Negombo Youth SC vs Blue Star SC - DCL Group Stage - Kelaniya Football Complex - 10/07/2016 - Priyankara Silva celebrates after scoring a goal
Penalties galore at the Kelaniya Football Complex as two late goals saw Blue Star SC come from a goal down and a poor first half to defeat Negombo Youth 3-2.
Negombo Youth had the better chances in a keenly contested first half as their midfield trio of Bryan Weerappulli, Abdul Mumuni and Shanaka Prasad dominated the early exchanges, freeing up plenty of space for Priyankara Silva and Harendra Peiris.
The first clear cut chance deservedly fell to the Negombo side as some smart inter-play freed up the onrushing Harendra Peiris. The winger’s reluctance to take a shot pushed him wide and eventually led to him crashing to the ground on the softest of touches. A booking for a blatant dive was rightfully dished out.
Peiris was once again in the mix as his mazy run freed up space on the wing for Priyankara Silva, whose low cross across the face of goal had too much on it for his striker.
The deadlock was broken within minutes as skipper Shanaka Prasad released Silva once again. Silva took the same route as his earlier effort, this time going for goal and beat Blue Star keeper Manjula Fernando on the near side.
The game really turned on its head at the half hour mark when Negombo Youth skipper Prasad had to be stretchered off after he fell victim to a strong challenge by Nasiru Opayemi.
This changed the game on its head as Ranagana Silva and former Sri Lanka national EB Channa enjoyed much more space in the middle of the park for Blue Star.
They managed to carve Negombo Youth open after Jayanth Siemon had found Idowu Hameed in the middle of the park. Hameed released Channa whose shot was saved by Sathees Kumar on the rebound after making a meal of it initially.
Blue Star SC finally able to get back on level terms in the 43rd minute when Channa freed Afonja Jibola on the left side of the box. Jibola was fouled after some fancy footwork to try and get passed his man & the resulting penalty was dispatched by midfielder Idowu Hameed.
Negombo Youth were back on the front foot almost immediately as Abdul Mumuni nearly put them in front following a brilliant run. They were rewarded deep into added time as another driving run by Priyankara Silva into the box resulted in Opayemi conceding a foul. The resulting penalty by Silva himself was dispatched with finesse, restoring his side’s lead.
Half Time – Blue Star SC 1 – 2 Negombo Youth SC
The second half kicked off at a slower pace, with both teams feeling the effects of a draining first half.
Negombo Youth looked the better of the two teams initially with midfield dynamo Bryan Weerappulli pulling the strings. Weerappulli was ably assisted by Pradeep Fernando, the first half substitute who was always looking to run in-behind.
Negombo Youth once again had the first shout as Priyankara Silva’s penetrative run allowed Dinesh Dharmalingam to whip in a cross from the right flank. Abdul Mumuni however, was unable to make proper contact, resulting in a goal kick.
The Blue Star coach clearly saw the need for changes and took a gamble by bringing on young Mohamed Mazeer for the influential Channa.
There was also more involvement by the full backs, with Fahir Ali and Mohamed Farzeen pushing on further down the pitch.
Their pressure paid off in the 78th minute when a cross coming on the right was fluffed at by Sathees Kumar; Jibola was composed enough to finish the chance with a low drive from a tough angle, thus restoring parity.
Blue Star went on to take the lead for the first time in the game when Jibola was brought down in the box by stand-in skipper Kamal Silva in the 81st minute.
Hameed once again stepped up to take the resulting penalty and dispatched it with no problem whatsoever.
The game really opened up in the last few minutes with Negombo Youth pushing on in search of a leveller. Bringing on Bright Acootey however was not sufficient to turn the tide as their poor finishing in the early stages came back to haunt them.
Full Time – Blue Star SC 3 – 2 Negombo Youth SC
ThePapare.com Player of the Match: Priyankara Silva (Negombo Youth SC)
“The decision to change Channa in the second half really changed the the game for us, Considering that I’ve only been working with the boys for 3 days, I’m delighted with the result” said a delighted Blue Star coach G.B.C. Karunaratne.
Goal Scorers
Blue Star – Idowu Hameed 44’ (P), 81’ (P), Afonja Jibola 78’
Negombo Youth – Priyankara Silva 26’, 45’ (P)
Yellow cardsNegombo Youth – Harindra Peiris, Kamal Silva, Eschun Acootey
