Saunders SC vs Super Sun - DCL Group Stage - Kelaniya Football Complex - 09/07/2016 - Shafraz Kaiz (R) of Super Sun vies for the ball with Niangoran Eudes (L)
Saunders SC had to dig deep to secure their first win of the Dialog Champions League, after leading 2-0 but prevailed 3-2 against Super Sun SC at the Kelaniya Football Complex.
The bottom of group B clash saw both sides, without a win in the first two matches, desperate for points to keep their hopes alive of making it to the Super 8’s.
Super Sun kicked off the game but were immediately put under the coche by the Saunders side who were set out to press from the get-go. Most of the play came down the left flank during the early exchanges and the first chance deservedly fell to the team in yellow as a run down the left flank by Chanuka Eranga resulted in Shaheel Azhar’s effort being saved by keeper Mohammed Farhan.
The deadlock broke in the 7th minute when Chrishantha Abeysekara headed on a free-kick from the right side which nestled into the back of the net, giving Saunders their much-desired early goal.
The next few minutes were all Saunders as they dominated the away side. The returning Niresh Suntharaj was a potent threat throughout & was a key route of attack. His inter-play with Azhar, coupled with his shots from distance tested keeper Farhan multiple times.
The pressure on the Super Sun players was evident as they kept conceding free kicks at regular intervals. Saunders however were unable to capitalize on their multiple chances as the likes of Niresh and Chrishantha were guilty of wasting multiple free kicks from good areas.
Captain Sanoj Sameera was a major factor in Saunders’ dominance as his breakdown of play as well as his keen eye for a pass added a new dimension to the Saunders attack.
The second goal of the game came at the stroke of half-time with midfielder Sajith Dharmapala slotting in a penalty after Niresh was fouled inside the box.
Within seconds however, the action was at the other end of the pitch with Niangoran Eudesh, who had a brilliant half, handling free-kick in the box.
Up stepped Shafraz Kaiz, a hugely isolated figure throughout the game, and slotted the ball past Saunders custodian, the 19 year old Rasik Rishad.
Half time – Saunders SC 2 – 1 Super Sun SC
The second half started in a far more balanced manner with both sides reducing the tempo to start off with.
Super Sun seemed to have heeded their coach’s words as they were far better in the use of possession.
The trio of Teo Daniel, Bonsu Kwabena & Duodu Joseph seemed to be far better in the second half for Super Sun with Daniel’s new-found defensive role adding a sense of structure to the team’s formation.
The first chance once again fell to Saunders however, as Shaheel’s shot was blocked just as it took off goal wards.
The game began to stretch out far more in these stages as both teams put the onus on the offensive with both Joseph and Kaiz both had more joy in their roles.
Both the backlines resorted to infringements in coping with the fast attacks, with Farood Faiz being awarded the first caution of the game for a foul on Shaheel.
Following a sustained period of pressure, Super Sun finally got back on level terms through Nuwan Priyankara in the 63rd minute. Following a move down the right wing, a cross was sent into the box by substitute Shifakath Rahuman which was met by the boot of Joseph. The blocked shot then fell to Priyankara who then rifled the shot from the left side of the goal.
Noticing the need for changes, Saunders coach Sumith Walpola sent on Hamed Traore for young Azhar. The changes reaped immediate benefits as Traore, along with Sameera combined beautifully to create a number of chances.
Their work finally paid dividends in the 70th minute when Sameera freed Chrishantha Abeysekara down the left flank. Chrishantha put in a low cross into the box which was met by the dangerous Abdel Mohamed, whose diving header left the Saunders supporters in raptures.
The final 20 minutes were tense, with both sides grappling for possession. Following Traore’s work, Abdel was freed in the 88th minute with only the keeper to beat but skied his effort. A few seconds later, Niresh managed to sneak in a header that was cleared off the goal-line.
Saunders were almost made to pay for their mistakes in the last minute as a Super Sun counter attack presented a great opportunity to Kaiz, whose acrobatic effort went wide.
Full Time – Saunders SC 3 – 2 Super Sun SC
ThePapare.com Player of the Match: Sanoj Sameera (Saunders SC)
Saunders coach Sumith Walpola said on the result;
“This win was very important as we had lost the previous 2 games and will provide good momentum going into the New Youngs match on Wednesday.”
“We didn’t settle down in the first half, so I spoke to the boys and they took on the instructions and played well as the game went on. In terms of the result, they are a far more experienced team & we will certainly bounce back in the next few matches we have left.” said the Super Sun coach Mohamed Imran.
Goal Scorers
Saunders SC – Chryshantha Abeysekera 7’, Sajith Dharmapala 45’, Abdel Mohamed 70’
Super Sun SC – Shafraz Kaiz 45’, Nuwan Priyankara 63’BookingsYellow cards
Super Sun – Farood Faiz, Bonsu Kwabena
