Moragasmulla SC put four goals past former Champions League side, Thihariya Youth and booked a place in the Division I semifinal.
“We were supposed to play the Old De Mazonands in the quarter finals today but somehow there was a switch and Thihariya Youth was put in that place; although it was unexpected we still look forward to give a good fight to claim our spot in the semi-finals.” Moragasmulla coach Mr.Chandrapala stated just before the thrilling quarter final earlier at the Moragasmulla grounds.
The first half of the match proved difficult for the Thihariya team with the host team gaining majority of the possession with aggressive attacking skills. With the kick-off whistle the Moragasmulla team wasted no time in getting the ball into the opposing goal box, immediately putting the Thihariya team under pressure. The continuous push from the Moragasmulla attackers put the Thihariya defense in a tight spot, putting their goalkeeper to work early in the game. He played exceptionally well to cover up for the poor performance shown by their defenders throughout the match.
Around the 20th minute mark of the first half, the hosts saw their first goal come off the boot of G.D.Madushanka after a fierce struggle with 4 defenders including the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper was able to punch the ball back into play twice but a third try by Madushanka saw the ball safely into the net, proving the ineptitude of the defenders. The 1-0 lead was not enough for the Moragasmulla team to close out the first half as their mid fielder C.Gunasekara was able to win a penalty in the 39th minute which was easily converted into the second and final goal in the first 45 minutes, by Mohamed Shifan.
Moragasmulla had a comfortable 2-0 lead coming into the second half but was determined to get a higher number before the final whistle. They continued with their quick passing and trick plays, leaving no opportunity for the Thihariyans’ to pull themselves up for a goal. The guests were unable to find their form throughout the game mostly because of the fast pace brought by the home team. However, the Thihariya team found themselves with better control and communication as opposed to the hosts, but was unsuccessful in executing any of their efforts into goals before the end of the match.
Rest of the second half showed no remorse towards the already down Thihariyans as the dominant attackers of the home team were able to put pressure on the opponents by keeping the ball close to the goal with swift and easy passes. A helpless goalkeeper found the ball pass right by him and into the middle of the goal by V.P.Vakulada of the Moragasmulla team in the 61st minute. By this time, the guests looked too tired for a miraculous come back and looked as though they accepted defeat already.
With less than 15 minutes to go, a brilliant goal opportunity was created by W.S.Chathuranga by the away team, sending the ball flying towards the top of the goal but unfortunately for them the Moragasmulla goalkeeper W.M.Rukshan was able to reach high enough to punch it over the goal post. A 4th and final goal by the left extreme, S.I.Sudasinghe from 20 yards out sealed the deal for the Moragasmulla team with the score at 4-0; advancing to the semi-finals.
