Colombo FC bounced back to winning ways with a 2-0 win against Matara City Club in the Dialog Champions League 2018, week 11 fixture played at the City Football Complex, Colombo.
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Colombo FC came in to this match with back to back 2-2 draws and were placed 3rd in the overall table whereas Matara City lost badly to Solid the last time out. They kicked off the game in a commendable 9th place in the points table.
Colombo FC looked hungry from the start and looked to attack with quick passing moves. Matara City did well in the early stages to hold off any attacking threat which came their way.
Mohamed Siraj was the culprit for Colombo when Bodric Dimitri beat the Matara goaleeper Pradeep Prasanna who came off the line and sent in a cross. Siraj unmarked had an empty net only to head it wide. Immediately after Mohamed Aakib came close with the shot across the face just missing the upright.
Despite all the possession in the opponents half Colombo FC failed to test Prasanna in goal for Matara City. The passing in the final third was not clinical and were often misplaced or miscued.
Just past the 25th minute Aakib once again was in front of goal for a cross from Dilan Kaushalya. His poor first touch let him down as the chance went begging.
Mohamed Rifnaz then settled the Colombo nerves with a well taken goal inside the box after good buildup play from the wing. Goalkeeper Prasanna was disappointed as the ball went through him.
Half Time – Colombo FC 1 – 0 Matara City
Early in the second half Zarwan Johar sent an excellent through ball to Dimitri who was onside. Easily beating the defender, Dimitri placed to the far post to increase Colombo’s lead.
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Boadu Prince was the only target man upfront for Matara and his efforts were all limited to long range efforts due to excellent defensive work by the Colombo boys.
Momas Yapo and Rifnaz were in total control of the midfield and constantly found front men Dimitri and Aakib with telling passes. Both came close to increase the lead on several occasions and were deprived by poor finishing.
Prasanna kept Matara in the game when he prevented Rifnaz from adding in the third after some powerful running and passing between Rifnaz and Dimitri. A strong left hand blocked the shot which was on target.
In the dying moments Dilan lunged to a cross from Bodric only to hit it over the cross bar from close range as Colombo continued to miss chances.
Photo Album : Colombo FC v Matara City | Week 11 | Dialog Champions League 2018
Mohamed Imran finally had to make a save in the game in the 90th minute when a free kick from Adavu Issac was on target.
Full Time – Colombo FC 2 – 0 Matara City
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Momas Yapo (Colombo FC)
Goal Scorers
Colombo FC – Mohamed Rifnaz 42’, Bodric Dimitri 53’
Bookings
Yellow Cards
Colombo FC – Momas Yapo 70’
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