Colombo FC made a sterling second half comeback and held off Navy in the latter stages to secure a vital 3-2 win against the Championship rivals.
Navy took the lead through Subash Madushan’s header but Zakir Ahamed equalized in the 32nd minute going into halftime. Dasun Madusanka gave the lead to Colombo FC, firing in from close range and Bodrie Dimitri doubled the lead racing away from the defense soon after. However a penalty by Christeen Fernando near the end of normal time set up a thrilling finish.
The match was of high importance with both sides battling out for the title, level on points having played 15 matches. Navy has had a dismal past four matches having won only one, drawing two and losing one to Blue Star. Navy were clear favourites for the title but this slip up has made the title race wide open. Colombo FC were also on the back of a surprise 1-0 loss to Renown.
The match started off in a high tempo with both sides pressing high up the pitch limiting space to play the ball. Both sides showed a lot of energy and passion without finding a way through. Navy settled into their passing game but Colombo FC threatened to score on the counter whenever they got the ball.
Subash Madushan gave a deserved lead for the sailors in the 18th minute. Nalaka Roshan delivered a wonderful curling corner into the six yard box where Madushan evaded his marker and rose above the rest to head the ball past the out stretched hands of Mohomed Imran.
The lead only last a quarter of an hour as the opportunistic Zakir Ahamed slid in to guide the ball past Ajith Kumara. Colombo FC’s counter attack saw Bodrie Dimitri going into the box and putting in a cross to Madushanka who again sent a low ball across the face of the goal and Zakir slid it to equalize.
Before the end of the first 45 minutes Imran almost gifted a second for Navy when he spilled the ball at the feet of Chathuranga Sanjeewa but somehow took it off his feet as Sanjeewa was trying to put it in from three yards out. Imran denied Nalaka Roshan with a brilliant tipover from close range.
Navy coach Anthony Balendra was satisfied with the opening half performance but stressed on the basics to get the win.
“I am happy with the first half performance. For the moment we are ok. There is an improvement for the past few games. The finishing has improved. We are creating moments in this vital match, but three sitters the boys missed.
“Raumi for them is a very good. He is the key player; if you leave him not marked he will create havoc. Strategy is to mark him. In the 2nd half we need to do the basics, nothing extraordinary.” He went onto say.
Navy started the second half the same way they did the first but a mistake but goalkeeper Ajith Kumara gave the lead to Colombo FC. It was a routine save from a Raumi Mohideen corner for Ajith but didn’t gather and the header was blocked on the line but Dasun Madushanka made no mistake on the rebound firing home from 6 yards.
The meanest defense in the league then went on to gift a third for Colombo FC as Bordie Dimitri surged past the defense from a lobbed ball by Raumi and rounded off the keeper making it 3-1 and putting a mountain to climb for the sailors.
With minutes left Colombo FC conceded a silly penalty when the defender fouled Madushan inside the box and Captain Christeen Fernando put it into the net past the wrong footed Imran setting up a dramatic finish. However Colombo FC held off the Navy onslaught for the most part of the final 15 minutes to go three points clear of Navy with four matches to play.
“Two mistakes two goals. That’s all; one from the goalkeeper and the other from the defense who were playing the offside trap. They should play for the whistle.” A dejected Navy coach told ThePapare.com.
“I am satisfied but these mistakes cost us. They scored from those two opportunities but we had four or five but couldn’t capitalize on them. In injury time also had chances. Feel bad but have to live with it. Four must win games next. Still fighting and hope for the best.” He added in an optimistic tone.
“Feeling fantastic. Not an easy match. We knew we had to win this game. If we lost this we would be out of the title battle. But thankfully team game everything. I am delighted how we played. Thank god for everything.”
“You have to admit that the 2nd goal to make it 2-1 gave us confidence to keep pushing forward. It is togetherness that kept us up in the final 15 minutes; kept tight at the back. We have confidence; we want to keep playing hard. Even though we won our feet are on the ground. We don’t think we’ve won the league. Another 4 matches which are like four finals.” A delighted winning goal scorer Dimitri mentioned.
Even with the win Colombo FC coach was not happy with the refereeing.
“Not at all happy with the refereeing. The penalty he gave was not a penalty. Really disappointed but from our players and the club it was a great hard fought win. Full marks to the players who played to the plan. It was tough in the first 20 minutes and in the final 15 minutes but we had the heart.” Mohomed Roomy added after the crunch battle.
