Colombo FC were left to rue several clear cut opportunities they failed to capitalize on, as their early 2 goal lead was wiped out by the end of the second half by a Navy team that showed great character and fight.
Photo Album – Navy SC v Colombo FC – Dialog Champions League 2015 (Super 8)
Title-chasing Colombo FC were one point behind Army prior to kickoff and had to win to keep up their hopes of beating the soldiers to the trophy. After their 23 game unbeaten run ended with their loss to Renown last week, they got the perfect boost to their confidence within the first 15 minutes of the game.
First Nirmal Wijetunga was careless on the ball and conceded a corner kick from which Mohamed Ramees nodded into an empty net after goalkeeper Udayanga Reginold came out and failed to deal with the cross.
Soon after this, Momas Yapo played a great lofted through ball to find the run of the mercurial Bodri Dimitri, who then drove into the box before nonchalantly lobbing the ball over the keeper to put Colombo FC 2-0 up.
After this however, Navy playing with several changes completely dominated possession and the game. Nalaka Roshan who was partnered by Chathuranga Sanjeewa in central midfield held on to the ball brilliantly and their patient build up play resulted in several chances for David Osagie and Chalana Chameera playing up front.
They were able to pull one back through Osagie 5 minutes before half time after some great work from Nirmal Wijetunga on the left hand side to put the ball on a plate for him.
The second half started the same way the first ended as Navy continued their control of possession and causing problems for the Colombo FC defence. Colombo FC had chances of their own on the counter, as Bodri Dimitri was played through on goal but shot straight at Reginold when Dhanushke Madushanka was wide open with the goal at his mercy.
Reginold produced another brilliant save from point blank range when A.C. Frank set up a chance for Dimitri right in front of goal.
Navy then made Colombo FC pay for their wastefulness as a cross from Krishantha Perera on the right was flicked on at the near post and Chalana Chameera banged home the equalizer after ghosting in at the back post.
With twenty minutes left to play Colombo FC brought on Shazny, and Fayasil to try and push for a winner but were unable to get back the momentum they had in the first 15 minutes of the game.
ThePapare.com Man of the Match: Nirmal Wijetunga
What they had to say;
Colombo FC coach Mohamed Roomy: “We were good in the first 15 minutes, but then Navy’s pressing game caused us problems and ultimately it was the chances we missed on the counter that cost us. The match against Army is going to be like a final for us and we will give it our all to get the win.”
Navy FC Captain Christeen Fernando: “Really pleased with the way we played today, if we hadn’t made those mistakes early on we may have been able to even win the game. I think today’s tactical changes made a difference in the way we played, especially after the bad game we had against Army.”
