In another entertaining FA Cup 4th round tie held at Kalmunai Santhankeni Sports Grounds, underdogs Brilliant SC stunned Red Star SC 2-1 to qualify for the ‘Round of 16’.
Beruwala Red Star SC entered this match on a high note after smashing 10 goals to one against Kanthankudi National SC in the previous round. Brilliant SC saw off Kurinjikumaran SC in a thriller that ended 2-1.
The players of both teams showed great enthusiasm in the early minutes of play. An early break opened up a chance for Brilliant’s Mohamed Haroon but the talented Red Star defenders covered their line and saw the danger off.
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Red Star, being the away side, slowly grew in confidence as the time passed. They were awarded a free-kick in a promising position but they didn’t make the most of it. On the other end, Brilliant’s Savjaan sent a header off the target.
Mohamed Rikaz from Red Star made an effort but couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity. Red Star started to create more opportunities to draw the first blood. However, Brilliant was well drilled to withstand the pressure.
On a break against the play, Harron opened the scoring with a sensational run and a neat finish in the 24th minute. The crowd applauded and got into the game with huge cheers running around the Stadium.
Red Star continued to dominate the play, kept possession and pushed for an equalizer. On the stroke of half time, thanks to the sustained pressure, Red Star found the equalizer. Captain Mohamed Rahman displayed cheeky skills and finished the chance.
Half time – Brilliant SC 1 – 1 Red Star SC
Brilliant showed more attacking sense in the early exchanges of play in the second half. Red Star carried their attacking threat only to be blocked successively by Brilliant’s goalkeeper who was in fine form.
Brilliant’s defenders supported their keeper by clearing the lines and tackling. Red Star was unfortunate to hit the crossbar, some chances were whiskers away from the post and some were mistimed. However, Red Star evidently had the upper hand.
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Similar to the first half, against the run of play, Brilliant scored the winner in the 78th minute. Mohamed Rauff was gifted a chance on a golden plate, and he made no mistake in converting it.
Left in shock, Red Star pushed to find an equalizer again. Time built pressure. Three minutes of injury time was added but all efforts from Red Star were either well defended or went in vain.
Full time – Brilliant SC 2 – 1 Red Star SC
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Mohamed Haroon (Brilliant SC)
Speaking to ThePapare.com, Brilliant SC’S Coach Mohamed Faleel;
“Both teams played really well. They had more chances but we were efficient enough to win the game. We are pleased.”
Red Star Coach Mohamed Ramees added;
“We wasted a lot of opportunities in both halves. We made a few defensive mistakes. That is why we lost. We have to focus on Division I matches now. FA Cup is over for us.”
Goal Scorers
Brilliant SC – Mohamed Haroon 24’, Mohamed Rauff 78’
Red Star SC – Mohamed Rahman 38’Bookings
Yellow cards
Brilliant SC – Sajib Jihmun
