The Dialog Champions League 2016 got off to a great start at the Race Course International Stadium when Saunders SC and Renown SC locked horns in a thrilling game which Renown came from behind to win 2-1 in thrilling fashion.
The match got off to a lively start as Saunders got off to the better start with winger Traore Mohamed at the center of everything they created, putting to good use his pace, strength and trickery.
The forward found himself clean through on goal after an error in judgment from the Renown goalkeeper Mohamed Usman, but could only put the bouncing ball agonizingly wide of the far post.
Renown slowly but surely grew into the game as time progressed and Saunders keeper Razik Rishad had to be at the top of his game to deny Mohamed Rifnaz from close range after a well worked move saw the midfielder go unmarked into the Saunders box.
Photo Album – Saunders SC v Renown SC | DCL 16
Fazul Rahuman also saw an effort dip just over Rishad’s goal and Job Michael fired straight at the U-19 keeper as Renown settled towards the middle of the first half.
In a good spell of possession for Saunders Krishantha Abeysekera chipped a free kick wide of the far post and Traore Mohamed missed another one on one opportunity, this time curling the ball wide of the far post.
Saunders eventually took the lead in the 40th minute as Abdel Mohamed played Suntharaj Niresh through on goal and the young winger chipped the goalkeeper to cue emphatic celebrations, with Niresh removing his shirt, receiving a yellow car, which he would ultimately regret.
Saunders should have been 2-0 up at half time as their dominance continued late in the first half when Abdel Mohamed fired straight at Usman in the Renown goal and the follow up effort from Krishantha hit the crossbar.
Half Time: Saunders SC 1 – 0 Renown SC
Saunders got off to the worst possible start to the second half though, as Niresh was sent off by referee Prashanth Rajkrishna for diving in the box, his second yellow card, after being previously booked for removing his shirt during his celebration.
Saunders however continued to pepper the Renown goal with Sanoj Sameera and Abdel Mohamed both firing over the bar.
Renown managed to draw level in the 58th minute, finally making the numerical advantage count after some good interplay between Michael and Mohamed Rizni saw the former tap home from the 6 yard box.
The Saunders’ disciplined defense got men behind the ball to prevent being penetrated by Renown who struggled to cut them apart in a game that grew more and more physical as time progressed.
Fan Photos – Saunders SC v Renown SC | DCL 16
Renown brought on Mohamed Humaid in their desperate bid to find a winner but Saunders defended well and used the pace of Traore and Abdel to counter on the break.
Renown finally got the goal they craved as Mohamed Fazal netted a late winner in the 89th minute after some great work from Dimuthu Priyadarshana on the right to put in a pinpoint cross for his forward to tap home.
Renown saw out the 4 minutes of added time without much trouble, to secure a vital first win in their group B encounter in DCL16 campaign.
Full Time: Saunders SC 1 – 2 Renown SC
ThePapare.com Player of the Match: Sanoj Sameera (Saunders)
Speaking to the coaches after the game they had this to say;
Coach Mohamed Amanullah of Renown: “I think the red card was a big boost and even with it, it was still difficult for us because so many players are fasting. This is a tough group and it was vital for us to get these early points going forward.”
On Francis Agbeti’s suspension he had this to say “I think the suspension handed out to Francis is a bit harsh, a suspension is justifiable but the length of it is a bit harsh”
Coach Sumith Walpola of Saunders: “I believe there was contact in the box for Niresh’s second yellow but only because he tried to go on before going down was he sent off; having said that I think the first yellow was avoidable.
Even though we were down to 10 we played really hard, but against Renown, who like us I believe are one of the best in the league, it was always going to be difficult. It’s a tough group, but I believe we can progress to the next stage.”
Goal Scorers
Saunders SC – Suntharaj Niresh 40’
Renown SC – Job Michael 58’, Mohamed Fazal 89’Cautions
Yellow Cards – Suntharaj Niresh (Saunders), Dimuthu Priyadarshana (Renown), Afam Akram (Renown)
Red Cards – Suntharaj Niresh (Saunders)
