Colombo FC triumphed 9-2 on aggregate after a superb 2-1 win in the 2nd leg of the AFC Cup 2019 Preliminary Stage match against Transport United of Bhutan played at the Changlimithang Stadium Thimphu.
Colombo annihilate Transport Utd
Mohamed Aakib and Bodric Dimitri scored hat-trick’s as Colombo FC….
Colombo FC came into the game with a healthy 6 goal lead on aggregate, with all odds favouring a qualification to the next play-off round.
Transport United had to win with a minimum of 6 clear goals as they had an away goal in Colombo.
Right from kick off the home team pressed to find an early goal. Taking the home advantage, United looked sharp in the early part of the match.
Colombo FC, under freezing conditions, were predominantly defensive and held on well and thwarted any kind of attacking moves of the opponents. There were opportunities for the Colombo team on the counter however playing a lone striker that of Mohamed Aakib did not help as Transport United we’re back in numbers to defend.
Despite several attacking moves Transport United were unable to break the resolute Colombo FC defense as half time approached the home team finally broke in to score the opening goal of the game.
Half Time – Transport United 1 – 0 Colombo FC
The second half started with Transport United once again on the front foot. Colombo looked organized in the midfield which lead Transport United to have shots from long range only.
Photos: Colombo FC v Transport United | 1st Leg | Preliminary Stage | AFC Cup 2019
The visitors evidently struggled with the ground condition and the weather as they were not able to get into the game and or string more than three passes.
Bodric Dimitri and Mohamed Fazal combined to create a rare attacking move with Dimithri cutting across was not able to find his strike partner and Transport United clear the ball to safety.
In the 62nd minute Mohamed Fazal converted from close range as the initial shot by Buddika Perera was blocked by the defender.
With a mountain to climb Transport United battled hard. Buoyed by the equalizer Colombo FC started to hold on to the ball much better. Adding salt to the wound Olatemi Victor lashed out at Dukson Puslas out of frustration and was shown a straight red card.
Despite a man down Transport United tried to hold on to possession and attack with every move as the goal deficit increased and they needed 8 more goals to advance.
Isaac Addevu then killed the game with a ridiculous effort close to the half way line when he took a shot as he saw the Transport United goalkeeper in an advance position. The ball sailed over the hapless keeper as Colombo FC secured their meeting with Chennaiyin FC.
Full Time – Transport United 1 – 2 Colombo FC
Goal Scorers
Transport United FC – 45’
Colombo FC – Mohamed Fazal 62’, Isaac Addevu 82’Bookings
Red Cards
Transport United – Olatemi Victor 66’
>>For more Football News Click Here<<
