The second half comeback by Blue Star fell short as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Army in their opening match of the Super 8 round of the Dialog Champions League.
The second half of the match was postponed due to a water logged pitch with Army leading 2-0. The match recommenced at the CR&FC and Blue Star came out all guns blazing but lacked the finishing touches. However they managed to get a goal mid-way through but Issadeen restored the two goal lead with ten minutes to go. Mohamed Farzeen’s goal in the dying minutes was not enough to stage one last assault for an equalizer.
The match was pitted as a classic, with the free scoring Army and a stingy Blue Star defense. Blue Star in their 9 matches of the group stage had only conceded three goals while Army had scored 26 in ten matches.
Photo Album – Blue Star SC v Army SC – Dialog Champions League 2015 (Super 8)
However the Blue Star defense got off to a shocking start as Punsara Thiruna scored inside the first minute. From kick-off Blue Star passed the ball to the back and a bad pass by Rangana Silva allowed Thiruna to lunge forward to strike from the edge of the penalty box sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
With heavy rain starting to fall it made life difficult for both the sides though it was not alien to Blue Star who played in similar conditions in the FA Cup semi-final against Navy coming from a goal down to win on penalties.
However it did not plan out as Blue Star expected as they went down two goals when Manjula Fernando fumbled a free-kick by Udaya Keerthi and the on rushing Sanka Danushka capitalized to double the lead.
At halftime officials inspected the ground and decided it was unsuitable for play and the second half was postponed for Tuesday at the CR&FC.
With a day’s rest Blue Star came back strongly attacking from the start of the second half though they lacked the finishing. However they managed to peg a goal back when Yankson Richard took advantage of a defensive mix-up to score giving hope to Blue Star fans.
It was an action packed match with a number of yellow cards and both sides missing a few chances. Issadeen calmed the Army nerves with the third in the 80th minute but Army goalkeeper Nilanka Kumara gifted Blue Star a goal due to his clumsiness. Farzeen added the second for Blue Star from the mistake and Richard had one last opportunity in the dying seconds but it was saved by Kumara making up for his error.
ThePapare.com Man of the Match: Yankson Richard
