbarians SC 2-0 in the 5^th round of the Cargills Food City FA Cup, at the City League Football Complex.

Last year’s pre-quarter finalists Red Star SC were playing their first match of the FA Cup while Barbarians had made their way from the 1^st round into the 5^th round meet-up with Red Star.

Incidentally both sides are coached by current players. Mohamed Ramees, who plays for Colombo FC, coaches Red Star while Ajith Kumara, playing for Navy SC, coaches Barbarians SC.

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Red Star and Barbarians cross-town rivals from Aluthgama brought their rivalry to Colombo in this crucial 5^th round clash where the much more experienced Red Star prevailed.

From the first whistle it was Red Star who controlled the match but were unable to strike early. Barbarians slowly but surely came into the match in an exciting end to end match.

Red Star finally got onto the scoreboard in the 30^th minute when Mohamed Afrar got on the end of a lobbed-through ball and beat the onrushing Barbarians goalkeeper Mohamed Rifas to slot in the goal.

Barbarians too got their fair share of chances but poor finishing let them down as they went into half time a goal down.

 Photo Album – Red Star SC v Barbarians SC – FA Cup 2016 

Barbarians pushed on for an equalizer early in the 2^nd half and almost got it but unfortunately for them the free-kick from just outside the box rattle off the crossbar.

Once again the energy levels, though less than the 1^st half, were high as the fans who had made their journey from Aluthgama were thoroughly entertained.

With 20 minutes to go Red Star buried the game when Afrar once again found the net, after barging into the box and unleashing a thumping shot towards the bottom corner.

“Some were injured for today’s match and a lot has changed from last year’s pre-quarter final team. We played well but since two of our defenders were injured we were poor in the defensive department,” Red Star coach Ramees added after the match.