Up Country Lions kept their Super 8 hopes alive with a deserved point against Solid SC with a 1-1 draw at the Jayathilake Stadium in Nawalapitiya in the Dialog Champions League group A encounter.
Solid SC played an attacking game from the beginning of the game and tested Mohamed Luthfi as early as in the the 2nd minute when Solid forward O.I.Abumat’s long range effort was punched away by the goalkeeper.
After some play in the midfield Solid SC’s forward Thakshila Danoj who was in the right corner of the box got a cross and he perfectly placed it to the far post and scored for in 7th minute.
From that goal Lions came to the game in an attacking style. Forwards Charles Orlu and Ashen Lochana had some easy chances to level the game but their finishing were not good.
Visitors also tried to score again but Lions defenders didn’t give any chance to reach their defense line. Ebuka Ikeh was special in the Lions’ defense line with brave defensive efforts.
After missing some easy opportunities Antony Anayo leveled the game in 43rd minute. Charles Orlu gave a well-placed pass to the Antony who, coming straight to the post and he placed it to the left corner of the post and scored for the Up Country Lions.
Half Time – Up Country Lions 1 – 1 Solid SC
Both teams played an attacking game in the 2nd half but no one got any chance of scoring.
Visitors Edison Figurado and O.I.Abumar tried to score but Luthfi saved them with brilliant saves. Lions left extreme Vibushana Nawarathne gave some crosses to the box but forwards didn’t convert them into a goal as the 2nd half ended as a no goal show.
Full time – Up Country Lions 1 – 1 Solid SC
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Ebuka Ikeh (Up Country Lions)
Goals Scorers
Up Country Lions – Antony Anayo 43’
Solid SC – Thakshila Danoj 7’Bookings
Yellow cards
Up Country Lions – A.W.P.Jayarathne
Solid SC – Sagayam Godwin
