Mohomed Rifnaz scored a hat trick and Shanmugaraja Sanjeev added a brace as Renown SC started their second round of the Dialog Champions League with a dominant 5-0 win over Police at the Police Park.
Sri Lanka’s attacking midfielder Rifnaz, excellent throughout drilled in a ferocious first-half opener before side footing in a second which was partially stopped by the goalkeeper.
Shanmugaraja Sanjeev then converted from the penalty spot after Mohomed Fazal was fouled before Rifnaz completed his hat trick with the easiest of tap ins when Sanjeev’s shot rebounded at his feet near the goal line.
Rifnaz then became the provider for Sanjeev to add the fifth into empty net minutes before full time.
It was not a happy reunion for Police coach MohomedAmanulla who guided Renown to the Dialog Champions League Final and the FA Cup Quarter Final last season as his former team picked the defensive holes of Police at will ensuring a miserable evening him.
With Sanjeev playing in his central role ably supported by the creativity of Rifnaz and veteran Fazul Rahuman, with pace provided on the flanks by Sri Lanka wingers Mohomed Fazal and Mohomed Hakeem, Renown were simply too much for the Police side who are struggling in the lower half of the points table in danger of relegation.
Despite winning just two matches from the nine games played Renown started with an attacking formation and it quickly became clear they were the superior side on the evening.
They pulled apart the Police defense for the opener as Sanjeev raced on to a Rahuman pass on the left, cut inside and slid a clever ball for Rifnaz who beat the diving keeper with a first time effort.
Police rarely ventured forward as they tried to contain the Renown front four, and their nervousness contributed to a poor defensive performance and ultimately the second goal just before half time.
Rifnaz exchanged passes with Sanjeev before racing clear of the defense and his powerful effort was partially stopped before rolling past the goal line.
The half-time whistle provided some welcome respite for Police, and Amanulla tried to stem the tide by taking out the ineffective Pumudu Munasinghe and strengthening the midfield.
Before the change could have the desired impact, Renown resumed their dominance and Sanjeev effectively put the game beyond Police from the spot in the 52nd minute sending the goalkeeper the wrong way after the defense made a clumsy tackle on Fazal inside the box.
Renown increased their lead further as Rifnaz, now brimming with confidence after his first half double, grabbed his third of the game tapping in from close after Sanjeev broke the offside trap and drilled a right footed effort which was flapped away by the keeper only as far as the on rushing Rifnaz.
Rifnaz then became the provider as he set up Sanjeev for his second exposing the fragile Police defense once again in the 78th minute.
It was no less than Rifnaz and Renown deserved after a clinical attacking display that will certainly give the fans and the club confidence that their side can finish the Dialog Champions League strongly after a poor start.
