Saunders SC and Navy SC battled it out in a 1-1 draw in the last group stage match of the Dialog Champions League 2016, at the Kelaniya Football Complex.
Saunder SC who was placed 6th in the points table kicked proceedings off at half-past three on a humid afternoon. It was a slow start into the game as both the teams took their time to settle their nerves into the game.
Saunders coming into the game with injury scares had to start off the game with their experienced campaigner Sanoj Sameera sitting on the bench.
Navy SC was on top of the cards in defense during the first half as the passing lanes for Sundraraj Niresh and Traore Mohamed was well blocked off. Even with a tight defense Sunders SC did create a number of chances which would have put them on the driving seat but, lacking the finishing touches they had to settle to nil all at half time.
Navy SC missing three corners back-to-back in the first half had the same story written in their plot. It was Chalana Chameera from the sailors who first went into the book of the referee in the fortieth minute of the game.
Unforced errors from either sides helped the scorers remain calm as the game ended zero all at lemons.
Half time – Saunders SC 0 – 0 Navy SC
The corner awarded for Saunders SC in the 50th minute was well kept away by Imesh Fernando who was in goal keeping duties for sailors. The rebound kick from Abdel Mohamed was also only lucky to reach the feet of Imesh Fernando. Yet, Traore Mohamed`s second rebound kick was only halted by the nets of goal. Thus, Saunders SC drew first blood in the 51st minute.
Sri Lanka Navy was in the hunt for an equalizer for over five minutes when finally, Nirmal Wijethunga fired in a through ball from the far right corner to the on-rushing Nalaka Roshan who made no mistake in sending Rasik Rishad flying for an air-ball while the actual ball kissed the goal nets in the 59th minute.
The game was at a piece opening the contest again for either of the teams.
It was a dagger in the heart for Saunders SC as Traore Mohamed was substituted due to an injury in the 67th minute and replacing him was Mohamed Ismath. Sanoj Sameera who started off in the bench was also substituted in the 78th minute as Dinesh Ruwanthilaka came off the field holding his shoulder.
Increasing the intensity of the game Isuru Perera from Saunders SC was carded in 71st minute as he went on to argue with the referee on a call he made. Soon followed by the booking of Chameera Krishantha from the opponent side in the 78th minute.
Three minutes of extra time was added at the end of the ninety minutes where both the teams were granted one golden opportunity each to secure the win yet which neither of them succeeded.
It was the sailors who missed first as Nalaka Roshan failed to provide the right direction to the ball for an unguarded goal by Rasik Rishad. Soon followed by the mockery of Sundararaj Niresh has he failed to convert and one on one play into a scoring opportunity.
Full time: Saunders SC 1 – 1 Navy SC
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Traore Mohamed
Goal Scorers
Saunders SC – Traroe Mohamed 51`
Sri Lanka Navy SC – Nalaka Roshan 59`Bookings
Yellow Cards
Sri Lanka Navy – Chalana Chameera, Chameera Krishantha
Saunders SC – Isuru Perera
