Gnanaruban Vinoth’s first half strike was enough as Solid SC defeated Saunders SC 1-0 and secured their maiden Dialog Champions League title.
Coming into their final match Solid SC needed just one point after Colombo FC, their closest title rival had lost the previous day to Air Force 2-1.
“We know we just need just a draw to win the title but we are playing to win. The boys are ready. All are in good condition physically and mentally. Opponent is not weak. Not worried the guys will take it easy because Saunders this year has been narrowly beaten most of the time 1-0, 2-1 likewise. We’ll be playing a 4-4-2 formation which may change according to the match situation.” Solid SC coach Mohomed Jasmin told ThePapare.com.
Whereas Saunders who are in the relegation battle needed to make maximum use of these matches and earn valuable points.
“We are playing with a young team. Apart from one player all the others are from the Saunders Academy. In the past matches we’ve missed goals from 2-3 yards which is one reason for us to be struggling in the relegation zone. If the players do their jobs properly we’ll succeed.” Legendary Sri Lanka player and coach P.D.Sirisena mentioned.
Saunders started off in promising fashion forcing a save from Fazeel Ayurideen at his near post. However Solid settled down to play their brand of football and attacked especially on the left flank where Afis Olayemi and Thakshila Danoj combined brilliantly.
The lads from Anuradhapura created a couple of chances for Afis and Gnanaruban but they were unable to put their efforts on target. It was a matter of time before Solid made the breakthrough and they did it 20 minutes in where Afis laid off the ball to on rushing Gnanaruban to drill the ball to the back of the net after Shola intercepted a pass in midfield and fed Afis.
Soon after Saunders could have made it 1-1 but Vishwa Sankalpa’s tame effort was easily saved by the goalkeeper.
Saunders started the second half the same way they did the first half but were unable to sustain that pressure as Solid exerted their authority. A lung bursting run by Daniel from deep inside Solid’s own half almost made it 2-0 but Saunders goalkeeper made a brilliant save and denied Afis on the rebound.
No real goal scoring chances presented to either team in the final half where the game was played in midfield. Both defenses were exceptional and at the final whistle it was pure ecstasy for Solid SC who conquered football glory in just their second year in the Premier League.
“We practiced really hard, I said it earlier that we are going to win the title and we have now. Really happy. 2nd round we had a really hard time because of the floods in Anuradhapura but we had the belief. It was that belief that helped us achieve this through obstacles, sacrifices & hard work.” Jubilant Solid SC captain Amith Kumara added.
“2nd half we changed our tactics used a 4-3-3 attacking but we missed a couple of chances. All in all very satisfied with the performance and happy for everyone at Solid SC.” Jasmin told ThePapare.com.
“We are short of players. Some are down with injuries. Really happy for Jasmin, he was a student of mine and has done well.” Multiple title winner as a player and coach P.D. Sirisena mentioned congratulating his former student.
